The best hiking routes in Cantabria and its unparalleled beauty

READ ALSO: The best trekking routes in Spain".

Cantabria is synonymous with coast, green landscapes, mountains and charming villages. With so much to discover and explore, it is not at all surprising that the hiking routes in Cantabria are so varied and crowded.

For lovers of hiking, nature and rural tourism, Cantabria is an ideal destination that you should not miss the opportunity to get to know, and what better way to do it than by walking some of its hiking routes. But what are some of the most recommended routes in Cantabria? You can make a note of the following for your next weekend...

1. The North Coast Route.

Touring the North Coast is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Cantabria. The beaches of Cantabria are ranked as some of the best in the country.The best way to see them is on the hiking trails. The itinerary of the route starts in the Segunda Playa de The Sardinerowhich is only 15 minutes away from the Valle Real Shopping Centre. From there begins the ascent up to Cape Minor and continues to the beautiful Mataleñas beach. This place is very special as it is full of cliffs, with majestic views. The route continues to the Devil's BridgeUntil a few years ago it was a natural footbridge, but the locals called it that. The route ends at La MarucaThis route is characterised by the diversity of landscapes with the sea as a backdrop.

2. Fuente Dé Route, in Picos de Europa.

The mountains of the Picos de Europa represent one of the most emblematic areas in Cantabria. On this occasion, in the area north-east of the national parkIn the area, you will find different hiking routes to suit all tastes. Many of the routes start from Source DéIn the valley of Liébana, which is characterised by numerous ancient glacial cirques and lush beech forests. To reach this place it is normally done through the cable carThis gives you an additional plus as you will have an unequalled panoramic view of the Picos de Europa, observing places such as the Needles of Tajahierro, Peña Olvidada or the Horcadina of Covarrobles. At the end of the ascent by cable car, the route begins, which is just over 13 km long, with the aim of returning to Fuente Dé. The itinerary is circularand skirts the area known as Collada de la Junciana and Valdecoro Peak. Despite the altitude, the route is easy and can be done even with children.

3. La Engaña Tunnel Route.

The route owes its name to one of the most famous tunnels of the Franco era: the La Engaña tunnel. The purpose of the tunnel was to link the ports of Santander and Valencia, and at that time it was the longest tunnel in the country with a length of almost 7 km.

However, it has never been used due to water leaks and lack of maintenance, which have led to several collapses inside the tunnel. But the itinerary does not consist of going through the tunnel, far from it.

The route consists of a walk from Vega de Pas, following the course of the River Yedra. There is an alternative path that also follows the Arroyo de Aján, the main attraction of which is the numerous waterfalls and waterfalls along the route. In both cases, the idea is to get from Vega de Pas to the northern mouth of the La Engaña Tunnel.

What is impressive about this route are its landscapes and the buildings that were erected to build the tunnel, ranging from railway stations to housing for the workers. The route is almost 18 km long and lasts approximately 7 hours, being very easy to do.

4. Route of the Faro del Caballo lighthouse.

Returning to the Cantabrian coast, we find the route of the Faro del Caballo lighthouse, located in the Santoña Marshes, which will allow us a route overlooking the sea. The main feature of this route is the combination of the sea with the cliffs and a path completely covered with vegetation, which makes it even more exciting.

The beauty of the route has been recognised in previous years with awards such as "best place in Spain by the Repsol Guide in 2014". As a recommendation, we encourage you to go prepared, as you will have to go up and down many steps, but the experience is well worth it.

5. Path of the Bridges of Ucieda.

The route of the Bridges of Ucieda, is another of the great recommendations for hiking in Cantabria. Unlike the other routes mentioned above, what stands out on this route is a majestic oak grove, full of unique trees. It is not in vain that it is located in the Saja-Besaya Natural Park, one of the most amazing natural spaces in Cantabria.

Along the way you will find numerous bridges and footbridges to cross the streams that run through the path. The majesty of the trees is its main attraction, with birch, beech and chestnut trees, which take on an impressive colour in autumn.

The route is circular, and starts from the Campa de Ucieda. From there, the signposting begins to cross the forest, through the area of Regato de la Toba, and the return will be along the Bayonés River. Along the way you will have to cross wooden bridges and you will see waterfalls and cascades along the 18 km route. As this is a forest, it is highly recommended that you wear suitable footwear for this type of terrain.

6. Pasiegos Valleys Route

The route of the Pasiegos Valleys is one of exceptional beauty, with certain particularities that make it different from the rest. The meadows and mountains, together with some very charming villages, would be the perfect definition of this route.

For many it is the Cantabria's most attractive hiking routeThe route starts in the town of La Concha, in San Roque de Riomiera. This place is characterised by its immense and incredible valleys, such as the Pisueña or the Miera.

The itinerary involves the ascent to the Alto del Caracol, which is a small mountain pass located between the valleys of Pisueña and Miera, and you will observe incredible views of the entire environment. From there, you start the circular route, which is 13 km long. Undoubtedly, the most hypnotic landscapes in Cantabria are to be found in Valles Pasiegos.