“La Tierruca” is a destination that can surprise visitors at any time of year. A region where sea and mountains coexist just a few kilometres apart, where nature shapes the rhythm of the landscape, and where history, gastronomy, and culture are part of every experience. On this seven-day journey, we invite you to discover Cantabria through 21 unique experiences that reflect the most authentic essence of this infinite land: nature, heritage, gastronomy, culture, and adventure, a trip designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace and to inspire emotion at every turn.

Day 1. Santander: Culture, gastronomy and the beauty of the bay

The first stop of the journey is Santander, the capital of Cantabria and one of the most elegant coastal cities in northern Spain.

Santander Bay defines the character of the city. A stroll along the waterfront, from the Pereda Gardens to the Botín Centre, reveals a bright city open to the sea and deeply connected to culture.

BOTÍN CENTRE

Santander is also experiencing a major artistic and cultural transformation with the addition of landmark spaces such as Faro Santander, the future MUPAC-Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, and the Reina Sofía Museum-Archivo Lafuente, projects that will strengthen the city’s cultural position nationally and internationally.

The day is also an excellent opportunity to enjoy the local gastronomy. Rabas (fried squid), Cantabrian anchovies, and fresh seafood are essential elements of any visit.

CANTABRIAN FRIED SQUID

In the afternoon, El Sardinero and the Magdalena Palace offer one of Cantabria’s most iconic landscapes, especially at sunset, when the light transforms the bay into a truly unique setting.

Recommended experiences:

• Stroll around Santander Bay.
• Visit the Botín Centre and the city’s cultural district.
• Discover El Sardinero and the Magdalena Palace.

MAGDALENA PALACE

Day 2. Pasiego Valleys and Liérganes: The rural essence of Cantabria

The Pasiego Valleys represent one of the most authentic images of Cantabria. Green meadows, gentle mountains, and traditional stone cabins create a landscape deeply linked to rural life.

PASIEGO VALLEYS

Pasiego gastronomy is one of the area’s greatest attractions. Sobaos, quesadas, and artisanal butter are part of a culinary tradition recognised both within and beyond Cantabria.

Exploring this region offers insight into a way of life closely connected to nature and local traditions.

The journey continues to Liérganes, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its cobbled streets, historic manor houses, and centuries-old bridges preserve the essence of traditional Cantabrian architecture. Beyond its heritage, the village also forms part of Cantabria’s legendary folklore through the story of the Fish-Man, one of the region’s best-known legends.

Recommended experiences:

• Taste traditional Pasiego products.
• Discover the traditional cabins of the Pasiego Valleys.
• Walk through the historic centre of Liérganes.

LIÉRGANES

Day 3. Liébana and the Picos de Europa: Nature in its purest form

The Liébana region and the Picos de Europa offer some of the most spectacular landscapes in northern Spain.

The Fuente Dé Cable Car provides access to a high-mountain environment with breathtaking panoramic views over the mountain ranges and the valleys of Liébana.

CABLE CAR OF THE PICOS DE EUROPA, IN FUENTE DÉ

Here, nature combines with rich and authentic gastronomy. Cocido lebaniego, artisanal cheeses, and orujo liqueur are part of the culinary identity of the region.

Liébana is also one of Cantabria’s leading spiritual tourism destinations thanks to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, one of Christianity’s holy sites.

The day can conclude at the Santa Catalina Viewpoint, suspended above the La Hermida gorge and considered one of Cantabria’s finest natural balconies.

Recommended experiences:

• Ride the Fuente Dé Cable Car.
• Discover traditional Liébana cuisine.
• Visit Santo Toribio and the Santa Catalina Viewpoint.

MONASTERY OF SANTO TORIBIO DE LIÉBANA

Discover Cantabria through our podcasts as well, and continue exploring an infinite land!

Day 4. Altamira, Santillana del Mar and Comillas: World heritage

Cantabria preserves historical and artistic heritage of international significance.

