CANTABRIA
LOCATION
Cantabria is a Spanish autonomous
community. Bordered on the east
by País Vasco, on the south by
Castilla y Leon, on the west by
Asturias and on the north by
the Cantabrian
Sea. The city of Santander is
the capital and most populous city.
Cantabria is
located in the Cantabrian coast, the
name given to the strip of landbetween the Cantabrian Sea and the
Cantabrian mountains in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. It has a humid
oceanic climate and moderate temperatures,
stronglyinfluenced by winds from the Atlantic
Ocean crashing against the mountains.
Cantabria is the world's richest region in the Upper
Paleolithic archaeological sites,although the
first signs of human occupation dating from the Lower
Paleolithic.
PLACES OF INETREST
Alto
Campoo
It’s a ski resort that is part of a resort that
can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Peaks over 2,000 meters. These features
have made the Alto Campo station in one
of the best in the Cantabrian Mountains.
Has 17 km of prepared slopes and trails. 1
green, 2 blue, 8 red, 5 routes link.
The privileged location of the station, nestled in the valley of Campo, to
admire some amazing views that include land, sea and air. Alto Campo
is located just 92 km from Santander and access possibilities presented
are many: by plane, through Santander airport, and rail or road.
Altamira Caves
The art has its most important prehistoric monument in the caves of
Altamira are located near Santillana del Mar, a town in itself is wonderful.
Although their discovery was an accident by a hunter in 1868, and
originally was called the cave
of Juan Montero, the
appreciation of its value and
its study was by Marcelino
Sainz de Sautuola. In fact it
was her daughter, Mary, of
eight years old, which in 1879
drew showed his father the
paintings of the cave.
The paintings are about 14.000 years old, we can mostly see them in the
ceilings of caves, and represent bison, deer, boars, horses ... Paintings
are made with natural ochres and red blood color outlined in black. The
total length of the cave which is about 270 meters and an irregular
layout consists of a hall and a gallery, but the side room that contains
the best paintings is just 30 meters from the entrance and its dimensions
are 18 m. long, 9 meters wide and 1.1 to 2.65 m. high.
Is currently conducting a new study of the conditions of conservation of
the cave of Altamira, so have been temporarily halted the visits.
Cabarceno zoo
Africa, America, Asia and Australia are
Cantabria. A jungle of rock, metal and fauna to
hide a treasure of nature. Over thousands of
square feet on five continents dream possible.
The Nature Park is a spectacular Cabárceno wildlife paradise that
houses hundreds of animals in semi representatives of all zoological
communities on Earth. In this book of endangered species can be seen,
as in any other part of Europe, the sight of a distant wildlife: tigers, bears,
lions, jaguars, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, ... that live and
reproduce in a habitat millennium, now recovered.
The Soplao Cave
It’s a cave located in Cantabria. It ¡s unique in all the world because of
the quality and the quanitity of geologic formations. It is 17 km in length,
but only 6km open to the public.
The cave was accidentally
discovered during the drilling
mining subsequently being
exploited for the extraction of
minerals. During its operation,
many local families were
supported with the income they
got from the mining, collated
with the livestock. After
decades of neglect, caving,
and in particular the Cantabria University Caving Club since 1975, he
discovered his true geological value.
On July 1, 2005 the Government of Cantabria opened to the public and
broadcast internationally, after conditioning inside and around for
tourism and prohibit any activity the club discoverer.
The Soplao is part of the 6,500 underground caves of Cantabria, without
doubt, are a paradise for caving.
CANTABRIAN TYPICAL FOOD
Seafood: Crabs, lobsters, clams, crayfish,
king prawns, mackerel, sea bass, sardines
and bonito. Are the most typical sea food .
Sardines are served simply grilled or
baked, accompanied by a sauce made
from anchovies, olive oil and lemon juice.
Meat: Cantabria is a top milk-producing
region. Smokey chorizo sausage flavored with Spanish paprika and a spicy
morcilla (blood sausage). Veal and lamb also are very typical.
Regional specialities: Cantabria is
known for its stews. Marmitako is a
fisherman's stew that includes tuna
or sardines cooked with potatoes,
peppers, onions, garlic and
tomatoes, the peppers reflecting
the influence of the nearby Basque
country. Cocido Montanes is
made from dried beans, bacon,
salt pork, chorizo, morcilla, a pig's
ear, cabbage, onion, garlic and
paprika. Hake in green sauce is another local
specialty.
Cheeses: Cantabria is a major milk production.
Perhaps the most famous is Picon, a mountain
cheese made in the area around the villages of
Bejes and Tresviso.
Desserts: Spaniards like to say that the people of
Cantabria are known for their sweet tooth. The rich milk and cream of the
region is used to make custards. Cheesecakes from the Pas Valley and puff
pastries sprinkled with sugar are other regional specialties. Cantabria is not a
major wine-growing region. Meals often end with a glass of the potent orujo, a
distilled spirit that locals believe aids digestion.
TYPICAL FESTIVIETIES
Battle of Flowers in Laredo - Last Friday in August.
Surely, one of the most spectacular and beautiful
celebrations of Cantabria. It is the day when
thousands of people gather for a parade of beautiful
floats covered with flowers. Artistically decorated with
petals and flowers.
Mariners Carnival Santoña - Month of February.
Considered one of the most colorful and original
carnivals of Spain, the Mariners Carnival held in the
village of Santoña are divided into three acts.
The Virgin of the light in Aliva (Camaleño)
- Day 2 July.
It consists on the pilgrimage with Mass and
procession. After the picnic, held a horse
race and the call of the 'thread', a foot race
in which winners receive a bunch of donuts.
The festival concludes with an evening party
held in the town of Espinama, a few miles
away.
Fiesta de la Folie in San Vicente de la Barquera - After Easter
Declared a Festival of National
Tourist Interest, the Barquerena
recall every year the arrival of its
patron saint, the Virgen de la
Barquera, the waters of the ria of
San Vicente with a procession at
sea. It is said that the Virgin came
in a boat without oars or crew. The
image of the Virgin is placed on a
table near the pier and driven by
the sea on the sanctuary where
the expected number of girls
playing their tambourines and
singing the "Picayos" songs alluding
to the patron. The sailors bring the
image to shoulder in their fishing boats decorated and are followed by
other boats.