The region of Cantabria borders the Cantabrian Sea in the north, the Basque Country in the east, Castile and Leon in the south and the Principality of Asturias in the west. The region can be divided into two distinct areas: inland and the coast. Santander is the capital of Cantabria. Located on a beautiful bay and flanked by enormous beaches, the city, well designed and elegant, suffered damage during the great fire of 1941. However, today, after careful reconstruction, it can be seen to have recovered all its former charm. The beautiful La Magdalena Palace is the annual site of one of the most important international summer university programs in the world. Its museum houses a valuable collection of paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The most notable natural landmark inland is the Cantabrian mountain range, while on the coast the most striking scenery is formed by the Mayor and Ajo capes. The coast has beautiful beaches, and is also lined with steep sheer cliff faces. The interior of the region is dominated by the Picos de Europa. The most notable rivers in Cantabria are: the Aguera, the Ason, the Miera, the Pas, the Besaya, the Nansa and the Deva. The Ebro River is the most abundant river on the Spanish mainland, springing from Fontibre.
The geography of the region is dominated by the most important hydrographical vertex in the whole of Spain: Pena Labrada, where the Cantabrian, the Duero and Ebro basins all meet.
In Cantabria you'll find many attractions worth seeing. Catedral in Santander is a fortress like 13th century cathedral that contains the tomb of Marcelino Menendezy Pelayo, Santander's most famous historian and writer. The 12th century crypt can be entered through the south portico. Roman ruins were found beneath the cathedral's north aisle in 1983.
Museo Regional de Prehistoria y Arqueologia de Cantabria houses an excellent collection of artifacts that were discovered in the Cantabrian province, including Roman and prehistoric finds. There are a range of objects and photographs from the Cuebas de Altamira on display. Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes - the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts houses an excellent collection of works by Flemish; Spanish; and Italian artists. It is famous for its collection of paintings by Gova, including his portrait of Ferdinand VII and his series of Disasters of War.
There are many restaurants in Cantabria to enjoy. Zacarias in Santander is one of the best restaurants in town, and is owned by the best-known chef in Santander, Zacarias Puente Herboso. The restaurant has been very popular with locals and tourists for many years. They serve a wide range of Cantabrian and seafood dishes, including guiso pescadores and manganos encebollados. La Sardina de Plata, the nautically designed restaurant is one of the best in the old city. They serve a wide range of imaginative regional cuisine, including cheese mousse. They also have a wide range of Spanish and other European wines.
Everything you need for unforgettable holidays, you are sure to find here, in Cantabria.