The Transcantabrico: Visits and Excursions

Visits and Excursions

San Sebastian (Vasco Country)

San Sebastian stretches along the white sand bay of La Concha, located between the Urgull and Igeldo mountains. It is one of Spain’s stately cities, among the most attractive on the Cantabrian coast. In this city, the traditional old layout coexists with modernity. In the old town of San Sebastian, we will find some notable monuments such as the Church of San Vicente (Gothic) and the Church of Santa María del Coro (Renaissance-Baroque), as well as the San Telmo Museum with its typically lively streets. San Sebastian is a cosmopolitan city with Basque personality, as reflected in its cultural events.

Bilbao (Vasco Country)

The city of Bilbao stands out for its combination of the avant-garde with the traditional flavor of its old town, full of charming streets and typical bars, where gastronomy takes on special prominence. Its old town, with more than 700 years of history, boasts iconic buildings full of history, such as the Cathedral or its theater (inspired by the Paris Opera House), its traditional character shops, and others more avant-garde that shape the old quarter of Bilbao. A cultural and gastronomic city, although it is also a green city with different parks and surrounded by hills.

Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum (Vasco Country)

In Bilbao, it is also known as “The city of the Guggenheim”, a museum that opened in 1997, unique and avant-garde, its structure and original design are impressive and it has become an international reference of modernity. The collection includes works by great figures of the artistic world: David Salle, Chillida, Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois, Robert Rauschenberg… In addition, it hosts top-level exhibitions and culturally significant events scheduled throughout the year.

Santander (Cantabria)

Santander, also known as the “bride of the sea,” is located in one of the most beautiful bays in the world, situated in a privileged location that combines green mountain landscapes with white sandy beaches. A city of maritime tradition with majestic buildings and palatial constructions. One of the jewels of Santander is the Palacio de la Magdalena. This Santander contrasts with the more avant-garde side, exemplified by the Centro Botín, a building that serves as a center for exhibitions and cultural activities.

Potes (Cantabria)

Potes is one of those charming villages found in Spain. It is located in the center of the historic region of Liébana, an area of privileged nature, surrounded by mountains, crossed by numerous rivers and streams. Its old town is declared a “Cultural Interest Site.” Walking through its streets is a genuine pleasure for the senses as they are full of history, with numerous bridges, in addition to its houses and historical monuments, highlighting the Torre del Infantado.

La Hermida Spa (Cantabria)

The mineral-medicinal springs of La Hermida have been used since the 17th century. From the mid-1800s, their use was consolidated, and in 1880, the Gran Hotel la Iglesia and the new thermal galleries were built. Its location is spectacular, in the middle of the La Hermida gorge and at the entrance of the Picos de Europa National Park. It was reconstructed between 2003 and 2006.

El Capricho de Gaudí, Comillas (Cantabria)

A work by Antonio Gaudí from the 19th century, in modernist style, this building is original and innovative, blending arabesque elements in its tiles and mainly exposed brickwork, with neo-Gothic and tree-like forms. Its cylindrical tower and stained glass windows stand out, always with references to music and nature. Gaudí, always innovative, uses iron decoration, something unusual for the time.

Neo-cave of Altamira (Cantabria)

The original cave is over 14,000 years old and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered the finest representation of cave art in the world due to the quality and quantity of images inside (bison, deer, horses…). It is also known as the “Sistine Chapel of cave art”. To preserve its conservation, an exact replica of its structure and paintings has been created in the Neo-cave of the Altamira Museum, using the same painting techniques as the originals.

Santillana de Mar (Cantabria)

A charming medieval town, considered one of the most important historic ensembles in northern Spain, declared a National Monument. The origin of the town dates back to the 8th century when a medieval village began to develop with the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana as its center, considered a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture in northern Spain. Other medieval monuments include the Merino Tower (14th century) and the Don Borja Tower (15th century), although visiting the town also allows you to admire Renaissance palaces and Baroque-style mansions.

Enol Lake (Asturias)

Lake Enol is located near Covadonga, in the Picos de Europa mountains. Its origin is glacial and it is located at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level. It is an ideal place to contemplate beautiful landscapes and go hiking. It reaches a depth of over 20 meters. Beneath its waters lies a replica of the Virgin of Covadonga that emerges every September 8th on her feast day.

Covadonga Santuary (Asturias)

It is a basilica located at the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park and is the place where the Virgin of Covadonga is venerated, popularly known as “La Santina,” the patron saint of Asturias. The basilica is in the neo-Romanesque style with two tall towers flanking the main entrance. Inside, valuable works of art are preserved. In the square of this place stands the statue of King Pelayo. In the cave, you can find the image of La Santina, the tomb of King Pelayo, and that of Alfonso I.

Oviedo (Asturias)

This city was founded in the 8th century and still retains its medieval value in its historic center with an easy-to-visit pedestrian layout. A tour with significant monuments, the most representative being its Cathedral in flamboyant Gothic style, although with other interesting ones such as the Palace of the Marqués de San Félix, the University, etc. There are also statues of illustrious figures along its route. Its squares, streets, and many other corners make this city one of the most beautiful in northern Spain.

Cathedrals Beach, Ribadeo (Galicia)

The Playa de las Catedrales is located on the Cantabrian coast, in the province of Lugo. Its natural location between the sea and the mountain foothills has produced a geomorphological formation that has given rise to beaches next to the cliffs and sandy areas. When the sea level drops, it allows us to walk through narrow passages between the cliffs, caves, crevices, and cross its huge arches. A unique spectacle of nature for the senses. It is also known as Praia As Catedrais.

Ribadeo (Galicia)

Located in the estuary of the same name, in the Ribadeo estuary that separates the territories of Asturias and Galicia, it is a place of great natural beauty with a rich biological diversity and was declared a biosphere reserve in 2007. The Marquis of Sargadelos was the driving force behind modern Ribadeo, highlighting the modernist manor house of the Moreno brothers. Ribadeo is a town to stroll through its corners and discover its picturesque neighborhoods, streets with history, and traditional local shops where you can make typical purchases, an example of this is the Plaza de Abastos.

Viveiro (Galicia)

Located in the Viveiro estuary, which is the largest in the Cantabrian Sea, Viveiro is another charming town with the title of villa. It has an important cultural and artistic heritage, such as the old medieval wall, its Romanesque Church of Santa María, and the Church and Convent of San Francisco, declared an Artistic Historic Ensemble. Furthermore, due to its privileged location, beautiful landscapes and beaches of great beauty can be contemplated, where water sports and fishing are practiced. Hunting and hiking are other options offered by this beautiful place.

Santiago de Compostela (Galicia)

Famous worldwide for centuries as the place where all the Caminos de Santiago (Ways of St. James) converge, a tradition where pilgrims complete this journey at the grand Cathedral and visit the remains of the apostle St. James.
The Plaza del Obradoiro is the nerve center of Santiago, where the Cathedral, the Palace of Raxoi, and the luxurious Parador de los Reyes Católicos are located. Furthermore, Santiago has much to offer to visitors; in fact, its historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Squares like Platerías, Quintana with its staircase, and other monuments like the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario make this city one of the most beautiful in Spain.