27th September, 2019

Walking in Cantabria - a lowdown on our tour

Spain is a country that’s endlessly popular with walkers; often drawn in by its pleasant weather, multi-faceted terrain, and opportunities to eat, drink, and take in the scenery.

The well-kept greenery and lush landscapes of the North are the perfect place from which to base a walking holiday in Spain. Saga is thrilled to offer a wonderful walking holiday in Cantabria, designed to ensure that guests get the chance to explore all that this breathtaking section of the country has to offer.

Walking in Cantabria

Our carefully-planned out walking holiday takes in all of the wonders of the local region - from breathtaking beaches to clifftop lighthouses, mountain peaks, rivers and waterfalls. Part of the wonder of this area is its lush green expanses, and we make sure that you get to see plenty of the great outdoors during the walks.

Walking holidays allow you to explore this fascinating area in all its glory - from wildlife habitats and national parks to towns and villages awash with culture and history. All of this happens in the company of your Saga host and local walking guide, helping to ensure that you never miss a moment.

From this specially-selected hotel, you’ll find yourself right at the heart of the area - with beaches, nature reserves, and clifftop viewpoints all within reach. And, at just a short free bus ride from the town of Santoña, guests also have plenty of opportunity to browse through the shops, pop into a cafe, or enjoy a bite to eat at a local restaurant.

Northern Spain offers visitors a chance to truly immerse themselves in all things Spain - from the culture and the food, to the breathtaking landscapes. Whether you enjoy strolling along a beach of an evening, or want to indulge your penchant for birdwatching, Santoña and the neighbouring areas give holidaymakers plenty of options to explore.

The walks

On this walking holiday you’ll enjoy three full-day and two half-day walks during your seven-night stay, all of which have been carefully planned out - with relevant travel included.

Keep in mind that the walks will involve venturing to a variety of habitats, including rough and uneven ground, ascents and descents, and slippery areas, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

The walks planned for this Cantabrian adventure include scenic trips around the protected Collados del Ason Natural Park, where you’ll get to lose yourself amongst beautiful forests and enjoy the shade of towering trees. Plus, we’ll also be visiting one of Spain’s largest waterfalls - a must-see in the area.

Another walk takes guests along a scenic stretch of La Salve beach, offering excellent views of the Bay of Santoña and Mount Buciero. You’ll also get to enjoy the port of Laredo and Atalaya de Laredo, a selection of buildings that blocked the bay from possible attacks by enemy ships. The perfect blend of natural beauty and history, to bring a little culture to your walk.

If you want to test yourself, travel down the 763 steps to see the ‘horse lighthouse’, Faro del Caballo, in all its glory - a worthy reward after a morning of walking. Plus, with a two-kilometre walk through holm oaks, strawberry trees and laurels to follow, this is sure to be a day you’ll remember.

Our walking holiday also takes you further afield, with a trip to Pedreña, where guests board a boat to Santander. Here you can enjoy many cultural favourites, including the impressive cathedral and Botin Centre of Modern Art, before enjoying more of the city’s famed architecture. Continue to the Peninsula de la Magdalena to visit the Royal Palace of Magdalena, which was built on the coast back in the early 20th century - and was once the summer home of the Spanish royal family.

Your stay at the Juan de la Cosa

With all that walking, you want to know that you’re going to be able to rest and recuperate. Guests will experience a warm and friendly welcome at the Juan de la Cosa, where owners Felipe and Margot are proud to offer comfortable accommodation and delicious food - all with splendid views of the sea.

With all-inclusive board, including buffet-style breakfasts, tasty tapas or snack lunches, and waiter-served dinners in the à la carte restaurant, you will always be perfectly fuelled for a day of walking in the beautiful local area.

To find out more about this wonderful Saga hotel, take a look at our dedicated holiday page. Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Travel consultants to learn more about this or any of our other holidays in magical Northern Spain.

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