Around the Area
In Laredo you can enjoy the beach walking along the 5km sandy bay and nearby river. There is a horseriding school, and classes where you can learn to ride. Or take the horses out for hourly treks. Windsurfing courses are available next to the Puntal in the summer months. You can also take a boat trip to Santona or around the coast. There is a new golf driving range with pitch and putt. Laredo has its large fiesta on the last Friday in August the "the battle of the flowers". In fact you are never far away from a fiesta in this area of Spain. 
In Ampuero there is a municipal swimming pool with 2 pools open 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm. There is a lifeguard on duty during these hours. If you require a lunch or cold drink there is a cafe bar next to the pool. Next to the pool is Canoe Ason, offering guided canoe trips up the river Ason. Quad biking is in Voto over the Bien Aparacida mountain. They offer fully guided tours or independent hire, this is a great way to explore the countryside.
The Karranza valley close to Ampuero offers amazing caves, which are open to the public. There is also an animal rescue park El Karpin, further on in the valley. Further caves are in Ramales and Rasines.
Returning to the coast Santona wetlands has great viewing area for migrating birds and a great windsurfing beach called Berria. It also has a market on Saturday mornings and you must try the freshly caught shell fish for lunch. Whilst you are on the coast head west and check out the beaches of Noja, Ajo and Isla. These are great areas for walking, cycling and water sport enthusiasts.
Continuing west you can visit Carbaceno Zoo/Safari type Animal Park, just before you enter Santander. Santillana del Mar is a fascinating Medieval town which you really should visit. Before you enter the Picos de Europas you will pass the small town of San Vincente de la Baquera this is the last town you will visit before you reach Potes in the picos. It will take you approximately 2 hours to reach the picos from Laredo as your base. 
From Laredo head east and you will pass Castro Urdiales, pop in for a fresh fish lunch and visit the old Gothic church dominating the coastline. Continue east and you will arrive in Bilbao. This is now a modern city and its jewel is the Guggenheim museum. Continue along the coast and you will reach San Sebastian, it will take you 2 hours to reach this truly magnificent town from Laredo as your base.
Skiing is available in the winter months in Alto Campo in the south of Cantabria approximately 2 hours drive away. If you require any further information on any of the above areas or places mentioned please contact me.
