In The Cantabrian Eco-Apartments we had such a surprise this week! The reknown guide Lonely Planet has published its Best in Europe 2018 ranking, a list of the best European places to visit this year, and we are so happy to say that Cantabria is the top 2 destination!

For us, Cantabrians, it is no news that the region is a jewel to discover. With its green fields and long beaches, its steep pikes and its fishing villages, Cantabria is still unknown for an ample majority of the world. This is why we are so glad that the rest of the world would know the charms of this little region of northern Spain.

The recommendations of Lonely Planet

In its web, Lonely Planet has recommended various attractions in the region. Caves as the ones of Altamira, Covalanas and El Castillo, monuments such as el Capricho de Gaudí and el Palacio de Sobrellano in Comillas or the church of Santa María de Valverde in Valderredible. Villages like Santillana del Mar, Comillas o San Vicente de la Barquera or cultural hot spots as the Centro Botín in Santander

Although this is a great selection, we believe that Cantabria has much more to offer. So here you have five reasons why you would fall in love with Cantabria.

5 Reasons why you would fall in love with Cantabria (as Lonely Planet did)

1. Cantabria Immaterial Heritage

Cantabria is a land of tradition, tales and music. If you want to experience the real Cantabria you cannot lose its traditional winter masquerades, as La Vijanera in Silió, an ancestral carnival which celebrates the increasing length of the days since winter solstice. Another masquerade is  los Zamarrones, in Polaciones. In addition, in Cantabria you would find old professions, as albarquero in Carmona or rabelero in Polaciones valley. And, of course, you could listen to folk music such as la toná in Nansa Valley o sea songs in San Vicente de la Barquera.

3. Its gastronomy

As a starter, home-made anchovies made in San Vicente de la Barquera. Then, the first plate: cocido montañés in little restaurants in the mountains. After that, the second disch: seafood in any fishing village of Cantabrian coast. To finish, you can choose Corbatas en Unquera or Sobaos and Quesadas in Valle del Pas. And for drinking: orujo from Potes. A menu to enjoy every corner of Cantabria.

5. Its peace

Forget about getting up first time in the morning to fight for a piece of sand. Or queuing for hours to enter any visitable site. Or finding hundreds of people when walking in the naturte. Even in high season you would find a wide variety of places where enjoying some alone time.