Asturias y Cantabria: Encanto y Aventura

About the destination: Santander is an elegant port city which extends along the northern side of the handsome Bahía de Santander and it's a lively place with much to see and do. It is a deeply historical place full of wide streets, pleasing architecture and waterside restaurants. Santander’s most popular neighbourhood, El Sardinero, was once a very exclusive holiday spot for the wealthy. Nowadays it preserves a belle-époque elegance and its one of the most beautiful parts of the city, especially valued for its environmental quality and spectacular beaches. The Paseo de Pereda, with its typical houses with enclosed balconies, and its gardens constitutes a buoyant boulevard which separates the coastal strip from the historic quarter of Santander. The nearby Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the capital, its earliest construction dating from the 13th century. Under the main chapel is the crypt of El Cristo, a sombre vaulted chamber in which various traces of the Roman era were discovered. There are lots of reasons to like the bustling port city as its good city beaches, its numerous parks and gardens, its gastronomy and its history makes it the perfect gateway.

About the destination: Santillana del Mar is a historic town in Cantabria. Situated on the northern route of the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela, Santillana del Mar is a beautiful medieval town which was developed around the collegiate church of Santa María. Its various defence towers and Renaissance palaces make Santillana one of the most important historical areas of Cantabria. Santillana del Mar is one of the most historic towns and artistic of Spain. Speaking of Santillana is also doing Altamira Caves, described as the Sistine Chapel of cave art, this cave contains what is probably most famous prehistoric paintings in the world.

About the destination: Comillas recorded their first settlements in prehistoric times, as evidenced by the caves of La Meaza , with paleolithic cave paintings 14,000 years ago. They were discovered in 1907. They have also been found in its territory archaeological sites of a castle medieval in Peñacastillo. Times later and perfectly integrated into its surroundings, the cemetery (located on the ruins of a fifteenth century church) is one of the most peculiar symbols, presided over by the outstanding modernist sculpture by Llimona: "The Angel". TheOld Town Square, the parish church and some houses in the center of the village are an excellent example of popular architecture of the eighteenth century. The other notable buildings are the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, time when Comillas enjoyed its maximum economic and social splendor favored by the initiative of Antonio Lopez y Lopez, Indian emigrant to Cuba and founder of the great company shipping "transatlantic". Its financial power and friendship with the Crown won him the title of first Marquis of Comillas, a title that gave Alfonso XII in 1882. The impetus that the Marquis de Comillas gave to his hometown reached its peak in the summers of 1881 and 1882, with the presence of kings, the Court and the Government. On September 6, 1981 was reached in the village celebrate a Council of Ministers. In one of these real vacation, the Marquis had installed the first public lighting in Spain. In the area of Sobrellano , he built the palace of Sobrellano -style neogótico-, which was designed by Martorell and Domenech i Muntaner. Next to it is the chapel pantheon of the same style, and very close, the modernist palace of the great Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi , called " El Capricho. "Faced with this architectural and height of the Cardosa whole stands the Pontifical University of neogothic style with Moorish influence. Its construction was also at the expense of Antonio Lopez y Lopez and is distinguished by its size and its characteristic red color. It also has excellent coffered wood. The Marquis II created the Pontifical University, although the building was erected by the Jesuits Don Claudio is offered to the Pope, granting the title of Pontifical. Today, The Comillas Foundation is a private nonprofit organization, founded in 2005. Its main objective is the implementation, development and management of a center of excellence dedicated to promoting and specialized teaching of language and culture Hispanic. Birthplace of numerous bishops and archbishops, Comillas is known as the "Villa of the Archbishops". He also was the birthplace of other illustrious men like Jesus Cancio, the poet of the sea. The villa has a beach of fine sand next to the fishing port. For himecological interest of its coast , is included in the Natural Park of Oyambre . The most popular and multitudinous fiestas de Comillas are held between 15 and 18 July for the Cristo del Amparo .

About the destination: San Vicente de la Barquera is a municipality of Cantabria in northern Spain. It had a population of 4,412 in 2002. Tourism is its main activity due to the area's natural environment and heritage. Approximately 80% of the municipal area belongs to the Oyambre Natural Park and enjoys a special protection regulated by the autonomous community of Cantabria as a result of its landscape and ecological value.

