Travelling #4 - Cantabria, Spain

Hey everyone,

I am sorry for the delay of this post but here it is! 
This is one of my favorite places in Europe, often overshadowed by the boastful fame of the south of Spain and hence highly underrated. I´m sure this post will make you want to venture out to Cantabria sooner than you think! Here´s why I love it..

Hidden in the less "touristy" Northern part of Spain lies the region of Cantabria. Neighbouring between the Basque country to the East and Asturias to the West, it is a highly diversified area, where you can feel a touch of these various influences.

Source; Google

Luckily, one of my closest friends lives there so for the past three summers I have regularly visited this beautiful region and continued to explore it. There is always something more to find there and do so here's why I think you should check it out!

9 reasons to check out Cantabria

1. The coastline

Playa de Liendo

Cantabria's coastline is definitely something to be proud of. With it's more than 60 beaches there is more than just a few to choose from. Whether you prefer a closed in Cala or an open long stretches of sand, Cantabria will provide you with both. 

Playa La Salve, Laredo

Most of them are not overcrowded, only occasionally during the holiday seasons and this would apply to the more "known" spots.

For those who enjoy water sports such as sailing, SUP, kitesurfing, surfing or windsurfing - the coastline also caters for that. The waves get better with the coming of autumn and winter but on a good summers day when the swell picks up you'll find some too. Many sheltered coves or Calas usually deliver constant waves all year round. Just like in the westcoast of France(Biarritz, Hossegor) - more renown for its surf spots than Cantabria, these are all beach breaks. It's always dependent on the conditions, but I would say these are perfect for a beginner to an intermediate surfer. 

Windsurfing and kitesurfing wise, the wind is forever present so both sports can be done all year round. Highly dependent on the beach, your level of expertise and personal preferences.. 

The area has a small but a very friendly surf orientated community, it's definitely far from intimidating so it's perfect if you wish to take up the sport, providing the conditions are favourable for learning.

 Sonabia

Cala in Sonabia

2. Food

The rich fishing culture in the North is clearly noticeable and therefore makes it a prime location for eating the freshest seafood.
You can not only try the freshest Paella's but also enjoy a variety of traditional Spanish dishes at a much better price than in the South.

Freshly caught Bonito 

- a subtype of tuna, really popular in the region. Delicious when marinated and a perfect addition to any salad..

Home made spanish tortilla with bonito, pimientos & onions.

Of course, with some croquettas in the background ;)

3. Mountains

Cantabria is surrounded by mountains hence if you enjoy hiking, mountain biking or just spectacular views it's definitely the place for you to visit..

Cantabria infinita..

4. Cultural 

If cultural exploration is your thing, you'll definitely find something here. With many old towns such as Comillas and Santilliana del Mar, there is so much to discover. Comillas is locally reknown for being the home of the few architectural pieces designed by Gaudi outside of Catalonia - El Capricho del Gaudi. Built in 1883-1885 as a summer villa for a local Maximo Diaz de Quijano.

El Capricho del Gaudi, Comillas

Furthermore, known as the capital of Cantabria - Santander is one of the bigger cities within the region which will definitely satisfy you if you crave some diversity from beaches and smaller seaside towns.

University in Comillas

After a 30 minute drive from Comillas you can check out the Altamira cave, famous for its upper paleolithic paintings that date back from 34,000-15,000 BC. It is a UNESCO world heritage site, hence access to the actual cave is limited, however a neo-cave has been created in the Altamira museum, which is an exact replica of the original one. 

It resembles a mini surf board but it is actually a preneolithic instrument dating back to 15,000 BC - Altamira Museum

5. Proximity to other countries - centralised location

Seignosse, during the Swatch girls pro surf competition

France isn´t too far - Biarritz and Hossegor being only 3 hours away by car and Portugal a small road trip away makes Spain a halfway point for many road trippers. Being a part of the Atlantic coastline  definitely makes Cantabria popular among surfers, especially those who are landlocked in central northern Spain.

6. Friendly local people

Spanish people do have a natural tendency to be friendly which is great! The same applies here, smiling faces and never ending conversations with the locals are a part of a daily routine in Cantabria. Even though their English may be a little limited at times, they will always try their best in order to help you out!

Playa de Berria, Santona

7. Pricing is better

Like to keep your trips within a smaller budget and avoid unnecessary expenditures on inflated prices? Might sound obvious, but in comparison to the tourist packed South, you'll often find you can eat and sleep at much cheaper prices. Many local restaurants offer lunch menus for around the price of 10 euros where you'll get a first and second dishes as well as a dessert. The North of Spain is definitely more affordable as well as being less infiltrated by international tourism. 

8. The language

source; Google

What a better opportunity to brush up one of the worlds most spoken languages than by visiting its place of origin? Spanish is a very handy language both when travelling as well as in the "working world" regardless of what your career is doesn't hurt to learn and improve at something that can be very useful! 

9. More activities 

If the list above doesn't convince you, don't worry I'm sure you'll find something once you book your ticket and get here! I just named a few things but the possibilities are endless and I'm sure you'll discover something here perfect for yourself..

Early morning runs at La Salve, in Laredo

What more could you want..?

10. Travelling is just good for you

I reinforce that in my every post. Simple but true, travelling is fun as you get to learn a lot about yourself and meet many new people. So if you get a chance don't pass it, even more so if it is to those places that are not as vastly "promoted". Beauty's where YOU find it.

Until next time,

MK:)