Cantabria archivos - Page 2 of 4 - VOLARE MAGAZINE

If you visit Cantabria, exploring the 3 Valles Pasiegos is a must. Discover a vast, unparalleled natural landscape with ever-green pastures surrounded by low walls and cabins.

The Pas, Pisueña, and Miera river basins are perfect examples of Cantabria’s most iconic features: intricate valleys, grasslands hidden behind mountains, and reserved locals.

These three valleys have stood the test of time and remained interconnected through the mountains that divide them, thanks to this land’s migrant settlers, the Pasiegos. Huge beech and holm oak forests sit atop this unique countryside, home to traditions over five centuries old.

What to see in the VALLES PASIEGOS

The pasiega cabins are the most prominent element of this region’s heritage. The Valleys are home to around ten thousand of these cabins, with even some built in the 18^th century, which show how life on the pastures is like and how the settlers make great use of their environment.

This extraordinary, and perhaps unparalleled, culture is currently the subject of ethnographic and sociological research, because of the strength of the locals and their dedication to the land. We can’t talk about how the pasiego heritage has been handed down through generations without mentioning their famous sponge cakes (sobaos) and cheesecakes (quesadas), which show off the region’s exquisite dairy products.

Also, its geological diversity forms gorges carved out by the river, such as the Miera, the most confined of the region, whose headwaters contour around a glacial cirque.

Get active and take river tours, perfect for hiking and climbing fanatics, or explore the area´s history as you delve deep into the thousand-year-old cavities.

We’re always surprised by new discoveries of artefacts dating back over thirty-thousand years in the prehistoric caves of El Castillo and Las Monedas, which you can visit year-round: an added bonus to your trip to this region.

To learn the true meaning of the word ‘calm’, visit the towns. You’ll find ultimate relaxation in their spas, in towns like Solares, Liérganes, and Puente Viesgo, which are perfect for kicking off your visit to the valleys.

Alceda is also a great place for hydrotherapy, and has play areas surrounded by trees and river fauna. It has even more on offer for the little ones!

Even though its architectural heritage is bit dotted around, you can easily spot it when visiting historic-artistic sites such as Liérganes, Vega de Pas, Villacarriedo, and Esles. What stand out in particular are the traditional masonry, oak houses, mansions with coats of arms, and the magnificent baroque palaces such as Soñanes in Villacarriedo, or those in Alceda and Ontaneda.

molino de la flor alceda — Molino de la Flor, Alceda

There’s much more still to discover: the gastronomy, the museums, the heritage, and the culture are even more reasons to immerse yourself in the Valles Pasiegos.

The Pasiegos Valleys of Cantabria

Among the many spectacular hideouts that Cantabria has to offer you can find a trail fit for the whole family, with beautiful coves and beaches with crystalline, turquoise waters and a topography hiding even more significant things, such as the Parque geológico de Costa Quebrada (the Costa Quebrada Geopark), a true gem of nature.

The area known as Costa Quebrada extends along 20 kilometres of coastline from Santander to Miengo, and contains a protected nature reserve along with the Dunas de Liencres (the Liencres Dunes), sporting beautiful coves and beaches, a large maritime pine forest, and a dune system.

The Costa Quebrada Geopark: The Coast and its History

This geopark, which is impressive from any angle, has every chance of becoming a UNESCO Global Geopark thanks to its rich natural and cultural heritage. It’s more than just a very attractive coastal area: each stretch of the land tells a small part of the story of its origins and evolution. The spectacular pairing of formations and outcrops to be found all along the coastal path provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enhance their knowledge of our 125 million-year-old geological history.

spiaggia cerrias cantabria — Beach of Cerrias

The intense coastal erosion, coupled with the effect of the rain, have carved out the land in a variety of ways along the route: you’ll find cliffs, crags, dunes, estuaries… Take your camera along and prepare for some unforgettable photographs!

Routes and Experiences Along the Costa Quebrada

If you visit Cantabria, the experience of walking through the vast landscape of the Costa Quebrada is an absolute must. We suggest admiring and enjoying its famous beaches: Covachos, Cerrias, Somocuevas, and San Juan de La Canal are some visitor favourites, famous for their fine sand and perfect surfing conditions.

spiaggia covachos cantabria — Beach of Covachos

If that’s not your sport of choice and you’d rather get stuck into some photography, you’ll find yourself in likeminded company around this part of the coast, one of the most photographed areas of the coastline. As it happens, winter, spring and autumn are the best seasons for passionate landscape photographers. At these times of year, the magnificent landscape, along with dramatic lighting and weather conditions, combine to make for countless photo opportunities.

