Want to see the real Spain? Or possibly an authentic part of it? Then head to Cantabria in the northern part of the country!
Settled among Asturias and the Basque Country, it is perhaps Spain’s smallest district. However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in natural beauty.
Cantabria comprises a noteworthy blend of rough coastline, incredible beaches, streaming waterways, and mountainous peaks. Yet, that’s not all. It also has beautiful cities, quaint small towns, fascinating archeological locales, and many vineyards.
1. Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar offers a novel look into the district’s medieval past. A charming village captivates guests with its very much-protected historic architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Known as the ‘Town of Three Lies’ (since it is neither a saint, flat nor by the sea!), it has been described as a living museum. Its cobblestone roads are fixed with beautiful stone houses adorned with bloom-filled balconies, with a heartwarming appeal to them.
The town’s most iconic landmark is the Colegiata de Santa Juliana, a Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century. Its intricate facade and amazing cloister convey a greater amount of the town’s historical significance.
2. Castro Urdiales
Located on the Bay of Biscay, Castro Urdiales is an enchanting coastal town eminent for its picturesque roads, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks.
The town’s most iconic landmark is the Gothic-style church of Santa María de la Asunción, which dates back to the thirteenth century and boasts beautiful stained glass windows.
Guests can also investigate the remains of the medieval castle, which sits imperiously atop a slope sitting above the sea.
3. Santander
Santander is the capital city of the Cantabria district. It is a vibrant and picturesque coastal destination known for its beautiful beaches, historic locales, and cultural attractions.
Its crown gem is the dazzling Sardinero Beach, an extended length of golden sand that offers a lot of chances for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
Notwithstanding, the city is also home to the Palacio de la Magdalena, a majestic palace set on a peninsula sitting above the Bay of Santander. The palace, originally worked as a late spring residence for the Spanish royal family, presently fills in as a conference center and cultural scene.
4. San Vicente de la Barquera
In the heart of Oyambre Natural Park, San Vicente de la Barquera is a beautiful fishing village. Worked around the mouth of Stream Escudo, it partakes in a dazzling location surrounded by slopes that offer a fantastic perspective on the town and sea.
Its old town boasts fascinating historic structures and landmarks. They include the 13th-century Gothic church of Santa Maria de Los Angeles and the castle of San Vicente, which dates back to the 10th century.
5. Potes
Potes is a charming town settled in the heart of the Cantabria locale in northern Spain. Known for its rich history and dazzling natural environmental elements, it is an exquisite place of medieval roads, traditional stone houses, and breathtaking mountain sees.
Situated in the lower regions of the Picos de Europa mountain range, it is an ideal base for climbers, climbers, and outside enthusiasts hoping to investigate the encompassing natural beauty.
Potes is also famous for its gastronomy. Traditional Cantabrian dishes such as cocido leaning (a hearty meat and chickpea stew) and orujo (local alcohol) are signature offerings.
6. Santo Toribio Monastery
Settled in the Cantabrian Mountains, the Santo Toribio Monastery is an enormously worshipped strict site near the town of Potes.
Dating back to the 6th century, this Roman Catholic Monastery is one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage destinations. It is accepted to house a piece of the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
The site also features staggering Gothic and Renaissance architecture and beautiful artwork, including a famous 16th-century altarpiece.
7. Comillas
Comillas is a picturesque town located on a peninsula that extends dramatically out to sea.
Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including tough coastlines, moving slopes, and rich timberlands, the town boasts a spectacular crescent beach, perfect for sunbathing.
It is also prestigious for its cobbled roads, Modernista-enlivened structures, and historic architecture, which captivate with their grace and beauty.
Read also: Top 7 Best Places to Visit in Galicia, Spain