 |
|
|
 |
| Cantabria
Holidays - Santander Tourist Attractions by Steve Greenwood
Cantabria is an autonomous
community of northern Spain with a coastline that overlooks the Cantabria
Sea. The region is bordered by the Basque Country to the east, Castilla
Leon to the south, and Asturias to the west. Cantabria has much to offer
visitors to the region with a mixture of mountainous massifs, rolling lush
meadows and picturesque fishing ports. Santander is the region's capital
and is the best place to start any venture around the province as most
places can easily be reached within a 3-hour car drive
Santander, capital
of Cantabria - Santander is a modern commercial city and one of Spain's
main ports of arrival for ferry passengers from Britain. In 1941, Santander
fell victim to a great fire, which burned for 2 days fanned by strong southerly
winds. Only one person was killed while the city was plunged into chaos
and much of the historic centre was destroyed. The oldest remaining building
to be found in Santander today is the cathedral.
Cantabria Holiday Attractions
- Much of the tourism that comes to the region head towards the summer
holiday resorts to be found along the northern coastal strip. El Sardinero
near Santander is one of the most popular beaches for visitors to the capital
city. It can get busy along its 1.3km length during the summer months,
but the wide promenade, which is one of the prettiest in Spain, runs the
whole length of the beach and there is a good supply of hotels and eateries
to choose from. At one end of the beach can be found Magdalena Park, which
offers a beach playground, mini zoo and train circuit. The town of Comillas
has a picturesque sandy beach with plenty of parking nearby and a fishing
port at one end. The beach at Laredo is over 4km long and has fine golden
sand overlooked by a long promenade. It also offers good conditions and
lifeguard facilities for those interested in surfing.
Cantabria National Parks
- Cantabria has many national parks for those interested in the
flora and fauna Spain has to offer. The Parque Nacional de los Picos de
Europa was the first Spanish national park to receive this classification
in 1935. The Picos de Europa Mountains are spread over the three provinces
Asturias, Leon and Catalonia and contain 3 massifs characterised by constant
rainfall and often snowfall on the peaks. The Nature Reserve offers some
fantastic extremes of landscape including vertical drops of over 2km, hillside
forests of oak, beech, maple and walnut trees, meadows of green pasture
land and the great Covadonga lakes.
This northern region of Spain
is a great destination for discovering some of the natural delights of
this diverse country. Beautiful beaches and dramatic sheer cliff faces
dominate the coastline, while the Picos de Europa can be found just 25km
from the coast. Cantabria has a good selection of Nature Reserves both
within the mountainous areas and along its northern coastal stretch. With
fantastic scenery and a wonderful diverse range of flora and fauna, these
offer some excellent walking and hiking opportunities for visitors who
want to experience the more rugged side of Spain.
Top
/ Featured Hotels
About the Author
Steve Greenwood invites you
to visit Cantabria
Villa Rentals for information and holiday attractions in Cantabria
and capital city Santander. Visit http://www.idealrentals4u.com
for holidays and accommodation in all the regions of Spain including the
Canary Islands.
|
 |
Parador
de Fuente De ***
This modern mountain refuge
located on the foothills of the Picos de Europa and opening onto the fertile
Liébana valley, shows nature in total freedom. It is surrounded
by the dramatic slopes of the Picos de Europa, woods and hillsides, in
a region which is split into modest hamlets. The building is located at
the bottom of the cable car which goes up to the Áliva viewpoint,
at a privileged meeting point for lovers of outdoor activities. The classical
mountain style and the warm wood and leather furniture recreate the much-appreciated
home warmth... |
LAREDO |
|
 |
Miramar
Hotel Laredo ***
Presenting elegant accommodation
and friendly service, this property is a perfect venue for an unforgettable
vacation in Laredo. Located in the Cantabria town of Laredo, the
Miramar hotel offers panoramic views of the beautiful scenery of the long
sandy beach and most of the popular tourist villages. This property
offers 45 spacious guestrooms that are gracefully appointed with contemporary
amenities to ensure you the desired comfort. The on-site restaurants
serves a variety of delectable cuisines for you to enjoy. You can also
relax at the cafe with light snacks and beverages or sip on various cocktails
at the cosy bar. |
| LIMPIAS |
|
 |
Parador
de Limpias (Cantabria) ****
The new Parador in Limpias
is located in the Palace of Eguilior estate, which was the summer headquarters
of King Alfonso XIII's Council. The palace belonged to Don Manuel de Eguilior,
the Count of Albox, and is attributed to the architect Emilio de la Torriente.
