f there is one thing that defines the geography and appearance of Cantabria it is the variety of landscapes. This variety is due to the concentration of high mountains, deep valleys and a sheer coastline in an area of little more than 5,000 km2.
ROUTES AND TRAILS
So stunning is the landscape of this region that despite occupying only a small area in central northern Spain, it gives its name to two geographical features that define the Iberian Peninsula on this flank: the Cordillera Cantábrica and the Cantabrian Sea.
A harsh yet beautiful land, it has been worked by the hand of man for hundreds of thousands of years; however it still remains a valuable habitat for local vegetation and wildlife. It is a land of mist and water, in which the brilliant light, filtered by infinite clouds, paints an incredible concert of green on the rocks and cliffs.
The curious, sensitive and knowledgeable traveller will find in Cantabria an infinite number of alternatives with which to turn the exploration of this land into an unforgettable personal experience.
Walking in the region follows routes marked with internationally recognised indications. The trails are divided into long distance (GR - involving six or more stages) and short distance (PR - less than six stages), which can usually be completed in a day or weekend. The long distance trails are marked by white and red stripes and the short distance ones with white and yellow stripes. All these trails are subject to authorisation by the FCM, the organisation responsible for promoting walking in Cantabria.
Apart from these, there are countless unmarked paths running through areas of interest that can be covered on foot - an alternative to the marked paths. Some of the most frequently walked routes, known as "Green Routes" are described here.
The Route of La Venta de Mobejo (Palombera-Bárcena-Mayor). One of the classic routes in Cantabria.
Camino de Santiago
One of the main Jacobean routes, the Northern Camino along the Cantabrian Coast, crosses Cantabria from east to west.
Fuente De Cable Car
The Fuente Dé cable car is just 29 km. from Potes. This is a comfortable and original way to reach the central massif of the Picos de Europa.
Pilgrim Route
to Santo Toribio of Liébana
The monastery of Santo Toribio of Liébana, where the Lignum Crucis (largest existing piece of the Holy Cross) relic is kept.
Blendios Roman Road
A long distance trail that roughly follows the line of the Roman road that ran from Pisorace (Herrera de Pisuerga) to Portus Blendium (Suances).
Route of the Campurrianos
Long distance trail that links Reinoso to Santillana del Mar, following the old drovers' path between the ports of Campoo and the "low country" valleys or Asturias de Santillana.
ROUTES IN CANTABRIA
Click on the Full List button to view all the routes in Cantabria, or use the search on the right to find a specific route.
f there is one thing that defines the geography and appearance of Cantabria it is the variety of landscapes. This variety is due to the concentration of high mountains, deep valleys and a sheer coastline in an area of little more than 5,000 km2.
So stunning is the landscape of this region that despite occupying only a small area in central northern Spain, it gives its name to two geographical features that define the
Iberian Peninsula on this flank: the Cordillera Cantábrica and the Cantabrian Sea.
Walking in the region follows routes marked with internationally recognised indications. The trails are divided into long distance (GR - involving six or more stages) and short distance (PR - less than six stages), which can usually be completed in a day or weekend. The long distance trails are marked by white and red stripes and the short distance ones with white and 
yellow stripes. All these trails are subject to authorisation by the FCM, the organisation responsible for promoting walking in Cantabria.
The Route of La Venta de Mobejo (Palombera-Bárcena-Mayor). One of the classic routes in Cantabria.
