1. Santillana del Mar – All the world’s a stage
With its mansions and churches, balconied houses and red-tiled roofs, Santillana del Mar was built around the collegiate church of Santa Juliana, Cantabria’s most important Romanesque building. Most of the buildings here date to between the 14th-17th centuries. Wander along the cobbled streets and take a close peek at the facades on many of the buildings to see coats of arms of the noble families and knights that once resided here.
2. Cuevas de Altamira – Art history
Discovered in the 19th century, these prehistoric cave paintings of bison, boar and deer are among the most significant on the planet. Although the cave is currently closed for conservation reasons, you can visit an exact replica of the famous paintings at the nearby Neocueva, housed in the Altamira National Museum and Research Centre, which recounts the cavernous history of the area.
3. Comillas – Architectural dream
On a hill overlooking the sea on the lovely CA-131 coastal road, this little resort is home to the elegant neo-gothic Palacio de Sobrellano. Constructed under the juristic the appearance of snakeskin from a distance. This is also where you’ll find El Capricho (‘the whim’), designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoní Gaudí, and which today houses a restaurant.
4. Cordillera Cantábrica mountains – Enjoy the rid
Drive along the road via Cabuérniga to Reinosa and you’ll go through the gorgeous Cordillera Cantábrica mountains. Along the way you’ll climb over the Puerto de Tajahierro Pass and the Palombera Pass, which has great views of the forests and fields of the Saja Valley.
5. Colegiata, San Pedro de Cervatos – Hear no evil
This tiny village, surrounded by winding mountain roads, is home to the 12th-century Romanesque Colegiata church, with its quirky carvings adorning the frieze above the door. Originally a monastery, it became a collegiate church and underwent numerous additions, including the 17th-century tower.
Torrelavega
| A | Avenida De Bilbao 64, Cantabria, Torrelavega, 39300 |
|---|---|
| T | 0034 94 288 00 21 |
| Amadeus Cryptic Code | SDRW25 |
|---|
Soria Car Hire
| A | Av Mariano Vicen 1 3, Soria, 42003 |
|---|---|
| T | 0034 97 522 84 61 |
| Amadeus Cryptic Code | ZAZW99 |
|---|
Northern Spain
From modern harbour towns, through medieval villages, to ancient caves – a drive through Northern Spain takes you back in time. There’s more to this region than superb architecture. Head south from the sandy beaches to discover rolling hills, high passes, forests, fields and Romanesque churches.
Recommended car hire: 3 days
Best time to visit: You can visit Northern Spain anytime!
Soundtrack: Me Llaman Calle by Manu Chao
Essential item: Patience: Spanish life can be relaxing!
Alternatively: If you’re looking for excitement, discover Andalucia in the south of Spain. Whether it’s ballooning over the mountains, plunging downhill on a bike, wreck diving or driving around the twisting hill roads to a sleepy white village, you’ll find a different adventure at every turn