Rooms are large in size, decorated in a classical way, not forgetting any
details of modern facilities. Restaurant is well decorated in a classical
style. Dishes such as marmita de bonito (stew made with bonito tuna)
cocido montanes (traditional white bean and pork sausage stew), other white
and red bean stews, plus a variety of cheeses, and sweets such as the famous
Corbatas de Unquera, sobaos pasiegos, or Pantortillas de Reinosa are just
a few of the delights diners will enjoy. The palace is a large square
building with four pseudo-towers at each corner, none of which is very
high. |
 |
Posada
Rural La Casona de Lombraña, Lombraña
We
are in an ancient palace of the XVIIIth century, and have provided the
comfort of a family run guest house, while maintaining the charm of the
building. "La Casona de Lombraña" is located in the heart
of Valley Polaciones one of the most peculiar of Cantabria; characterized
by an unusual landscape, with abundant rainfall and strong relief.
It is 104km. from Santander and near to the "Peak of Europe" with spectacular
views, and is the ideal starting point for visiting the main attractions
of the West of Cantabria. |
| Ruesga
- in a privileged
location, among sea and mountains, next to Natural Park Collados del Asón
(Hillocks of Asón river), only twenty minutes from the beaches of
Laredo and between Santander and Bilbao city. This situation permits great
variety of activities and cultural visits. There are numerous activities
of active tourism that can be carried out, among others: senderismo, with
a lot of routes in number and degree of difficulty; paint-ball; routes
by quads, fishing, horses, going down the river Asón by canoe, aquatic
sports or speleology in some of the numerous caves existing in the zone,
known on a world scale. |
|
|
 |
|
 |
Hotel
Posada Aire de Ruesga
Situated
in an amazing area of Cantabria, among mountains and near the sea.
It is a stone 17th-century house that has been lovingly restored to its
former glory and carefully decorated with attention to details, creating
an atmosphere of gracious charm and tranquillity. The aim of the
whole team is to offer our guests special and unforgettable moments in
a charming place. The hotel has ten comfortable and extensive rooms each
decorated in an individualized way, inspired by different decorative styles,
recalling different cultures and towns. |
| SANTA
CRUZ DE BEZANA |
|
 |
Bezana
Lago Hotel, Santa Cruz de Bezana ***
This hotel is located just
a few kilometres from Santander airport and city centre easily accessible
by motorway in about 5 minutes.The hotel is also close to some of the nicest
beaches of the area such as Liencres and San Juan de la Canal. The
hotel provides 40 comfortable and functional rooms with full bathroom.The
rooms are also equipped with TV, mini bar, direct telephone and heating.
They are medium in size, decorated in bright blue and soft yellow colour
patterns in bedcovers and curtains. The restaurant is a welcoming
area where to try both International and traditional local specialities.