The park offers its visitors plenty to do, especially considering one of its goals, alongside conserving and protecting the environment, is to spread awareness. To this end the park provides various themed itineraries and guided tours, and also runs the original Nocturnal Tidal Safari, allowing you to discover the beauty and mystery of marine life by moonlight. Taking part in this experience (which you can only do for a few hours while the tide is out) is like going on a journey through evolution, and even more importantly, helps you rediscover the childlike curiosity inside all of us.

Enjoy vertigo-inducing cliffs speckled with golden beaches in-between areas of geological interest, bringing you closer to marine life and the diverse local botany. What more could you want from a route that you can walk, jog, drive or cycle? It’s the perfect outdoor plan that you can enjoy at any time of year.

Still haven’t gotten to know the area? There are endless discoveries to be made on the Costa Quebrada, a unique trip you’ll never forget.

Discover our nature, and obviously, come and enjoy Cantabria.

Reencuéntrate en Cantabria

The shorter, colder days of the year are almost upon us, ushering in the season of wintry charm in Cantabria. That’s why we’ve put together a suggested itinerary for you, filled with different activities that you can do alone, with the family, or with friends; you won’t want to miss this.

It starts with a flight to Santander from where, just an hour’s drive away by motorway, you’ll come to Reinosa, capital of the region of Campoo. It’s also known as “Southern Cantabria” and is one of Cantabria’s great hidden gems. Reinosa’s colonnaded town centre is a popular spot for enjoying one of the town’s traditional puff pastry confections, known as “pantortillas” or “reinosas”.

Next, just ten minutes away by car from Reinosa, is NESTARES GOLF COURSE. This 18-hole, par 72, golf course is 6,250 metres long. With its gently undulating landscape, it is ideal for amateur and professional golfers alike. Its spectacular lakes mean that players have to concentrate and stay focused, for an enjoyable day golfing.

Our next stop, ten minutes away from the golf course, is the source of the River Ebro. Known as Fuentona de Fontibre, it is surrounded by ash trees and poplars. A stone monolith, topped with a small statue of the Virgen del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar), overlooks the spot.

You can park in the neighbouring car park and walk the remaining few metres down to the source itself. There is a picnic area and several nearby restaurants. The River Ebro Visitor Centre is close by, where visitors can learn all about this long river, which eventually flows into the Mediterranean Sea.

Barely five kilometres away is Argüeso Castle, which sits on top of a small hill. This medieval fortification, consisting of two towers and a wall, has become one of the main cultural attractions in southern Cantabria, hosting temporary exhibitions, concerts, historical re-enactment days (on the first weekend in July), courses and even civil weddings.

Finally, we reach our final destination: the Alto Campoo Ski and Mountain Resort. The resort’s skiing facilities are fantastic and it offers a breathtaking landscape for mountain lovers to enjoy. With summits of over 2,200 metres and routes such as the Pico Tres Mares, it is considered to be one of the best ski resorts in the Cantabrian region. The resort has 30.379 kilometres of ski routes and 3.2 kilometres of link routes. It includes: 23 slopes (4 green, 10 blue and 9 red), 12 lifts (5 chairlifts and 7 drag lifts) and a 2.7 km cross-country ski circuit.

The Pico Tres Mares (Peak of Three Seas) boasts a feature that is unique in Spain: its snow melt becomes the sources of the rivers Ebro, Pisuerga and Nansa, which flow, respectively, into the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Cantabrian Sea, hence its curious name.

Have we convinced you to choose this as your next winter destination yet? Well, that’s not all: the cuisine of the Campoo region is unrivalled. Food such as “ollas ferroviarias” (“railway stew”), Cantabrian meat with Protected Geographical Indication, mushrooms and “brezo” honey will help make this a journey you won’t forget.

Every summer is different (and summer 2020 certainly is), but if there’s one thing we can’t live without, no matter what, it’s the BEACH. That’s why we’d like you to come with us to discover just how varied the beaches in Cantabria are. They’re ideal for getting away from it all this summer, and, come to that, at any time of year.

Cantabrian beaches are ideal for taking a stroll, surfing, playing bat and ball, building jaw-dropping sandcastles, swimming, chatting to your friends while lying in the sun…in other words, switching off and enjoying yourself. This idyllic coast, lapped by the waves of the Cantabrian sea, has a beach to suit everyone. Unspoilt or urban, calm or windswept, long, sandy stretches or secluded coves, beaches for families with children or dog-owners, accessible beaches, surfer beaches, Blue Flag beaches, and picture-perfect beaches: the options are endless. Cantabria boasts over 220 kilometres of coastline with more than 90 fine, sandy beaches. There’s so much to choose from here, but if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, a sense of freedom, and kilometres of sand all to yourself, we’d recommend one of these beaches. Why not join us?

