Camping San Pelayo

Cantabria's a fab spot for Spanish hols, whether your tastes tend towards the placid or getting active outdoors. Quad biking, paintball, canoeing, rafting, mountain biking, hiking and cycling are all available in the surrounding area: if you need a few tips on where to start, the Camping San Pelayo staff are always chuffed to share their local knowledge. The site's also a handy base for exploring the Picos de Europa mountain range, a short drive away. (Why are they called the European mountains? Because at only about 20 kilometres inland from the Spanish coast, they were probably the first sight on the continent greeting weary travellers sailing back from the Americas centuries ago.) The range includes the Cantabrian Mountains, a top hiking spot and climbing spot as well as skiing around the resorts of Alto Campoo, Valgrande-Pajares and Manzaneda.