It is spacious and comfortable. Also special events such as business meals
or family gatherings can be arranged. It is located just a few metres away
from the main building. Disco every Saturday after dinner. This is
a very convenient hotel due to its location nearby Santander city centre
as well as not to miss places such as Santillana del Mar or Comillas. |
| Santander
- The port city
of Santander is the capital of the autonomous community of Cantabria situated
on the north coast of Spain between Asturias (to the west) and the Basque
Country (to the east). Santander is a city that lives facing the
sea, in the wide bay of the same name. While the environs have become
industrialized, the city center is still the ideal zone to go for a walk
along the sport harbours, nice beaches and colourful parks. |
|
|
 |
|
 |
Santander
Coastal City Walking Tour |
| Half Day tour with a private guide
to walk the streets of this coastal city; Santander, an elegant city which
extends over a wide bay with views of the Cantabrian Sea. Its historic
quarter includes a group of majestic buildings which are situated against
an incredible natural backdrop of sea and mountains... Read
more
|
|
 |
Chateau
La Roca Hotel Santander ***
Chateau
La Roca Hotel is located in a residential area, 4 kilometres from downtown
Santander and very close to wonderful beaches. Liencres's Natural Park,
Abra del Pas Golf course and Exhibition hall are some of the attractions.
The hotel provides 60 guestrooms with complete amenities. Its facilities
offer the comforts of a modern hotel, while providing personal and friendly
service in a functional setting and privileged environment. |
 |
Husa
Real GL Hotel Santander *****
Situated
on a hill in the elegant residential area of Santander 1 kilometre from
Santander exhibition and Cantabria conference centres. The hotel is surrounded
by its own garden and commands spectacular views of Santander bay, Atlantic
Ocean, mountains and fine sandy beaches. The hotel has 237 spacious rooms
and luxury suites that are well furnished and well equipped with amenities.
At the hotel you can enjoy buffet breakfast and continental cuisine. Visit
the Magdalena Palace, Casino as well as the Festival and Congress Hall
or stroll in the hotel's garden. |
|
Los
Angeles Hotel Santander ***
This
hotel is located nearby the airport and just five minutes away from Santander
city centre by car a bus stop is just a few metres away from the hotel
entrance. The Natural Park of Cabarceno is also very close and within easy
reach. The hotel provides 44 rooms. All are fully equipped with full
bathroom with hair dryer, satellite TV, individual heating and air conditioning,
mini bar, radio, safe deposit box, trouser press and internet connection.
The rooms are decorated in a traditional way and are medium in size.
In the hotel restaurant you will enjoy tasty dishes both traditional and
international made with the personal touch of the restaurant's cheff. Also
available delicious seafood from their own private fish stock. |
 |
NH
Ciudad De Santander Hotel ***
The
NH Ciudad de Santander hotel is situated in a privileged location in the
commercial district close to the popular Puertochico and and a few minutes
walk from the Sardinero beach. The hotel has 62 guest rooms, restaurant
"Airen" and five comfortable meeting rooms with capacity for up to 220
guests. Besides the hotel's own equipment and services, NH Ciudad de Santander
can provide all the technological capabilities necessary to make your event
a success. |
 |
NH
Express Santander Hotel ***
NH
Express Santander Hotel is well located in the city's shopping district
and the Nueva Montana Business Park. The hotel is just 3 kilometres from
Santander's historic centre and a few minutes from the El Corte Ingles
shopping centre. All the 103 air conditioned rooms are equipped with modern
amenities. You can start the day afresh with the buffet breakfast
that is offered at the hotel. The Express Santander Hotel provides other
facilities like business centre and also safe deposit box as well as parking. |
 |
Occidental
Bahia Hotel Santander ****
Strategically
located right in the commercial and business centre of Santander just a
step away from shops, restaurants and nice avenues by the seaside. Also
a few metres away from the train and bus station connecting the airport
and a large number of interesting villages nearby. Also the ferry port
is just on the other side of the street. This traditional and emblematic
hotel provides 188 rooms including suites and executive rooms. The restaurant
is of traditional style, tiled floors and dark wood panelled walls combined
with elegant upholstery create a pleasant atmosphere to taste the high
quality cuisine served with a good selection of regional and international
wines. Here is also where a hearty buffet breakfast is provided every morning. |
 |
Occidental
Hoyuela Hotel Santander ****
Occidental
Hoyuela Hotel is located in a historical area of Satender. It was built
with a classical and abstemious architecture. Altamira cave and Cabarceno
Natural Park are some of the interesting places to visit that are at a
short distance from the hotel. One can enjoy the horse riding to explore
the nearby attractions. The hotel offers 47 comfortable fully equipped
rooms with wide range of amenities. The staffs at the hotel are very friendly
and take care of every detail, which caters to the guests requirements. |
 |
Occidental
Sardinero Hotel Santander ***
Situated
in centre of Santander city, and is close to numerous tourist attractions.
