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I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the northern part of Spain in September last year. Cantabria conquered me with its landscapes, with its positive people and colorful vibes.
Start of the Journey
Spain and its wonders – Basque Country
My journey started once I landed on the small Santander Airport, together with the 1st week tour coordinator and the group from Romania, more than 30 nice people who visited the Basque Country for their first time. This was a Senior Circuit holiday, so all the excursions and places that I learned about were adapted to ages between 50 and 90 years old. I was quite amazed about the positivity and energy of both of the groups that came in to Spain, for the 1st and for the 2nd week of the circuit.
Isla, Cantabria
My first week of learning all the towns for the excursions was full of knowledge and challenges. Christina, our tour guide, had more than 25 years of tour guide experience, so my desire to improve everything I knew about Spain and also to make a good impression for my second week of excursions alone with the second group made a difference for any step taken in the right direction every day.
I totally felt in love with Cantabria! Most of the people speak Spanish and generally young Spanish people know to speak English. The people of Cantabria have autonomy in Spain, this means they have their own local government and much control over their region.
The capital is Santander. This city is on the coast of the Cantabrian Sea and is very popular with tourists. Cantabria belongs to the Green Spain, the name given to the strip of land between the Cantabrian Sea and the Cantabrian Mountains in Northern Spain.
Views from Isla
The green beautiful landscapes of Cantabria interacted with our views from the first moment we stepped out of the bus and took our accommodation to the hotel. The area we stopped after 1 hour drive from Santander Airport was picturesque.
Our hotel that was my home for almost 2 weeks was located in ISLA, a small village in the municipality of Arnuero in Cantabria. Together with other settlements, such as Soane, Castillo Siete Villas and Arnuero, the area offers stunning natural landscapes of Cantabria.
Arriving in Isla, Cantabria
Spain and its wonders – Basque Country
The village is located in northern Cantabria, bounded by the Bay of Biscay to the north. Isla is 2.4 kilometres from Arnuero, 25 meters above sea level.
3*** ALFAR HOTEL, that was my home for 2 weeks is positioned right to the sea shore, in a small gulf. Offering views of Isla Bay from its beachside setting, the hotel features rooms with balconies. Each room has a simple décor with wooden floors. Guests can enjoy traditional Cantabrian cuisine in the Alfar’s restaurant. The hotel has also a café-bar, where free Wi-Fi is available.
The sunrise landscapes in front of the hotel that I met at 1st hour in the morning took my breath away. Here is the beauty of the sunrise the next day in the morning, before my 1st excursion.
Sunset in Isla
Views from Alfar Hotel
ISLA is actually a small picturesque village, with cobblestone streets and stone buildings. Its beaches, such as Playa de La Arena and Playa del Sableare perfect for enjoying a day of sun and sea, while its cliffs and coastal trails offer hiking routes with spectacular panoramic views.
You will enjoy the evening walks and actually you will feel living on a small island.
I will pass over my learning period, and the few days I had time to visit the beauty of ISLA
and I will share with you the 2nd week of the circuit together with my group of more than 30 people. What Spain has to offer? Which are the best excursions and which are the top attractions of this circuit? How I felt learning and living the Spanish way from first day in the morning till midnight? Why should you choose this circuit and what has each excursion to offer?
I will tell you all about the beauties of Basque Country in the next post.
See you soon…
With love,
Fairytale Traveller
