Cantabria & Asturias

Head to this verdant region for its splendid mountain and coastal scenery and enjoy apple cider, Cabrales blue cheese and succulent seafood. Paralleling the coast, the massive Picos de Europa provides spectacular walks, challenging climbing and exciting canoeing. Wildlife includes the Spanish brown bear and wolf: you're unlikely to see these but you will see eagles, hawks and vultures. Down on the gorgeous coast the beaches number among Spain's best and there are surf scenes too. Picturesque fishing villages include Castro Urdiales, Llanes and Cudillero. Prehistory fans can view original cave paintings at some of region's 50 sites. The ...

Head to this verdant region for its splendid mountain and coastal scenery and enjoy apple cider, Cabrales blue cheese and succulent seafood. Paralleling the coast, the massive Picos de Europa provides spectacular walks, challenging climbing and exciting canoeing. Wildlife includes the Spanish brown bear and wolf: you're unlikely to see these but you will see eagles, hawks and vultures. Down on the gorgeous coast the beaches number among Spain's best and there are surf scenes too. Picturesque fishing villages include Castro Urdiales, Llanes and Cudillero. Prehistory fans can view original cave paintings at some of region's 50 sites. The famous Cueva de Altimira is only open to specialist scientists but an excellent replica of the main chamber and its paintings and a museum are the area's major tourist attractions. Stay in beautiful, medieval Santillana del Mar. The ferry port of Santander has atmospheric old bodegas, terrific tapas bars, waterfront cafes and cool nightspots while larger and industrial Gijón and Oviedo retain charming and lively old centers. The Oviedo area is renowned for its pre-Romanesque churches.

About the Expert

John Noble is a coauthor of Lonely Planet's Spain, Andalucia, and Mexico as well as many other LP titles from Indonesia to Belize to Brazil.