Cantabria & Asturias
Some highlights
While it is still open to the public – booked well in advance – marvel at the human art in a cave from 30,000 years ago and later delve deeper into our shared prehistory at the nearby Altamira Museum.
Think of rolling verdant hills hugging a pristine Atlantic coastline, and that’s Cantabria. Explore picture postcard historic villages such as Santillana del Mar with our top guide.Round up a herd of goats with a shepherd in the Picos de Europa and taste one of Spain’s most famous cheeses in a mountain cave.
The local drink in Asturias is fresh cider and we can take you deep inside the culture with a fascinating visit to a local cider producer.
For fit and experienced hikers, our top mountain guide will introduce you to the spectacular Picos de Europa, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Europe.
With Madrid & Beyond, meet local artisans preserving traditions, from cider makers to fishermen to net-weaving ladies, on a people-focused tour celebrating Asturias' vibrant cultural heritage.
Combine an Excursion to Cangas de Narcea, Home To Cantabrian Bears with some hiking in the nearby Muniellos Nature Reserve: One of the most important oak forests in Europe, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
For those who want it all on one day, go beyond Anthony Bourdain on our “Fishing Villages, Traditional Cider, Seafood, Traditional Cheeses & More!”
Cantabria, with its green benign countryside and old stone villages is instantly seductive. The region is home to some of the oldest artistic representations in human history. Recently identified as the oldest cave artwork in the world, the paintings in El Castillo Cave of Puente Viesgo date back at least 40,800 years. One of our favorite rural hotels in Spain is within perfect striking distance.
It’s a great area for families and couples alike looking to get off the beaten path.
Asturias is simply one of the most stunningly beautiful regions in Europe. The dramatic Picos de Europa mountain range, rising majestically just a short distance from the sea, is a sight to behold. The region’s lush, verdant landscapes have earned Asturias its nickname, “España Verde” (Green Spain).
Asturias offers a microcosm of Spain’s diversity, packing snowy peaks, golden beaches, humble tapas bars, avant-garde dining, vibrant local fiestas, and tranquil valleys where wolves and bears still roam, all within its borders.
Also rich in history, Asturias holds a special place in Spain’s story. It was here, amidst these rugged mountains, that the remaining Christians sought refuge after the Moorish invasion and began the slow but determined Reconquista of Iberia.
OUR HAPPY CLIENTS SAY
Asturias was as fantastic as you told us it would be.
"We truly had a remarkable time in each and every place we went. Every guide you partnered us with was the perfect fit for our trip and our personalities.”
“We absolutely loved Asturias, full stop. The hotel, the guide Elena and the whole thing were just wonderful.”
We went around meeting the Lastres locals - cider factory, anchovy factory, the couple who mend the fishing nets, fishermen bringing in their catch and more.
"I enjoyed meeting all of these people and the delicious tastings. The guide knows everyone… well connected, full of energy and a great guide.”
“Our guide for the day was wonderful. She had a mischievous sense of humor and we loved her passion for prehistory as well as modern day Cantabria.”
They guided us through beautiful Asturias with charm and expertise.
"Our time in Picos de Europa and through the adjacent countryside at Alles was unforgettable.”
“The seafood lunch we had in the village at El Pescador was delicious!”
“The hotel was great and the villages in the surrounding area are really special and worth visiting.”
