Cantabria walks

This asymmetrical hike begins with an ascent by cable car, which explains the big difference between the positive and negative elevation gains. Superb views of the Picos de Europa and a good workout for your calves on the descent.

A short walk along the seafront in Santander to see the Cabo Mayor lighthouse, following the coastal path in Mataleñas Park. Several beautiful viewpoints along the way, including Mirador de Mataleñas and Mirador de Cabo Minor.

Andara Massif. This peak enjoys great prestige due to legends. At the summit is a bronze statue dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Every 10 years since 1900, there has been a pilgrimage. It presents no technical difficulty. Access is via a car park at Jito de Escandari.

Between Santander and Larédo, the Cantabrian coast alternates between impressive cliffs and rias with huge, very attractive beaches. The stretch of coastline between the Ria de Ajo and the Joyel marshes gives a good overview of this and offers the opportunity for a beautiful, physically demanding walk. And what a pleasure it is to enjoy the gentle beaches at each end.

A circular loop from Potes to Pordeciar, a ghost village where it feels as if the inhabitants have just left. Paths surrounded mainly by cork oaks and arbutus trees. Some of the oaks have been pruned for cork harvesting. An easy route with no difficulty, there are many possible paths and the village of Porciedar is marked by wooden signs. There is an excellent view of the highest Picos de Europa peaks.

Monte Buciero, which rises to almost 400 m, is an ancient island that a fragile sandbar has connected to the Cantabrian coast. Separated by a few hundred metres from the long sandy strip that leads to Larédo, it watches the ebb and flow of the tide as it fills and empties the marshes of Santona. The town nestles in its shelter, and its port, one of the busiest in Spain, makes it the anchovy capital. The proposed route around this hill offers views over the marshes and the magnificent beaches that surround them, and connects the lighthouses that dot this rather rugged coastline.

Discover the mythological trail while enjoying the panoramic views of Mount Hozarco in Peñarrubia. In the heart of the Picos de Europa, this is a trail for the whole family to enjoy as you discover the different creatures of the region.