The Altamira Museum and Neocave offer insight into Paleolithic cave art, symbolising the Cantabrian caves declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

ALTAMIRA MUSEUM

Nearby lies Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval towns. Its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana make it one of Cantabria’s greatest heritage landmarks.

The route continues to Comillas, a modernist seaside town overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, home to stately architecture and one of Antoni Gaudí’s most unique creations: Gaudí’s Caprice.

Art, architecture, and landscape coexist here in perfect harmony.

Recommended experiences:

• Visit Altamira and Cantabria’s cave art heritage.
• Explore Santillana del Mar and its Collegiate Church.
• Discover Gaudí’s Caprice in Comillas.

GAUDÍ’S CAPRICE

Day 5. Active Tourism between sea and mountains

Cantabria is also an ideal destination for travellers seeking adventure and outdoor sports experiences.

The Cantabrian coast is one of northern Spain’s leading surfing destinations. Several beaches in the region form part of recognised Surfing Nature Reserves, reinforcing Cantabria’s historic connection with the sport.

Sailing and water sports also offer the chance to enjoy the coastline from a different perspective, always in direct contact with the sea.

Inland, via ferratas and other mountain activities provide unique experiences among gorges, forests, and rocky cliffs.

The diversity of the region makes Cantabria the perfect destination to combine nature, sport, and adventure.

Recommended experiences:

• Surf along the Cantabrian coast.
• Enjoy nautical activities.
• Discover via ferratas and mountain adventure tourism.

Day 6. Cabárceno and gastronomic excellence

The Cabárceno Nature Park is one of Cantabria’s leading tourist attractions and an essential experience for visitors to the region.

Located within a spectacular former open-pit mining landscape, the park is home to animal species from five continents living in vast natural spaces, combining nature, environmental education, and scenery in a setting unique in Europe.

THE CABÁRCENO NATURAL PARK

The journey continues through the flavours of Cantabria. Local markets and producers introduce visitors to authentic gastronomy based on quality and origin: artisanal cheeses, Cantabrian anchovies, preserves, grass-fed meats, and locally sourced products that fill every corner with aromas and tradition.

In the evening, the gastronomic experience reaches another level thanks to the region’s renowned fine dining scene and Michelin-starred restaurants, where innovation and tradition come together to reinterpret the essence of the territory.

Because here, true luxury lies in the authenticity of its products and the connection to a land that can be tasted in every dish.

Recommended experiences:

• Visit Cabárceno Nature Park.
• Discover Cantabrian gastronomic products.
• Enjoy the region’s haute cuisine.

Day 7. Costa Quebrada, wellbeing and contemporary culture

The final day of the journey invites visitors to experience a more relaxed side of Cantabria, where nature, wellbeing, and culture come together to bring the trip to an unforgettable close.

The day can begin at one of the region’s spas and thermal centres, surrounded by nature and designed for relaxation and tranquillity.

PUENTE VIESGO GRAND SPA HOTEL

Afterwards, discover the UNESCO Global Geopark Costa Quebrada, home to one of the most impressive coastal landscapes in Europe. Cliffs, natural arches, and rock formations sculpted over millions of years reveal the raw beauty and power of the Cantabrian Sea.

The journey ends by discovering a contemporary and creative Cantabria, where museums, festivals, architecture, and new cultural spaces coexist alongside tradition and historical heritage, reflecting a region that looks to the future without losing its essence.

Recommended experiences:

• Relax in a Cantabrian spa.
• Discover the Costa Quebrada Geopark.
• Explore Cantabria’s contemporary cultural scene.

COSTA QUEBRADA

The next time you think about a different kind of getaway, think of Cantabria. Seven days may be enough to discover landscapes that inspire emotion, flavours that remain in the memory, and experiences capable of connecting with you in a truly authentic way.

Have you already experienced any of these moments? We invite you to discover Cantabria and share your favourite experiences on our social media channels (Facebook, X, ) using the hashtag #ComparteCantabria.

Because Cantabria is not just visited: it is felt, remembered… and always invites you to return.