The Autonomous Region of Cantabria is located in the northern Iberian
Peninsula, bordering the Cantabrian Sea. Its territory is bound on
the north by the ocean, to the east by the Basque Country, to the south by
Castilla y León, and to the west by the Principality of Asturias. Unlike
most other Spanish regions, this one has only a single province. The
temperatures are mild year-round, due to its damp Atlantic climate, throughout
most of the region, except for the mountainous inland areas where the
thermometer falls below 0º C in winter, with deep snows.
This region can be divided into two distinct geographic areas: the coast and the
interior. The mountainous interior’s most notable natural landmark is the
Cantabrian Range, and on the coast, the most striking features are Cape Mayor
and Cape Ajo. The coasts, with their looming cliffs interspersed with
coves, also boasts beautiful beaches. The interior is dominated by the
Picos de Europa Mountains, with the highest peak in the region being Pena
Vieja, having an altitude of 2613 m. 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.
Its many well-kept beaches, excellent mountain hiking routes, varied cuisine,
natural parks, and important artistic and historic monuments constitute
Cantabria’s main tourist attractions.
For more information:
Cantabria Tourism website