Begin your stay in Santander, on the northern coast of Spain. Admire one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and stroll along the promenades, stopping off in charming cafés. Next up is Gijon, passing through the exquisite cobblestone town of Santillana del Mar.

Wander through old fishing neighbourhoods and gardens, and down to the marina. Drive around the Picos de Europa mountain range, admiring the captivating scenery and stop off in picturesque medieval mountain village Potes, before heading back to Santander for your journey home.

Our offer:

Day 1: Arrival in Santander

Day 2: Santander to Gijon

Day 3: Gijon, Aviles & Cudillero

Day 4: Gijon, Oviedo, & Cangas de Onis

Day 5: Cangas de Onis

Day 6: Canfas de Onis, Potes & Santander

Day 7: Santander

Day 8: Departure from Santander

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN SANTANDER

Collect your car upon arrival at the airport by heading to the hall and meeting the car hire representative. Drive to your first hotel accommodation in Santander, the capital of Cantabria. Admire sea and mountain scenery, and take in the aristocratic atmosphere in the elegant El Sardinero district with its nineteenth-century buildings, charming outdoor terraces and spectacular bay.

There are several beaches and harbours on the northern side of the city and a charming old quarter. In the nineteenth century, the city was a tourist resort for Spanish politicians, aristocrats and other members of the upper class. The city still contains wonderful palaces and promenades, and bay-type architecture with white buildings, old cafés and a famous casino.

Day 2 : SANTANDER - GIJON (185 Km - 3 hrs)

Drive to Gijon after breakfast at the hotel. Make a stop en route at the beautiful coastal towns that line the way. Start with Santillana del Mar, an exquisitely charming cobblestoned town. Continue to Comillas, with the stunning ‘El Capricho’, designed by Antoni Gaudi.

Afterwards, visit San Vicente de la Barquera, an old fishermen´s refuge. It offers stunning views, framed by the Picos de Europa mountain range. Make your way to the village of Llanes, a former major fishing port. Stroll along the San Pedro walk, which runs for more than 800 metres along the cliff tops, with impressive views of the Cantabrian Sea and coast. Continue to Gijon, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3 : GIJON – AVILES – CUDILLERO – GIJON (110km – 1.5 hrs)

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore the seaside town of Gijon with its rich maritime history. The historical quarter is formed by the hill of Santa Catalina and the fishing neighbourhood of Cimadevilla.

Drive towards Aviles, one of the biggest cities in Asturias. The old quarter is dotted with mansions, gardens, fountains and churches. Its natural estuary passes right through the heart of the city and has a pathway with marina views. Continue to the small, picturesque village of Cudillero. The fishermen's taverns, its main attraction, are in a narrow cobbled square next to the sea. Return to Gijon to spend the night.

Day 4 : GIJON – OVIEDO – CANGAS DE ONIS (105km - 1.5hrs)

Bid farewell to Gijon after breakfast at the hotel and drive towards Oviedo, the Asturian capital. Explore the old town, where you will discover the city’s important monumental heritage, which includes its cathedral, churches and monasteries, as well as a great many museums. In the afternoon, head to Cangas de Onis, the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park. Check in to your hotel upon arrival and spend the night here.

Day 5 : CANGAS DE ONIS

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a day of discovery. Head out to explore the village of Cangas de Onis and the beautiful surrounding area. Pay a visit to the Royal Site of Covadonga, an absolute must-see while in the area. A 10-kilometre drive from Cangas de Onis, it's where the Catholic conquest of Spain was restarted under the rule of King Pelayo, to expel the Caliphate from the Iberian Peninsula. Its astounding basilica, alongside its well-known cave, are both considered important places of pilgrimage for people of Asturias.

Day 6 : CANGAS DE ONIS – POTES – SANTANDER (200km – 3.5 hrs)

Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, and then leave  for the Liebana region. Make a stop at the small mediaeval town of Potes, ringed by a breathtaking mountain range. Delve into its little winding alleys and discover its old quarter before heading on to the nearby monastery of Saint Toribio of Liebana. The monastery was built following the Gothic style but with notable Cistercian influences. Return to Santander, where your adventure originally started. Check in to the hotel upon arrival and spend the night.

Day 7 : SANTANDER

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and then spend the day as you see fit, be that heading back out to the already familiar streets of Santander to further explore this fascinating city, or simply relaxing at the hotel making the most of the services available. 

Day 8 : DEPARTURE FROM SANTANDER

Bid farewell to Santander after breakfast at the hotel and drive towards Santander Airport to drop off the car. The car rental hire representative will have told you the return procedure and exact designated area when you picked the car up on the first day. The shuttle service will then transfer you to the terminal for you to catch your flight back home.

Throughout your stay, you'll be accommodated in Standard Rooms in the following hotels (or similar) chosen for your comfort and convenience:

• Santander:  Silken Rio Santander (or similar)
• Gijón: Silken Ciudad Gijón 4* (or similar)
• Cangas de Onís: Parador Cangas de Onís 4* (or similar)

The capital of Cantabria is situated on the northern coast of Spain, opening out onto a fabulous bay. The city has a maritime feel, teamed with elegant Belle Époque buildings.
 
Stroll through the old quarters and visit the pretty turn-of-the-century Magdalena Palace, which has great panoramic views. El Sardinero has a 1.5 km stretch of golden sand, while wilder beaches can be found in Langre.
 
Enjoy the best of new and old Santander with a trip to the futuristic Botín Centre, designed by Renzo Piano, before heading to the city’s fishing district to try local cuisine including fried squid and clams.

The seaside city of Gijón is the largest in Asturias, with an industrial past and a fresh, new look. Pedestrianised streets cross parks and cultural attractions, as they lead down to seafront walks on the harbour.
 
The oldest quarter of Gijón is the fisherman’s quarter, situated on Cimadevilla, with narrow lanes and pretty plazas. The city’s botanical gardens provide a welcome break from the bustling centre, while Parque del Cerro Santa Catalina is a clifftop park with great views.
 
Gijón has no shortage of cool tapas bars with a friendly atmosphere and free-flowing drinks. Snack on spicy mussels in garlic sauces, accompanied by Asturian cider.

Framed by the Picos de Europa mountain range, Cangos di Onís is surrounded by some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

Southeast of the town is the Picos de Europa National Park with plenty of hiking trails, the Lakes of Covadonga, and rich wildlife including golden eagles. Cangas di Onís’ five-arched Roman Bridge is one of the most photographed monuments in Asturias, and the symbol of this lively town.

You’ll find plenty of cheese-making dairies and gourmet shops in the town centre, where good cuisine is plentiful. Visit the traditional Sunday market for tasty produce and an insight into life as a local.