Historic Center of Bárcena Mayor

One of the most beautiful towns I've ever seen is Barcena Mayor, in inland Cantabria. It is full of lush oak and beech trees, was declared a historic-artistic centre in 1979 and, with its 70 inhabitants, is the most important town in the valleys. Its inhabitants generally rear cattle although in recent times, tourism has become a bigger industry. At the entrance of the village, there is a kind of football field to park vehicles in as it is forbidden to enter the town with them. It was lovely to stroll along cobblestone streets lined with shops and restaurants serving regional dishes such as the delicious mountain stew.