The Gulf Stream has made Cantabria a little paradise on earth - breathtaking views, charming towns and perfect surfing conditions await you
The province of Cantabria, one of Spain's seventeen autonomous communities, is located in the north of the country on the Bay of Biscay. It is washed by the Gulf Stream and therefore enjoys a very favourable climate. Thanks to this, there are many natural beauties with lush vegetation, but also many monuments to the ancient population. The oldest of them are up to forty thousand years old! You all know one of them.
The land under the earth
This famous monument is none other than the Altamira Cave, which we know from our history books. It was discovered in 1875 and has fascinated scientists and tourists from all over the world ever since. Unfortunately, tourist traffic was not too kind to the cave paintings, which are up to 36,000 years old, and so it had to be closed. However, you can still visit a museum with a life-size replica of the cave. But if you prefer to visit real caves, don't despair.
Cantabria is famous for its system of up to nine thousand caves, sixty of which contain prehistoric cave paintings and others contain breathtaking geological formations. In addition, several of these caves have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The El Soplao cave complex is definitely worth a visit, which, in addition to its geological wealth, also harbours an industrial heritage. In the past, lead and zinc were mined here. The cave can be reached by a mine train and then you can follow the paths through several cave halls. The more adventurous can indulge in a more challenging 2.5-kilometre circuit through less accessible caves. The tour is conducted in helmets and protective suits, so you will feel like real cavers.
Majestic nature
But you don't just have to admire the natural beauty underground! Cantabria is part of what is known as Green Spain. It is a strip of land located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Mountains, where the Gulf Stream creates a climate that suits not only the local flora but also the fauna. That's why you can visit a number of nature parks and reserves in the valleys along the river meanders, on the mountain slopes and on the coast.
The Collados del Asón Nature Park is one of the most beautiful. It lies on a limestone massif that has been shaped over centuries by glaciers and then by wild mountain rivers and streams. Walking trails lead past waterfalls, over mountain peaks and overlooks into the valley. The dramatic views of the natural beauty here will never tire you out.
The Santoña, Victoria and Joyel wetlands offer a completely different scenery. Over 130 species of birds make their home in this 6,500 hectare nature reserve. The park's visitor centre organises various activities, including guided tours. However, the most famous reserve is the Cabárceno Zoological Park, created artificially on the site of a former quarry. Many endangered animal species have found a home there. Here you can see the African elephant or the white rhinoceros. Twenty kilometres of paths run through the park, allowing you to explore its nooks and crannies by car or on foot and to observe over 100 species of animals from all over the world. In addition, there are picnic areas, viewpoints and restaurants.
Fairytale towns
After admiring all the natural beauty - whether on the ground or underneath - you're bound to miss the towns, their architectural gems, as well as the cafés and restaurants. Cantabria has a lot to offer in this respect too. Seven Cantabrian villages and towns have been included in the list of Los Pueblos más Bonitos de España, a collection of the country's most beautiful villages. The latest addition is Comillas, which definitely deserves this honour!
Comillas began its history in the Middle Ages as a small settlement supported by farming and fishing. It was developed in the 19th century by Don Antonio López y López, who made a fortune in America by, among other things, trading tobacco and running a shipping business. He invested part of his fortune in Comillas and made it a popular summer destination, where even King Alfonso XII liked to go. This development led to the creation of, for example, the Pontifical University, for which the architect Joan Martorell created a monumental and historic campus. But you'll also find the neo-Gothic Sobrellano Palace or Antonio Gaudí's Villa El Capricho, with its fairy-tale tower covered in sunflower-themed tiles.
The surprisingly warm ocean
The Gulf Stream, already mentioned several times, not only warms the local climate, but of course also the waters of the ocean itself. This makes the beaches of Cantabria ideal for all water sports. Cantabria is particularly popular with surfers who flock here from all over the world. Professionals will appreciate the ocean waves and beginners the multitude of surf schools. However, if you are a less active traveller, don't despair. The coastline is also suitable for swimming. In addition, many of the beaches in Cantabria are town beaches, so you'll find bars and restaurants nearby. With a drink in hand, you can then watch brave surfers taming the wild crests of the waves in the sunshine. Some of the beaches are also designated as gay friendly.
If you're interested in Cantabria, you should know that it's not hard to get here from our parts either. You can fly from Prague directly to Santander, the provincial capital, with one change of plane in either Milan or, better still, Barcelona. You can then combine your holiday in Cantabria with exploring the Catalan capital. But more on that next time. You can also fly directly to Bilbao and head to Cantabria by bus, train or rental car. The province is therefore accessible within a few hours and there is no reason to postpone your visit to Cantabria in any way!
Photo: Oficina Española de Turismo ve Vídni