Unspoilt or urban beaches

Playa de Covachos (Soto de la Marina) is a prime example of Cantabria’s rugged beaches. It is surrounded by cliffs and difficult to reach (you need to use the ropes provided to get on and off the beach). Covachos’ most remarkable feature is its tombolo: a strip of land that connects the beach to the Isla del Castro at low tide. You need to be careful when swimming as the swell can be really powerful when it’s windy.

Santander, Cantabria’s capital city, has the most urban beaches. It has over a dozen fine sandy beaches with all the facilities you need to enjoy a perfect day at the seaside. Of all its beaches, those at El Sardinero come especially highly recommended. El Sardinero is located in the city’s best-known area for holidaymakers, and its beaches are ideal whether you want a day out with the kids, or to try your hand at surfing lessons.

Calm or windswept

The Cantabrian coastline also offers beaches with calm seas, such as Playa de La Concha in Suances, with its fine, golden sand. This beach is well-known for the many tournaments and championships it hosts in a number of sports, such as beach volleyball, handball, football and rugby.

Meanwhile, in the same area, the powerful swell at Playa de Los Locos makes it one of Spain’s best surfing beaches. The beach is exposed to the open sea, with the full might of the Cantabrian Sea crashing against it.

Long, sandy stretches or secluded coves

The beach at La Salvé in Laredo almost completely surrounds the bay. It is shaped like a shell and is more than four kilometres long. Together with its neighbour, Playa del Regatón, it forms Cantabria’s longest stretch of beach.

If you prefer secluded beaches, Playa de La Arnía, located in Piélagos, is the place for you. Its geological formations and the sea stacks rising out of the sea make this beach uniquely captivating. It is a natural, unspoilt beach located on the coast known as the Costa Quebrada.

Family beaches

Playa de Trengandín in Noja is a beach that is almost three and a half kilometres long. Thanks to its favourable orientation and gentle waves, it is the ideal beach to visit with children. The small pools that appear when the tide goes out are perfect for kids to play in. As well as the pools, the rock formations that are a feature of the entire coastline make this beach one of the region’s prettiest.

Beaches for dogs

Castro Urdiales town council has recently turned some areas into zones for dogs. They can be used all year round and the use of leads isn’t obligatory: Cargadero de Mioño, Arcisero and Muelle Oriñon.

The doggy beach at La Maza in San Vicente de la Barquera is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Cantabria. It tends not to be busy, the sand is fine and golden, and it has a water fountain for dogs. The sea is calm here too, making it the ideal place if you’re on holiday with your dog.

Accessible beaches

The beaches at El Sable and La Arena in Arnuero are certified inclusive spaces with excellent facilities, and environmental management systems that have won it the EU’s Blue Flag status. It also has a Q award for quality from the Spanish Tourism Quality Institute, and ISO 14001 for Environmental Quality. Both beaches are accessible to all and the Playas de Isla Information Points (located at the entrances to the beaches) have services specially tailored to people with disabilities, an assisted swimming service with a floating beach wheelchair, plus a beach library and ashtray hire (the assisted swimming service is available from 01/07 to 31/08).

Surfing beaches

If there is one thing the beaches of Somo and Loredo in Ribamontan al Mar are known for, it’s their surf culture. They have several surf schools and are full of die-hard surfers on the lookout for the best waves, in a stretch of sea that boasts ideal and unrivalled conditions for doing just that.

Valdearenas in Liencres is another surfers’ paradise, located near to Santander. Its almost three kilometres of fine sand and natural surroundings make it a firm favourite with surfers. It’s located in the middle of the Dunas de Liencres Natural Park and its coastline forms part of the Costa Quebrada Geological Park.

The three beaches of Oyambre, Gerra and Merón are located along one of the most beautiful coast roads you will ever see, running between Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera. The beaches essentially run into one, and together comprise over five kilometres of beach. They are ideal for surfing.

Blue flag beaches

Cantabria boasts 11 blue flags, representing 13.75% of all the region’s beaches. La Arena and El Sable in Arnuero; Ris and Trengandín in Noja; Berria in Santoña; El Sable and Los Locos in Suances; El Sable de Merón in San Vicente de la Barquera; the beach in Comillas, Cuberris in Bareyo, and Ostende in Castro Urdiales.

The Spanish Foundation for Environmental Education and Consumers (the body that awards this status for environmental standards on beaches) also grants other accolades, including “senderos azules” (blue pathways) and “centros azules” (blue centres).

