Attractions & Activities in Asturias & Cantabria

Green Spain is definitely not a land of theme parks and large, noisy crowds - in fact a great deal of the region's allure lies in its very noticeable lack of such things. That's not to say that there isn't lots of fun to be had at popular resorts like Santander and Gijon, but it is the rural areas of Cantabria and Asturias with attractions that were created entirely by nature that are the real stars. With these, man has merely provided the means to enjoy them more fully.

Many of the attractions listed here offer a discount on purchases and entrance fees when you present a Brittany Ferries' Privilege Card. This card is free, and available to all groups and individuals booking a Brittany Ferries' holiday.

Attractions in Asturias

33590 Colombres
(80k west of Santander off the N634)
Tel: 985 41 24 14

Indianos is a name given to those who emigrated to America at the turn of the 19th/ 20th century seeking fortune. Many of them contributed to the development of those countries and made great fortunes. Some returned to their villages in Spain and built what are known as the Indianos mansions, which are both unique and impressive. The museum of the Indianos is set in one of these mansions, and it shows through different pictures and instruments, part of their history.

33940 San Vicente
El Entrego
(3k south of Langreo)
Tel: 985 66 31 33

This is an interesting replica of a coal mine in the heart of Asturias' mining area. In the main building is an exhibition featuring many types of industrial machinery that quickly developed due to the increasing use of coal. You can then take a lift to a mine gallery where you can walk for quite a distance viewing all kinds of mining machinery and techniques.

Open 10am - 2pm & 4 - 7pm (closed Mon) Sun 10am - 2pm.

Plaza de Estación del Norte s/n
Playa de Poniente
33206 Gijon
Tel: 985 30 85 75

Asturias was the second region in Spain to have a railway. The train museum of Gijon occupies a large area of 17,000 square metres, including the old railway station of Estacion del Norte. You'll find a fascinating collection of over 300 pieces, including 50 different restored steam engines and locomotives. Many are still in good working order. This museum tells the story of how the railway in Asturias was constructed, and what its development meant for other industries such as mining.

Open Tues to Sun from 10am - 2pm & 4 - 8pm

Alvarez Garaya, 712-B
33206 Gijon
Tel: 629 41 90 85

This company organises boat trips on both motor and sail boats. Trips are of various durations, ranging from one hour sailing along the bay near Gijon, to longer day trips with stopovers in several nearby fishing villages on the Asturian coast.

Available all year, these trips must be reserved in advance.

Attractions in Cantabria

Plaza de Italia, 1
39005 Santander
Tel: 942 27 60 54

This casino was built at the turn of the century when Santander became a very popular summer resort due to the presence of the royal family on its beaches. You will find all the usual gambling games such as poker, black jack, roulette and others. There is also a slot machine room, bar and cafeteria.

Free entry to the gaming room

C/Independencia, 4
39570 Potes
Tel: 942 73 10 21

La Liébana organise numerous activities including birdwatching, flora observation, excursions on foot, and canoeing. There are also horse riding excursions - choose from 2 to 3 hour trips, or, 2, 3 or 6 day trips across the beautiful valleys and mountains of the Picos de Europa region.

Open daily (except Tue) from 10am - 12 noon and from 4 - 8pm. The office is in the centre of Potes, just before crossing the bridge by the stone bandstand.

C/Arrabal, 18
39003 Santander
Tel: 942 21 65 03

This wine store is in the city centre, just a short walk from the ferry terminal. The shop specialises in many varieties of Spanish wines and the French Owner offers valuable advice on any wine from each region of Spain. Calle Arrabal is approximately 400m from the ferry terminal as you walk down the promenade by the sea and into town.

Open Mon to Fri 10am - 2pm and 5pm-8.30pm. Sat 10am - 2am

39690 Obregón
(20k south-east of Santander)
Tel: 942 56 37 36

This is a wonderful park set up in an old mining site where you will find, in partial freedom, animals from all over the world. Between trees and cliffs you can admire bears, lions, tigers, wolves, elephants, camels etc. You can visit the park by car or on foot and there are plenty of areas to have a picnic or a rest.

Tickets include entry to the reptile exhibition (but not the tourist train). The park is well signposted from Obregón and open daily from 9.30am to sunset.

C/Cervantes, 31
39570 Potes
Tel: 942 73 21 61

Try an excursion in a 4X4 vehicle accompanied by an experienced guide in the Picos de Europa mountains, following the steep tracks in this natural paradise. The office is in the centre of Potes, just after passing the bridge on the right in the direction of Fuente Dé.

Office open daily 10am - 2pm and 4 - 8pm.

Plaza Esperanza, 3
39001 Santander
Tel: 942 21 93 20

Sailtur offers excursions in their luxury motorised sailing boats. Activities include sailing around Santander harbour and the local coast, tuna fishing, dolphin and whale spotting. A weekend's sailing with captain, food, on board lodging and sport activities starts from around 68€ per person (prices vary).

TMC is a flying adventure! Flights leave from Santander airport and you can experience the excitement of flying in motorgliders and enjoy views of the wonderful mountain scenery.

Trips run daily - phone or call into the office in the little square behind the town hall in the centre of Santander.

Both these attractions must be reserved in advance. 7% discount given

39588 Fuente Dé, s/n
Tel: 942 73 66 10

From the Fuente Dé cable car you can admire one of the most outstanding views of the Picos de Europa range. Located in wonderful natural surroundings, the cable car rises from 1094 to 1847m, an ascension of 750m along an impressive cliff. Once at the top, you will be able to trek, have a picnic, or just enjoy the pure air of the mountains.

Please call above telephone number for opening times

Ctra. Potes-Fuente Dé
39586 Potes-Turieno
Tel: 942 73 08 96

This company organizes various horse riding excursions, from a 2 hour ride to a full day or week long trip in the Picos de Europa. They provide all the equipment for you to enjoy the older tracks in this wonderful mountain environment. To arrange your ride please check for availability at La Isla Campsite, 3k from Potes on the road to Fuente Dé.

Prices shown for both excursions in Potes are based on a half day - please enquire at the site for full day tariffs.