Cantabria is the seaside part of Spain. It does not differ in a large territory, but it is very rich in various landscapes. In Cantabria, you can see sand dunes on the coasts, green hills and valleys, the majestic mountain landscapes of the Picos de Europa Nature Reserve. In the Sakha Reserve, you can get acquainted with the rich world of wildlife, represented by a large number of animals.
The capital of Cantabria is Santander. In the 19th century, King Alphonse the Thirteenth loved to relax here, which contributed to the transformation of the city into a fashionable seaside resort. The port of Santander is the main maritime transport hub in Spain, which makes the city one of the most developed in terms of economy. In 1941, the city was damaged by fire, but was almost completely restored to its original form.
Santander is located along the coast, and attractions are concentrated in the city center, the most beautiful of which are the Cathedral and the Porticada square, surrounded by neoclassical arcades. From the fishing port of Chico, you can take a pleasure boat trip along the coast, and then in the "wine quarter" pamper yourself with wines or other drinks, accompanied by excellent snacks. In restaurants, be sure to try the seafood for which Cantabria is famous.
To feel like a king, you can visit the Magdalena Peninsula, which the city presented as a gift to Alphonse the Thirteenth.
Traces of prehistoric life in the region can be found in the Altamira Cave, located a few kilometers from Santander. The rock paintings depicting hunting scenes are considered the oldest in the world.
In addition to Santander, you need to visit the city of Santillana del Mar. It is a beautiful medieval town that emerged around the monastery of St. Juliana in the 6th century. Santillana del Mar is often called a city-museum, since almost all of its buildings were erected no later than the 17th century. All buildings are excellent examples of medieval architecture - palaces, Romanesque churches, peasant houses, towers. On many old facades one can see the family coats of arms of the nobility.