Blue centres in Cantabria are the Casa de la Naturaleza building in Castro Urdiales; the Santa Olaja mill and Casa de las Mareas museum in Arnuero, the Molino de las Aves birdwatching site in Noja; and the Marismas de Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Visitor Centre in Santoña. The blue pathways are the Noja Coastal Route and the route that runs between Playas de Quejo and the Castellanos estuary in Arnuero.

Picture-perfect beaches

There are some beaches that can’t be described as anything other than “picture-perfect”, which seems like the ideal note on which to end this post.

Playa de Langre is widely considered to be Cantabria’s most beautiful beach. Located on the coast at Trasmiera, approximately a kilometre away from the town of Langre, this long beach is completely surrounded by vertical cliffs and is accessed via some steps. Popular with surfers all year round, it really is a unique spot.

Right in the Bay of Santander is El Puntal beach: a favourite summer meeting point for anyone who lives in Santander. It is a spectacular, arrow-shaped strip of sand separating the mouth of the Cubas estuary from the open sea. It has magnificent views over the city of Santander. It can be accessed via the long beach at Somo, or from Santander in boats known as “Pedreñeras”. The “Pedreñeras” are moored opposite the Palacete del Embarcadero building.

Berria is a long stretch of beach that runs for almost two kilometres, located in Santoña. Its idyllic surroundings are of interest from an ecological point of view, lying between the El Brusco oak groves and Monte Buciero, with the Marismas de Santoña Natural Park to the north.

Fresh air, peace and quiet, no routines, saying farewell to the alarm clock and so much more. Doesn’t that sound perfect? Fancy experiencing it for yourself? Take a flight to Cantabria to get away from all the noise and stress, and connect with nature in these three forests that you’ll always want to return to.

Bosque de Secuoyas in Cabezón de la Sal

This redwood forest, the only one of its kind in Spain, is located at the foot of Monte Corona and can be reached from the road that links the towns of Cabezón de la Sal and Comillas.

It is a “Protected Natural Space” listed as a Natural Monument and is part of the Spanish Network of Protected Natural Spaces. It’s also one of the most visited sites in Cantabria, as it’s a perfect day out for all the family and a pure delight for both children and adults alike. Here you can roam the two and a half hectares of redwood plantation and get up close and personal with its 848 trees, which have an average height of 36 metres and an average circumference of 1.6 metres. It’s the perfect place to unwind right in the heart of nature.

Monte Hijedo

Monte Hijedo is a must-visit for nature lovers. It rises above the Hijedo valley and can be reached from the village of Riopanero in Valderredible.

Its magnificent forest, which is huge and well conserved, is mainly home to sessile oaks and makes this landscape one of Spain’s natural gems. Also at Monte Hijedo is the Forests of Cantabria Visitor Centre, which boasts a spectacular forest-themed escape room, which you simply must try out.

Collados del Asón Natural Park

This park is located in Soba and is a unique place where visitors can explore a full range of stunning landscapes, ranging from significant karstic landforms to Cantabria’s mountain peaks, and enjoy a wide variety of ecosystems, flora and fauna.

This wonderful park includes a variety of ecosystems stretching from the banks of the river Asón to the high mountains of Cantabria, including forests of alder, oak and beech trees, grasslands and lush heaths. There is also a visitor centre and a variety of guided tours throughout the year.

Why not roam these forests with us?

Visitors to Cantabria can enjoy the unujusual, unique Christmas festivities it has to offer. Today we’d like to recommend two festivals that have been designated as being of National Tourist Interest and are certainly something you’ll never forget. Are you coming along?

Auto Sacramental and the Procession of the Three Kings in Santillana del Mar

Want to experience an authentic, live performance of the Auto Sacramental (a traditional medieval religious street play) and Procession of the Three Kings, in a setting that will rekindle the magic of your childhood? In Santillana del Mar, on 5th January every year, you can do just that. The town – one of the most important in Spain in terms of its artistic and historical heritage – provides the perfect backdrop to take both locals and visitors on an immersive journey back in time, making the audience feel that they are authentic witnesses to the scenes being played out in the street.

The festival dates back to 1959, when it was started by the chaplain of the Monastery of the Clarisas. It became established as an event in 1966, when the renowned Santander-born poet Leopoldo Rodríguez Alcalde wrote the script that is still used today. New scenes have been added over time to incorporate even more Bible stories.

Over the years, it has become one of the country’s best-known performances, with over 500 people taking part in the nine scenes of the Auto Sacramental and the four of the Procession of the Three Kings. With over four hours of fun and excitement in the streets of Santillana del Mar, you’ll be swept away by the magic.

