Cantabria and Picos in June/July
 

Hi everyone,

We are a family of 2 adults and 2 children ages 6 and 13. We are planning to spend 2-3 weeks in northern Spain this summer, split between a week in the Picos camping and walking/hiking; a week at the beach; and 2-4 days in Santander and/or Donostia (San Sebastian).

Here are my questions:
1. For the Picos part of our trip, we plan to base ourselves in or near Potes and would welcome any recommendations of hikes suitable for the 6-year-old. He can probably manage 6 miles (10 kms).
2. Any campsite recommendations in Potes, or maybe Espinama? As we will be there for a week, perhaps we would prefer the campsite to be within walking distance of a town and has some facilities, such as a pool. Has anyone stayed at Camping La Viorna, or La Isla, a campsite in Turieno?
3. For the week at the seaside, we want a small-ish town that is really unspoilt (no highrises, minimal development, lots of charm), with a few decent restaurants and cafes and access to good beaches. So far, Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera have caught our eye, although we are little concerned that they might be too big. Also, a smaller town called Pechon came up on another message board, but I can't find any information about it online.
4. Last, we plan to spend four days, either split between Santander (where we are flying into and out of) and Donostia/San Sebastian. Is 4 days too short to try to spend in these two different cities?
5. We will be in Santander or San Sebastian during a period that includes the finals of the World Cup. If Spain are in the finals, does anyone know if the match will be shown outdoors on a large screen in either city? For example, did they show the Euro 2008 finals outdoors in either city?
Sorry, there is a lot here. I'm grateful for any information! Thank you!

1) Find one could be difficult.
One that does spring to mind is taking the funicular train to the village of Bulnes.
http://www.picoseuropa.net/rincones/bulnes/bulnes.php
2) I have not done any camping for years, but maybe a glace through this website may be of help.
http://www.vayacamping.net/en/
3) Most, if not all of the towns along the Northern coast will fit your requirements.
4) SS has the best city beaches in Spain. Is 4 days too short, it depends on what you want to do. There are loads to see in and around both cities, especially if you are using a car.
5) Who knows, I bet all the bars will have a TV on through.

Thanks for your reply. I will look at the links now.

Norther Spain is VERY popular in the summer
, make sure you have hotels booked in time.

1) There is plenty to choose from. Some easy walks, that I would recommend for you:
- Brez - La Mayor - Castro de las Cerras - Brez - 6.5 km
- Bárago - Collado de Castro - Bárago - 7.3 km
- Mogrovejo - El Acebo - Piedra de Coardes - Tanarrio - Mogrovejo - 9 km
- Los Llanos - Prau Lera - Brañes - Camaleño - Los Llanos - 9 km
- Espinama - Pido - El Matu - Las Ilces - Espinama - 10 km
- Lon - Canal de Las Arredondas - Lon - 10km
2) La Viorna is withing walking distance from Potes and close to monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana. There is a pool in La VIorna.
3) San Vicente is charming indeed with a rather nice walking route on the coast, that you might like.

Thanks walksntalks! Also, sorry for late reply.