Santander/Cantabria

[EnLinea Media]

This small land and its capital, part of Spain's green north, are very different from what you traditionally think of as "Spain"; the city of Santander has both its industrial and elegant side, but the countryside is what charms so much, with highlights including prehistoric caves (Altamira is one of the most famous in the world) and Santillana del Mar, a breathtakingly atmospheric if these days somewhat touristy stone town.