La Vijanera, Silió

La Vijanera is a masked winter festival that originated in the valleys of Iguña, Anievas, Cieza, Toranzo and Luena. Currently, it is only celebrated in the village of Silió. The festival is one of the many winter carnivals that take place every year across Europe. Yet while they all share certain roots and features, few are as filled with character and symbolism as this one.

The masked festival is always held on the first Sunday of the year, and begins with the tradition of the bells at around 6.30 in the morning. This involves the youngest vijaneros parading around the village, each one carrying one or two bells. Their job is to wake up the locals and get them used to what will be the background noise throughout the day. With the village awake, the characters arrive: the Zarramacos, the dancers, the saquero, the zorrocioco, the gorilona, the ‘Hungarian’, the trapajeros, the ojáncano and many more, filling the village with light and colour.

Don’t miss the first masked festival of the year in Europe and one of the region’s most iconic events. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Vijanera museum to find out more about this festival.

Like the sound of what we’ve suggested? The festive season in Cantabria has so much more to offer, with festooned streets and squares bustling with activities for visitors of every age and taste. Hurry along and see for yourself. Check out everything that’s going on in Cantabria on our official website: www.turismodecantabria.com

The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain includes 79 towns across the country, five of which are in Cantabria: Liérganes, Santillana del Mar, Bárcena Mayor, Potes and Carmona. Let’s find out more about them!

Liérganes

This town in the heart of Valles Pasiegos has been declared a site of National Historic and Artistic Interest thanks to its rich classical architecture, which resulted from the economic upturn that artillery production brought about in the area in the 17th and 18th centuries.

There are four musts when you visit Liérganes: discovering the legend of the fish man, strolling through the streets, visiting the Fluviarium and trying the famous churros with chocolate on the terraces overlooking the river.

Santillana del Mar

Santillana del Mar is without doubt one of the most historically and artistically significant places in Spain, so much so that everything there is a monument, making it an unmissable stop for any traveller.

You can’t talk about Santillana del Mar without mentioning the Cave of Altamira. Described as the Sistine Chapel of rock art, the cave probably contains the most famous prehistoric paintings in the world.

Bárcena Mayor

This rustic town in the heart of the Saja nature reserve is the perfect place for mountain lovers and foodies. Here you can try authentic mountain stew and many other culinary delights.

When its balconies are brimming with flowers in spring, your walk along the alleyways will be an experience you will never forget.

Potes

This village is one of the most attractive in Cantabria thanks to its location in the centre of the district of Liébana. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, with the Picos de Europa mountain range as a backdrop, Potes is known as the Village of Bridges – which is where it gets its name from – and Towers.

Near to this town lies Santo Toribio de Liébana Monastery, the destination for pilgrims travelling on the Camino Lebaniego, a route that begins in San Vicente de la Barquera and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Carmona

Arriving in the Nansa valley and soaking up the scenery is an experience you will never forget. When you arrive in Carmona, it is a real delight walking through its streets and taking photos of the typical houses with their balconies.

Come to Cantabria and enjoy five of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

Have a free weekend and want to do something different and unique? Come to Cantabria and discover the wonderful scenery of the Picos de Europa National Park. We have four musts for you to enjoy during your stay.

Fuente Dé Cable Car

The most natural and comfortable way to reach the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park is the Fuente Dé Cable Car. In just three minutes, you will ascend 753 metres as the cable car takes you to a height of 1,823 metres. The station at the top treats visitors to spectacular views of the immensely beautiful scenery.

Hotel Áliva

Hotel Áliva, located at the top of the Fuente Dé Cable Car, is a family-run hotel surrounded by mountains, meadows and unrivalled scenery. Every day, visitors can enjoy spectacular excursions and then rest and refuel on dishes carefully prepared using local products from the Liébana region.

If you want to feel like you are sleeping up in the stars, this is the place for you. It is open during the summer season from June to early October.

Routes

From both the station at the top of the cable car and Hotel Áliva, you can embark on a wide range of routes and walks of varying difficulties, many of them perfect for the whole family.

The Horcados Rojos and Puertos de Áliva mountain routes, the walks to Las Mánforas mines and the Ermita de la Salud chapel, and the routes to Espinama, Sotres and Mogrovejo are just a few examples of what you can discover as you hike through the Picos de Europa National Park.

Gastronomy

Sampling the cuisine in Cantabria is always a must, so don’t miss some quintessential Liébana produce: cocido lebaniego (a traditional stew), cheeses, orujo (a grape liqueur) and honey.

To complete your experience you could also visit a cheese factory, with Bejes Tresviso being a local denomination of origin that you might like to sample, or a grape liqueur factory.

All these activities will make your weekend a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Come to Cantabria and enjoy the Picos de Europa National Park.