About the destination: Llanes is a municipality of the province of Asturias. Llanes is bounded to the south by the high ridge of the limestone Sierra del Cuera, which rises to over 1,100 m. The region is part of the Costa Verde (Green Coast) of Spain, which is known for its spectacular coastal scenery, with 32 white sand beaches, and mountains covered with a deep green mantle. Llanes has the appearance of a historic town. Not for nothing has its historic quarter been declared a Historic-Artistic Site and it preserves major examples of civil, religious and military architecture. The San Pedro walk, San Antón, the river Carrocedo and the port are the focal points of town life in Llanes, in former times a major fishing and whaling port. Among other historic structures, it has more than 300 metres of pre-Romanesque wall from the 13th century; the Castle Tower, which is now the site of the Tourist Office.

About the destination: Ribadesella is a small municipality in Asturias. Ribadesella is beautiful coast facing town with the Picos de Europa mountains behind it and the ocean to its Ribadesella old town front. The town itself has a historical heritage that goes back to Prehistorical times, fiestas of International acclaim, some of the best tapas bars and gourmet restaurants on the Costa Verde.

About the destination: Cangas de Onís is a municipality in the eastern part of the province and autonomous community of Asturias. Cangas de Onís, capital of the area of the same name, sits in the valley formed by the rivers Sella and Güeña. The most representative feature of the town is its Roman Bridge, declared to be a Historic-Artistic Site in 1931. Cangas de Onis has historic, scenic and adventure tourist appeal for different reasons. It lies in very close proximity to the popular tourist village of Cavadonga, the scene of an historic battle, as well as being on the edge of the Picos de Europa Mountains. It also has the town of Arriondas, an adventure sports center, just a few kilometers down the road. If you are planning a holiday in Asturias with a focus on the region's natural beauty, walking, canoeing, climbing, or simply relaxing in the heart of green Spain, then Cangas de Onís and the villages around it are ideally where you want to stay.

About the destination: The importance of Covadonga in Asturias and Spain, has led to the sanctuary to be a symbol, based on the legend and the history of this place. The Santa Cueva has become an almost pilgrimage center, around which the temple and complex of Covadonga have been built in 1887, due in large part to Roberto Frasinelli, the German of Corao, to pay homage to the Santina. In the interior, which can not be reached by car, we find the restaurant, the museum and the rest of the buildings belonging to the complex. Here are also the gardens from which there are wonderful views.

About the destination: The importance of Covadonga in Asturias and Spain, has led to the sanctuary to be a symbol, based on the legend and the history of this place. The Santa Cueva has become an almost pilgrimage center, around which the temple and complex of Covadonga have been built in 1887, due in large part to Roberto Frasinelli, the German of Corao, to pay homage to the Santina. In the interior, which can not be reached by car, we find the restaurant, the museum and the rest of the buildings belonging to the complex. Here are also the gardens from which there are wonderful views.

About the destination: Lastres is a small coastal village belonging to the council of Colunga, located in the eastern part of the Principality of Asturias, Spain. Fit between the sea and the mountain, you will soon understand why Llastres is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, a distinction that it officially boasts and is completely deserved. The slopes in the village of Lastres is his sign of identification. From the heights that the village begins we end up descending to the sea, on its small beach and port. Its houses, very close together, and staggered due to the slope, very beautiful, with colors and with the sea in the background, gives it an incredible touch, because they seem to be fairytale. The town of Lastres was declared an Artistic Historical Ensemble and received the Pueblo Ejemplar award by the Prince of Asturias in 2010, so it attracts tourism and there are several interesting places to visit in Lastres.

