After my private trip to Gran Canaria, later meeting with my girlfriend in Sevilla, going together to Santander and from there to Bilbao, we changed Basque country for North part of Spain called Cantabria again. As arriving by bus to Unquera still with a small hangover from Bilbao, our friend Elena was already waiting for us there. As our first trip Elena has chosen to take us for a cup of coffee to a hotel with stunning views near city called San Vicente de la Barquera. It was something totally different I am used to see in Slovakia or in Andalusia. I think the picture describes it all pretty good.
After a small refreshment and lots of pictures taken of those amazing views we arrived to a village called Comillas. I would never expect such a small village (in Spanish proportions) to be full of beautiful things to see. The whole village had a special atmosphere and rich look. You can find there El Capricho, a building by Gaudi, famous Catalan architect, Pontificial university, Palace of Sobrellano, a cemetery overlooking the ocean, a beach with views of endless coast line and much more. I have to admit Comillas was the most beautiful village I have seen in the North Spain.
Very close to the title of the most beautiful village of North was village called Potes, our next stop on the next day of our trip. Potes is a small village on the curvy way to “Picos de Europa” = “Peaks of Europe”. The surrounding nature of Potes reminded me of North Slovakia forests and mountains. But it felt differently, because just 30 minutes ago we could be swimming in ocean and 30 minutes later we could be skiing. That is the place I would like to live.
Our last stop took us out of Cantabria province to the neighbours in Asturias, specifically to village called Llanes. Again for me something totally different, but amazing at the same time. The river floating through the village had such a strangely-cool looking water full of fish and colourful boats.
Another nice surprise were originally painted concrete blocks also known as Tetrapod, which are used as an armour unit on breakwaters. You can see these blocks everywhere in the world, but it was a first time I have seen them painted. That could be a good idea for some kids to do the same maybe in your city also.
But Llanes had much more to offer. We had a beautiful walk on its coastline from where you can see the endless ocean, take a picture sitting on a movie director-like chair, listen to a guy playing bagpipes pretty good or feed the hordes of seagulls which can later poop at you so be careful!
This was my first time in Cantabria and Asturias and I must say it was totally different and hundred times better than I expected. Even tho the weather was much worse than one week ago in Andalusia, but in the end of this trip I didn’t mind this at all. Thanks to Elena and her boyfriend Juanma we were able to see so many beautiful places in such a short time, sleep in the house with the coolest views ever, try some of the best local foods and finally making a new friends.
