S-cape travel

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Cantabria by Car: Infinite Beauty

Cantabria, the greenest province in Spain, with its ever-changing natural landscapes and charmingly unchanged villages. Enjoy the lovely coastal towns of Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera. Stroll along Playa de Oyambre to soak up the sun and the sea. Marvel at the well-preserved buildings of medieval Santillana del Mar. Then travel inland to admire the striking limestone beauty of the Picos de Europa. Your trip ends with a visit to Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Queveda

Arrival at your charming accommodation, la Posada de Las Quintas, about a 2-hour drive from the airport. If there's time this afternoon, you may wish to visit the well-preserved Medieval village of Santillana del Mar. Admire its lovely Romanesque church or enjoy dinner on one of the outdoor terraces. Or, if you come by way of the coastal road, you might want to jump right in with a stop at Tagle beach for a paddle in the sea!

Challenge: Arrival in Cantabria.

Villages along the way: Queveda

Day 2-3: Excursions from Queveda

Queveda is perfectly situated for a number of interesting visits. Stroll about the lovely coastal town of Comillas and gawk at "El Capricho" designed by Gaudí. A bit further to the east, you'll find the beautiful beaches of Oyambre Nature Reserve and an excellent network of coastal walking paths. The Medieval village of Santillana del Mar is also nearby, as is the spectacular Cueva del Soplado with an unbelievable display of rare cave formations. Another possible destination could be the city of Santander, where you can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.

Challenge: Visit historical and natural monuments near Queveda.

Villages along the way: Comillas, San Vicente, Santillana, Santander

Day 4-6: Inland to the Picos de Europa

Today you drive inland to encounter the breath-taking beauty of the Picos de Europa, a striking world of exotic karstic wonders. Towering peaks, plunging gorges, rushing rivers, extensive forests and tiny villages built in nearly impossible locations. Authentic rural life and deeply rooted traditions, as well as impressive natural and historical monuments: the Cares Gorge, the cable car at Fuente Dé, Sta. Maria de Lebeña Church or the Monastery of Santo Toribio. This is a land of so much beauty, you'll soon find that you've fallen in love.

Challenge: Visits to natural and historical monuments in the Picos.

Villages along the way: Potes, Cosgaya

Day 7: A visit to Bilbao

Today you drive back to Bilbao to become more acquainted with this vibrant city. The charming historical quarter, covered market place, dozens of tapas bars and of course the splendid Guggenheim Museum. A wonderful way to complete this incredibly varied journey.

Challenge: Drive to Bilbao to visit the city and its Guggenheim Museum.

Villages along the way: Bilbao

Day 8: End of arrangement

Your arrangement ends today after breakfast. So it's 'adios' to Northern Spain. But not for long, as soon you'll be aching to return.

Challenge: Return from Bilbao.

Villages along the way: Bilbao