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

Escuela Asturiana de Piragüismo

Finca Fundición de Coviella, El Portazgu
33540 Arriondas
Tel: 985 84 12 82 www.piraguismo.com

This centre organises various outdoor activities including canoe/kayak descents down the river Sella. Trips take around 2-3 hours, previous experience is unnecessary & lifejackets are provided but you must be able to swim 50m. The river is also the setting for an annual international canoeing event, with hundreds of participants.

Open all year, weather permitting. Exit the A8 at Arriondas/Cangas - the centre is by the roundabout.

Fundación Archivo de Indianos

33590 Colombres
(80k west of Santander off the N634)
Tel: 985 41 20 05

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

Open June-Sept 11.00-14.00 & 17.00-20.00, 1 Oct-31 May 10.00-14.00 & 16.00-19.00, Sun 10.00-14.00. Closed Mon all year.

Museo de la Minería y de la Industria

C/ El Trabanquin, s/n
33940 El Entrego
(24k south-east of Oviedo)
Tel: 985 66 31 33

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

Open 10.30-14.00 & 16.00-19.00 (closed Mon). Sun 10.30-14.00 only.

Museo del Jurásico de Asturias

LG Rasa de San Telmo, s/n
33328 Colunga - San Juan de Duz
Tel: 902 306 600

Modern, futuristic building housing a museum dedicated to the Jurassic age. There are fossils and fantastic reproductions of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs known to man, and all kinds of audiovisual presentations to bring this prehistoric era to life.

Open daily at Easter and from July to mid Sept 11.00-14.00 and 16.00-20.00. Rest of year open Weds to Sun 11.00-14.00 and 16.00-18.00 (closed Mon/Tues).

Museo del Ferrocarril de Asturias

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

Nautica Costa Verde S.A.

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

Gran Casino Sardinero

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

Santander Easy

Tel: 616 701 055 www.santandereasy.com

As the name suggests, this company aims to make visits to Santander and this region of northern Spain 'easy' for tourists. All kinds of private tours can be arranged, from helicopter trips to shopping, visits to museums (for example the Guggenheim in Bilbao), the caves in Cantabria or trips into the Picos mountains, stopping at some popular towns & villages. You may be collected & taken back to your hotel or accommodation.

Please contact the mobile number above for bookings or further information (English spoken).

Museo Marítimo del Cantabrico

San Martin de Bajamar s/n
39004 Santander
Tel: 942 274 962 www.museosdecantabria.com

A fascinating maritime museum where whales, sharks, galleons and transatlantic liners are all featured. There is a large aquarium with over 700,000 litres of water containing species of marine life found in the Cantabrian sea & mammal skeletons including one of a 24-metre shark.

Open 10.00-18.00 from 1 Oct to 30 Apr & 10.00-19.00 from 2 May to 30 Sept. Closed Mondays, Good Friday, 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec.

Zoo de Santillana

Avda del Zoológico, 4
39330 Santillana del Mar
Tel: 942 818 125
This is considered to be one of the 4 best zoos in Spain with over 2000 animals and 300 species of trees and flowers set in 60,000sqm. There's also a Stone Age park which takes the visitor back 14,000 years. Free parking. Bar & cafeteria.

Open all year from 09.30 to late evening.

Alpine Project

Selaya
Tel: 660 070 834 www.alpineproject.es

This is a small, family run company specialising in all kinds of mountain activities including hiking, excursions, climbing, kayaking, rafting etc in the Cantabrian mountain range. Enthusiastic, highly experienced professionals will safely guide clients of all levels of ability from beginners to experts.

For further details & reservations please contact the number above.

Spain Surf Holidays

C/Isabel 11, 8-7A
39002 Santander
Tel: 636 595 571 www.spainsurfholidays.com

Just across the bay from Santander, this surf school is by Loredo's lovely beach with its perfect surfing conditions. The school is based in a youth hostel (but courses are suitable for all ages) and run by a young enthusiastic team of experienced professional instructors. All equipment is provided except towels.

Activities from end Mar to end Oct (subject to weather). Book at least 24hrs in advance.

Teleférico Fuente Dé

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

Forestal Park

Avda del Faro s/n
39012 Santander
Tel: 608 117 116 www.forestalpark.com

Within the city of Santander, near the Cabo Mayor lighthouse, Forestal Park offers outdoor adventure activities designed and constructed following strict safety rules to provide fun & enjoyment with zip wires etc in a pretty setting in the woods.

Open Jun-Sept 10.00-20.00. Rest of year generally only weekends, holidays & Easter 10.00-18.00. Phone above number for details.

Bahía de Santander

C/Camilo Alonso Vega, 4-8°C
39007 Santander
Tel: 630 258 513 www.bahiasantander.es

Enjoy a different view of the city and take a guided boat trip in the bay of Santander to observe the many marine birds, visit the fishing areas and also see the activity of the commercial port. Don't forget your camera!
Trips must be booked in advance (English spoken).