Coast to mountains Spain

Travelled:146km
Visited: Santillana del Mar, Comillas, San Vincente de la Barquera, Las Arenas de Cabrales, Poncebos in Picos de Europa
Stay: Las Arenas ds Cabrales- Wild/free parking, no services GPS N43°18.1450' W4°49.0488'

Our first stop this morning was in the medieval town of Santillana del Mar. A picturesque, cobblestoned, touristy village with many buildings showing their coat of arms.

 

We visited the Santa Juliana Church built in the 12th Century which had a beautiful cloister and houses the tomb of the martyr Juliana, who is said to have captured the devil. 

Mark heard the call of woodworking machines, so we had a peek into their workshops.

We also happened on a free exhibition on the local trades - weaving, woodwork, clog making, metal forgery.

We contributed to the local economy, purchasing some Sidre (in which bars have a unique way of dispensing), wild boar salami, a ceramic dish and of course a baguette (in Spain known as pan)!

So fully loaded we continued our journey to the coastal town of Comillas. After a cup of tea looking out at the rugged coast line, we ventured into town. What a delight! We managed to park outside the Palace de Sobrellano and we're just in time for the next tour (a bargain at €3 each). It was built in 1888 for the Marquis Antonio Lopez. The entrance hall is remarkable with its stone stairwells and brass chandeliers, along with the other rooms with outstanding fireplaces, stained glass windows and coffered ceilings.

As we left, we were confronted by a building designed by Gaudi. As expected a most unique style with lots of curves and colourful tiles.

We then enjoyed walking through the market in the town square.

There are more impressive buildings to visit, one being the university. Unfortunately the next English tour was not until 6pm. So off we went to San Vincente de la Barquera. By the time we got here it was about 34°c and well and truly passed lunch time. So feeling hot and hungry we found ourselves a bar/restaurant (always lots to choose from). We enjoyed nice cold cervesas with some calamari, fried anchovies and chips...too good.

Fresh Milk Dispenser!

Not used to the heat (yes I know we were complaining about the cold and wet only 2 days ago), we decided to head towards the Picos de Europa. What a beautiful drive following the river and the rugged mountains.
By the time we got to Poncebos, we thought we would be rushing our trip on the funicular, so we parked up 2km down the road with a gorgeous view.

Later we decided to continue back to Las Arenas de Cabrales and stay in the large parking area there. Another lovely town famous for its pungent blue goat's cheese. Might try some tomorrow. 

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