Cantabria is very good country for active tourism. There is canyoning and caving, walking, via ferratas and watersports including surfing. Specialist companies run all of it, and the food and the places to stay are worth the trip on their own.
What there is to do
Cantabria offers a great deal, and it stands out for the variety of its landscape and how much of it is untouched. The active tourism in Cantabria is among the best in Spain, and here are some options fora trip or a holiday in the region:
Canyoning
The Ajan canyon
For anyone who wants to be in the water. Natural chutes, abseils of up to 15 metres and optional jumps, over four or five hours. Moderate difficulty, and it suits groups of two or more.
The Argumedo canyon
In the Soba valley, and known for how vertical it is: 13 abseils between 6 and 30 metres. It takes five or six hours and demands a minimum level of fitness. €75 per person for groups of more than two.
The Navedo canyon
In the Hermida gorge, with several abseils and a final 10-metre jump. Around four hours, moderate effort. €60 per person, minimum four people.
The Calera canyon
A dry canyon, and the one to start with. Five abseils between 5 and 15 metres, three or four hours, low effort and open all year. €40 per person, minimum two.
The lower Ajan canyon
The lower section is the introduction. Several jumps of between 2 and 10 metres, all optional, plus an 8-metre abseil and a 6-metre chute. Exactly right for anyone new to canyoning.
The Chorretones canyon
Part of the Pozo Negro canyon in Bizkaia, with abseils of between 2 and 13 metres and a 5-metre chute. Around four hours, moderate effort.
Caving
Cueva Mur
Underground exploration with remarkable geology and interior landscapes, for anyone who is serious about caving.
The Alto Asón caves
A landmark for caving, with spectacular galleries and formations that make them unmissable.
Via ferratas
Routes for beginners
The beginners’ via ferratas here are safe and accessible: vertical routes with rungs and cables to hold you.
Routes for the experienced
The advanced routes are technically and physically harder, and they need previous experience and specific climbing skills.
Walking and snowshoeing
Walking routes
Cantabria is full of hiking routes at every level, from a quiet walk through woodland to a demanding climb in the mountains.
Snowshoe routes
In winter, snowshoeing is an excellent way of seeing the country here: walking on the snow, through a landscape entirely covered by it.
Watersports
Surfing at Somo
Somo is one of the best places for surfing in Cantabria: consistent waves, and several schools teaching at every level.
Diving in the Bay of Santander
The seabed here is rich in both plant and animal life, and several companies run courses and dives.
Canoeing
Canoeing the rivers and reservoirs is a quiet way of seeing the country. There are routes at different levels of skill.
Mountaineering and climbing
Mountain routes
The routes here vary in difficulty and length, from a day’s walk to a longer traverse, at every level.
Climbing at San Roque de Riomiera
One of the most popular activities in the region. The rock here offers a great many climbingroutes, for beginners and for advanced climbers alike.
How to get the most out of it
To get the most out of it, it is worth following a few basic points:
Planning
Book in advance: demand is high, particularly in season, so plan and book with enough time.
Choose the season: some activities, canyoning among them, depend on the weather. The right time of year makes the difference.
Equipment
The right clothes: a wetsuit for canyoning, comfortable footwear for walking.
Safety equipment: the companies usually provide it, but check the condition and ask how it is maintained.
Fitness
Be realistic: there is something at every level, but choose according to the fitness you actually have. It makes the day both safer and better.
Stretch: before any physical activity, to prevent injury.
Safety and guides
Listen to the guides: they know the ground and are trained for whatever comes up.
Tell them: any medical condition or physical limitation, before you start.
Logistics
Check the meeting point: know exactly where and when, so nothing is lost to confusion.
Think about transport: plan how you get there and back, given what is available in Cantabria.
Enjoy active tourism in Cantabria, and everything the region offers in country as good as this.