About the destination: Gijon is a coastal city in Asturias province in northwest Spain. Gijon is a dynamic and lively city where visitors can enjoy numerous parks, sports facilities, restored and protected historical and artistic heritage. As one of the region’s most important cities, Gijon hosts fairs, conventions, concerts and major cultural and sporting events. The Old Town is near the City Hall Square, and it covers several areas. In Marques Square is the statue of King Pelayo and the elegant Revillagigedo Palace. This square is a perfect spot to enjoy a drink in one of its many bars and clubs. Cimadevilla is the old fishermen’s quarter. It is full of small houses, painted with brilliant colours, and full of typical cider bars and night clubs. Straight on from Cimadevilla´s streets, we´ll reach the top of Santa Catalina Highlands, where visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the city and port. Here, you can also find one of the most important monuments in Gijon, an Eduardo Chillida’s Sculpture called "Elogio del Horizonte". Gijon has remains from Roman settlements such as The Campo Valdés baths, dating back to the 1st century AD, which are the largest preserved Roman Baths in Spain. A famous holiday resort among Spaniards, Gijon offers a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene as well as good beaches.

About the destination: Perlora is a city in the municipality of Carreño, in Asturias. In Perlora tourists can enjoy the sights of the sea, and at the same time, the beautiful landscape of the mountains of the province of Asturias. If you want to experience a relaxing tourism, Perlora is the perfect destination.

About the destination: Luanco (Asturian: Lluanco) is the capital parish of the municipality of Gozón, within the province of Asturias, in northern Spain. The population is 5,693 (INE 2007). Luanco is an important tourism point. Well known are the historic buildings of Santa María church, the Torre del Reloj and the Palace of the Menéndez de la Pola family, as well as the beaches of Santa María and La Ribera.

About the destination: Cudillero (Asturian: Cuideiru) is a municipality in the Principality of Asturias, Spain. Nowadays, Cudillero's main economic activities are related to tourism, but it is also known for its fishing industry. A legend says that it was founded by the Vikings. In addition to Castillian some locals still speak a dialect called Pixueto.

About the destination: Oviedo is a cathedral city, capital of Principality of Asturias, in Northern Spain. It is indeed an old city, but with the commodities of any modern city. The architecture of Oviedo is charming and attractive, but the city is best known for its delicious Asturian food. Oviedo is today a city with a remarkable international projection through the Prince of Asturias Awards, presented annually at the Campoamor Theatre, and the International Campus, attended by personalities of the highest global relevance. The old part of Oviedo is called the Casco Antiguo. Wander along cobbled streets admiring its beautifully restored buildings and squares. Located in the centre of Oviedo's old quarter, Plaza de la Constitucion, along with Cathedral Square, is the most central and important square in the city of Oviedo. The square includes the City Hall and the Church of San Isidoro Real, located in the west end of the Plaza. Nearby we have the equally important, Plaza de la Catedral, Cathedral Square. Its highlights are the Gothic Cathedral of Oviedo, the Jardín de los Reyes Caudillos with statues of the Kings of Asturias and the baroque Palace Valdecarzana and Heredia. We can also see the statue of Ana Ozores, a main character of Clarin’s novel The Regent's Wife. Oviedo is proud of its past but it is also is also home to modern industry and commerce. Sleek shopping boutiques selling expensive clothing, handbags and shoes and other high quality items line the city streets. Oviedo has its own stadium, as well as theatres, art galleries, and a university. Public parks and fountains also dot the city and give the locals haven from the hustle and bustle of city life. Oviedo is a fine city where old and new not only coexists, but flourishes together.

About the destination: Santander is an elegant port city which extends along the northern side of the handsome Bahía de Santander and it's a lively place with much to see and do. It is a deeply historical place full of wide streets, pleasing architecture and waterside restaurants. Santander’s most popular neighbourhood, El Sardinero, was once a very exclusive holiday spot for the wealthy. Nowadays it preserves a belle-époque elegance and its one of the most beautiful parts of the city, especially valued for its environmental quality and spectacular beaches. The Paseo de Pereda, with its typical houses with enclosed balconies, and its gardens constitutes a buoyant boulevard which separates the coastal strip from the historic quarter of Santander. The nearby Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the capital, its earliest construction dating from the 13th century. Under the main chapel is the crypt of El Cristo, a sombre vaulted chamber in which various traces of the Roman era were discovered. There are lots of reasons to like the bustling port city as its good city beaches, its numerous parks and gardens, its gastronomy and its history makes it the perfect gateway.