The hotel is just few steps away from the famous El Sardinero Beach. All
the 108 rooms here are well furnished, each with a private bathroom. Meeting
rooms and party halls are also available for holding your special celebrations,
reunions, cocktails and expositions. |
 |
Palacio
Del Mar Suite Hotel Santander ****
The
hotel is located 200 metres from the well known "El Sardinero beach" and
5 minutes from the commercial district and old quarter of the city. It
is also next to the football stadium and bullring. The rooms are
very large and spacious most of them are suites. They are furnished in
modern, lively colours and bright curtains. Rooms are kept in very good
condition along with the full spacious bathrooms. Some of them have terrace
or balcony. They all have mini-bar, PC connection, air-conditioning, satellite
TV, radio and safe deposit box. With a sailor-inspired decoration
in soft colours the restaurant is the place to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere
while tasting the nice seafood specialities as well as a wide variety of
traditional and seasonal cuisine.The hotel provides 24 hour room-service,
meeting rooms and banqueting service. |
 |
Santemar
Hotel Santander ****
Located
in the Bay of Santander amidst a privileged marine and jungle-like environment,
just 50 metres from the beaches of Sardinero, the Santemar Hotel combines
tradition, modern experience and efficiency. The hotel provides 350 rooms
with first-class facilities, decorated in fine wood and furnished in traditional
style. Every meal is considered a special occasion in the excellent
restaurant where you can try some of the region's delicacies. The Santemar
Hotel offers many places for relaxation and social meetings, as well as
magnificent facilities with an efficient team of experts to give professional
assistance. |
 |
Vincci
Puerto Chico Hotel Santander ****
Lying
right on Puerto Chico the hotel Vincci is just next to the docks and in
a privileged setting at the edge of the Santander bay, which is in the
middle of the historic centre and steps away from the beaches. One can
enjoy unparalleled views of boats coming in and out of the recreational
port. The hotel's comfortable and charmingly decorated 42 rooms,
one will also find some of the best views in Santander (rooms with views
to Puertochico), all of which will allow for an unforgettable stay.
Aside from a complete and attentive room service, which Vincci offers,
one will also enjoy delicious creations from the hotel's restaurant and
cafeteria. |
 |
Parador
de Santillana del Mar ***
This newly built manor house
conserves the typical architecture of the area, blending in perfectly with
the architectural surroundings of this beautiful locale. Comfortable rooms
with a pleasant atmosphere help the guest to find peacefulness and rest.
The restaurant and bar, located in the Parador Santillana Gil Blas offer
guests the opportunity to sample Cantabrian cuisine's most traditional
dishes. |
 |
Parador
de Santillana Gil Blas ****
The Parador is installed
in the beautiful Barreda-Bracho ancestral home, in the Santillana del Mar
plaza, a town declared a National Monument, whose origins date back to
the 8th century. The main entrance precedes diaphanous, friendly rooms,
with wooden floors and traditional decoration for the furniture and the
ornamental details. The bedrooms are comfortable and in harmony with the
Parador's overall atmosphere. |
Choose
your favourite region below:
[ Andalucía
][ Aragón
][ Asturias][
Balearics
][ Canaries
][ Cantabria
][ Castilla
La Mancha ]
[ Castilla
y León ][ Cataluña
][ Extremadura
][ Galicia
][ La
Rioja ][ Madrid
][ Murcia
][ Navarra
]
[ País
Vasco ][ Valencian
Community ]
The
Paradores of Spain
|
