The sea and mountains of Cantabria open a whole world of possibilities to sports lovers. Sailing and rowing competitions are the most traditional of local water sports; while white-water canoeing and regattas of trainera boats are the most popular. People also go in for swimming, windsurfing, water skiing, etc.
The mountains, in turn, offer a challenge to climbers. The routes have different degrees of difficulty. There are also winter sports in Cantabria. The ski resort at Alto Campóo is located on mountains with a summit more than two thousand metres high. The resort is one hundred kilometres from Santander, in the Alto Campóo valley, not far from Reinosa. It offers seventeen kilometres of perfectly marked ski runs, nine skilifts, four chairlifts, five cabletows, snow cannons, a heliport, ski rental, a daycare centre, and a wide range of accommodations. Its ten ski runs have different degrees of difficulty. There is a cross-country ski circuit two and a half kilometres long. All through the winter season, competitions are held. For example, the dogsled races there is part of the Spanish Championship; not to mention the Alto Campóo Triathlon. Telephone: 942.77.92.22 and 942.77.92.23.
Alto Campóo is more than just a ski resort. In summer months its mountains fill nature lovers with awe, as in the rest of Cantabria. The area is blanketed by a network of hiking trails. The trail from Cabuérniga to the Sejos pass is worth mentioning, as is the one from Bárcena Mayor to Palombera. On the other hand, tourist visits on horseback are more and more popular. There are stables in several areas, such as the regions of Campóo and Cabuérniga. In summer months, horse races are held on the beaches.
Archery, bowls and different forms of the bowls and pins such as bolo montañés and pasobolo are especially characteristic of the region.

Both hunters and fisherman are attracted to a region like Cantabria with such a wide variety of natural resources. Some 300,000 hectares are set aside for hunting reserves; 186,000 alone in the Saja National Reserve and 10,000 in the one at Picos de Europa. The rest of the hunting areas are administered by local entities or hunting clubs. Among the most important species of big game are chamois, stag, fox, boar and roe deer. Small game includes hare, grey partridge, snipe (woodcock), etc. Information on hunting seasons, firearm permits, and hunting areas, as well as the lottery for hunting permits is available at the Consejeria de Ganaderia de la Diputación (the Livestock Council).
Salmon and trout are the fisherman's favourite catches here. They can be found in Cantabria more than one thousand kilometres of rivers. Salmon rivers include the Deva, the Pas, the Ansón and the Nansa, with twenty-four fishing areas; trout rivers include the Ebro, the Besaya, the Miera, the Agüera and the Saja, with 18 fishing areas. Fishing permits and general information is also to be found at the Consejería de Ganadería (Livestock Council), as well as at fishing clubs.
In summertime, many marinas and yacht clubs hold sea fishing championships. One of the stars of the season is the bonito, but other catches include the porgy, Spanish bream, gilthead, red sea bream, pollack and tuna.

Cantabria's maritime tradition is now centred in the three marinas at Santander, Laredo and Castro Urdiales. Santander's own Puerto Chico, or "little harbour," is a multiple purpose harbour, with facilities for many kinds of seacraft. It is also the home of the Royal Maritime Club. From mid-June to mid-September, moorage is available for ships of up to 16 metres in length by previous arrangement. Telephone: 942.21.40.50.
There are also buoys for anchorage in summer months. There are also water and electrical outlets, gas and diesel fuel pumps, etc. There is a night guard, and use of club facilities is free. The Marina del Cantábrico is located in Maliaño, some three kilometres from Santander. It was built in 1977 and remodelled in 1988. It currently has about 900 berths, although the number is scheduled to reach 1,300. It is suitable for vessels of less than twenty-three metres in length. There is no time limit, the facilities are free of charge. Telephone: 942.36.92.88, or 942.36.91.24.
Castro Urdiales: The hundred and thirty berths at the Castro Urdiales Yacht Club are practically filled to bursting in July and August. It offers the usual services, previously mentioned, and the telephone number is: 942.86.15.85.
Laredo: The Yacht Club of Laredo, located on the Puntal de Salvé, offers an anchorage line of three hundred mooring points and a free ship-toshore shuttle service 24 hours a day. There is a five-day time limit on visiting vessels. Seasonal members are allowed to stay from fifteen days to two months. There are gas and diesel fuel pumps, water outlets, tennis courts, a pool, a cafeteria, etc. For further information, contact the Yacht Club of Laredo. Telephone: 942.60.58.12.