Cantabria, a region in northern Spain, is renowned not only for its famous beaches and prehistoric caves. Off the beaten tourist paths, in the heart of the emerald Pasiegos valleys, there is a place where you can truly connect with nature and spend an unforgettable day. Just a half-hour’s leisurely drive from bustling Santander lies a unique nature complex, offering an experience completely different from visiting large parks like Cabárceno or the Altamira caves. This is a true oasis of tranquility, where time slows down and relaxation becomes an authentic adventure for the whole family.
The main event that draws visitors here is, without a doubt, trout fishing. The entire complex is built around a crystal-clear natural spring, whose water fills a series of well-maintained ponds, home to hundreds of lively fish in transparent water. The process is organized to be as simple and engaging as possible, making it perfect even for those who have never held a fishing rod before. Visitors are provided with all the necessary equipment and, under the guidance of experienced instructors, head to the ponds where the real excitement begins. There’s no need to wait for hours in tense anticipation—the local trout are so active that they bite almost immediately, delighting both children and their parents. Guests are offered two options: they can practice catch-and-release sport fishing, carefully returning their catch to the water, or take the fish home to prepare a fresh and eco-friendly dinner in the evening.
But the experience goes far beyond fishing. The farm also features a small yet surprisingly diverse zoological center specializing in exotic and ornamental birds. Wandering along shaded paths, visitors can admire macaws as colorful as tropical flowers, chatty cockatoos, graceful African cranes, and majestic peacocks that frequently fan out their iridescent tails. A particular favorite among young guests is a special interactive area with chicks. Here, you can not only see tiny, newly hatched birds, but also hold the fluffy little creatures and even feed them under staff supervision. This direct, gentle contact with living animals creates warm and lasting memories for children.
A visit here is not just entertainment, but a truly educational journey. Special tours are organized for school groups and curious families. During these walks, experts explain the entire life cycle of trout, the specifics of farming it in artificial environments, and the crucial role clean aquatic ecosystems play for the entire planet—in an accessible and engaging way. It’s a great opportunity to illustrate complex ecological processes to children with real-life examples. Planning your visit is easy, as the complex operates year-round and does not require advance booking for individual visitors. In the warm season, from April to October, doors are open from 10:00 to 22:30, while in the winter period, from November to March, guests are welcomed from 10:00 to 18:00. After a busy day, you can stop by the local shop and purchase fresh or smoked trout—an excellent gastronomic souvenir from Cantabria.
This remarkable spot in the Pasiegos valleys is a true treasure for those seeking a leisurely and meaningful retreat away from the hustle and bustle. Its unique blend of outdoor activities, interaction with animals, and valuable educational experiences makes it an ideal destination for a full-day family outing. Here, tourism feels entirely different—more personal, peaceful, and in close contact with nature. This is the other Cantabria, which hides its best secrets from the masses but generously shares them with curious travelers willing to venture off the beaten path.
