Cantabria
Cantabria is on Spain’s north coast. The province is renowned for its beautiful, dramatic coastline and picturesque mountains. It has a population of about 580,000. It is bordered by the Basque Country to the East and Asturias to the West. Castile and León lie to the South.
Santander is the lively capital of Cantabria, sitting on a sheltered bay on Spain’s north coast. The city feels relaxed and elegant, with a long seafront and plenty of green space. Its star attraction is El Sardinero, a wide golden beach lined with grand old buildings. Nearby, the Magdalena Peninsula offers a royal palace, sea views and a small zoo.
Cantabria is particularly green and beautiful. This is thanks to its position on the coast and exposure to Atlantic and mountain weather patterns. It´s not surprising then that the region is part of an area known as Green Spain. If you want to explore more of Green Spain, you might like our 14 Day Itinerary for Green Spain.
Cantabria has several national parks including Picos de Europa National Park. The administration of the park is shared with the neighbouring regions of Castile and León and Asturias.
Cantabria boasts numerous archaeological sites. These include the famous cave paintings of Altamira, which date back to around 37,000 BC. Altamira and nine other Cantabrian caves have been declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
The Cantabrian coast is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Stretching along the north of the country, it mixes golden beaches with green hills and rugged cliffs. First, head to Santander for elegant seafront walks and fresh seafood. Next, visit Comillas to admire its colourful modernist buildings. Then, relax in San Vicente de la Barquera, where fishing boats bob beside a medieval bridge. Meanwhile, the weather stays cool and mild in summer, so you can explore comfortably. Plus, the local cuisine is superb, with anchovies, cheese and hearty stews on every menu. Overall, this lovely coast rewards slow and relaxed travel
For a more detailed look at what is on offer, read Things to Do in Cantabria. If you want to plan your trip, you might like to use our 7 Day Itinerary for Cantabria.
Towns of Cantabria
Read information and tips on these Cantabrian Cities and Towns:
Bárcena Mayor – offers traditional mountain architecture, peaceful landscapes and authentic local culture
Cartes – feels peaceful and timeless with stone houses, medieval towers and quiet streets creating a welcoming atmosphere
Castro Urdiales – combines a rich maritime history, beautiful beaches, impressive monuments and excellent seafood
Comillas – is a small town that offers an impressive mix of history, architecture and natural beauty
El Astillero – blends its industrial heritage with green parks, nature reserves and waterfront walks
Laredo – is a lively coastal town renowned for its long sandy beach and vibrant summer atmosphere
Liérganes – this historic town is known for its elegant architecture, mountain scenery, and fascinating legends
Mogrovejo – sits beneath the dramatic peaks of the Picos de Europa and offers some of the finest rural scenery in northern Spain
Noja – attracts visitors with long sandy beaches, protected wetlands and fresh seafood
Santander – is Cantabria’s elegant coastal capital, known for its stunning bay, sandy beaches, royal palace, and sophisticated seaside promenades
Santillana del Mar – is a beautifully preserved medieval town famous for cobbled streets, stone mansions, and its nearby prehistoric Altamira cave paintings
Santona – is a fishing town famous for its anchovies, sandy beaches, and the historic Monte Buciero nature reserve
San Vicente de la Barquera – is a charming fishing town with a medieval castle, Gothic church, long sandy beaches, and a scenic estuary bridge
Torrelavega – blends historic buildings, lively markets, green parks and local traditions with excellent transport links
Vega de Pas – is famous for its green hills, traditional stone cottages and rich farming heritage
Getting to Cantabria
There are direct flights to Santander from most major European cities. Flying time from London’s Stansted airport is just under two hours with Ryanair. Check flights and Buy Tickets with Booking.com.
If you feel like doing something a bit different, catch a ferry from Portsmouth which takes just under 24 hours.
If driving, Santander is just over two hours drive from Donostia-San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz. From Madrid it is about a four and a half-hour drive. Hire a car with Discovercars.