explore Cantabria

explore Cantabria – Santillana – Santander – Picos de Europa – Walking holiday – Cooking session – Local producers – Gourmet picnics
Meet us in green Spain in the region of Cantabria! Easy walking holiday along the coast line, the Pasiego Valleys and the impressive Picos de Europa National Park. Learn to cook typical local dishes, as well as modern cuisine on our cooking sessions. Local guides will take you to villages, its people and our beautiful secret spots. The week is completed with interesting visits and sublime gastronomy. (8 days/7 nights)

Thank you Bonito Norte for a wonderfully planned tour! Interesting visits, a whole bunch of good laughs, great company, the family owned hotels, the food, the cooking sessions, I could go on…
Mrs. M. Hagbyhn 2013

Itinerary highlights

During the first days of our explore Cantabria tour we are based in Santander and in beautiful village of Santillana, 20km away from the regional capital. Our walking routes start from our cozy hotels and in the afternoon and evening we will experience fun and inspiring cooking in the kitchen as well as nights to explore on your own. We will learn and participate in local Cantabrian cooking to also take on the modern fusion cuisine. After action-packed first days, we move on to the impressive mountain sceneries at Picos de Europa National Park.

Day 1 Saturday

We fly to Bilbao and continue by bus to the seaside town of Laredo. Intro with a cheese & delicatessen tasting with the guide followed by dinner.

Day 2 Sunday

We are honored to visit an ansjovis producer in Santoña before we the walking begins with a short transfer to the lighthouse in Santander, where you walk high along the wild coast, towards the bay of Santander. A gourmet picnic lunch watching the Sea and after lunch, walk towards the boat that will take us to th city center for check in and rest. Gourmet dinner ends day 2. Hiking 10km without climb.

Day 3 Monday

A short transfer to the lighthouse in Santander, where you walk high along the wild coast, towards El Sardinero Beach and around the beautiful Magdalene Peninsula. Picnic lunch with a delicious fish menu. After lunch, walk towards the city center for visits to the art centre Centro Botín by Renzo Piano. Free evening in Santander. Hiking 10km without climb.

Day 4 Tuesday

We kick off with a dairy visit and continue the morning (due to the tide) with a tidal safari where marine biologist Gustavo teaches us more about life under the surface at Santander’s coast. Afternoon rest and free time before we have a cooking session with famous Chef Fran Jeréz in Santander. Hiking 6 km / 200 meters.

Day 5 Wednesday

By car we reach the Soplao cave with visit. We continue into the valley and head on to a winery close to Potes. Visit and tasting and afterwards, lunch on your own in Potes. Check in and optional 5km walk in the afternoon. Lamb chops for dinner!

Day 6 Thursday

The cable car at Fuente Dé rapidly brings us 900m higher & we begin the route of day 6 from the Cable balcony, one of the most impressive natural observation spots in Spain. The route continues through the green and Alp-like Puertos de Áliva. Traditional lunch at one of the local family restaurants. Rest and dinner in Potes.

Day 7 Friday

Today a short walk takes us to the Santo Toribio monestary. After our walk we will visit a proud cheese producer and get a tasting of the D.O. cheeses Quesucos de Liébana and Picón Bejés-Tresviso. Farewell picnic and transfer to Santander or Bilbao according to your flight schedule.

Day 8 Saturday

Free time in Santander or Bilbao according to your flight schedule. Transfer to airport on your own.

Getting here & transfers

Bilbao is the best airport for regular incoming international flights. However, Ryanair operates to Santander airport from several European cities. From UK there are weekly ferries to Bilbao and Santander. Ask us for the best option!

All bus and minibus transfers in Spain included except last transfer Bilbao Hotel-Airport. Mostly short transfers 30min-1h. Longest transfer Picos-Bilbao 3h.

Hotels & meals

Some pictures from our selected hotels on this tour!

Picos de Europa day 5-7. Another family-owned small Hotel with swimming pool, wonderful setting and if you are lucky enjoy a glass of wine and a some reading on your balchony watching the silent Picos. A long lasting moment…

On this tour you will enjoy breakfast buffets with bread, cereals, juice, coffe & tea, ham, eggs, cheese as well as local sweets to get ready for a day of walking. On the roads and always in hand-picked sceneries you will taste & enjoy local products on charming country picnic lunches, where we often buy fresh products on the visits we make. The dinners will be the delicious results of our cooking session as well as a countryside restaurant visit!

Activities on this tour

Walking Level: Easy Shortest/longest walk 7 km/14 km

Maximum climb 300m Maximum descent 900m

By the coast, in the mountains or in charming villages, our leisure walks to explore Cantabria are always suited for all ages. As we have prepared written detailed itineraries and maps, you will be able to complete each route at your own pace. And if you still need an extra challenge we can provide you with some alternative extra kilometers to complete the physical activity of each day.

Recommended walking accesories : Walking poles, gore tex walking shoes/ low ancle boots, light ruck-sack for daily necessities.

Our cooking session is meant to be learning and inspiring! We will visit small cheese-producers and wineries where we also will be able to taste their products. Delicious and original picnics in hand-picked beautiful outdoor spots, wellness opportunities and just relaxing mindfulness in any of the family owned small country-side hotels where we will feel just like home, will make this week a 100% disconnecting experience.

More tour maps

See the areas we explore on this tour!

What´s included?

7 nights double room at selected Hotel 3*** or equivalent

Transfers and luggage transport according to program

7 Breakfast, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners (Wine in all meals)

Cooking class, apron and recipes

Visits, tastings and activities according to program

Walking routes itineraries and maps

Travel documentation and useful information

Pricing & general Conditions

From 1.340,00€

(230,00€ single room additional fee)

Flight and means of transportation to Spain excluded

Cancellations, Amendments and Refunds Bonito Norte Viajes

Cancellation due to severe sickness, illness, death of close family or catastrophic events at home such as fire, flooding or else: Total refund of the whole Price.

Cancellation due to other reasons

Cancellations up to 7 days tour starting date, 75% refund

Cancellation from 6 days to 48 hours prior to tour start date, 50% refund

Cancellation of tour start date prior to 48h, non-refundable

Tour dates