Cartes: Discover One of Cantabria’s Best Preserved Historic Towns
Cartes is a beautiful historic town in the heart of Cantabria. Although it sits close to the busy town of Torrelavega, it feels peaceful and timeless. Stone houses, medieval towers and quiet streets create a welcoming atmosphere. As a result, Cartes is one of the region’s most charming places to explore.
The town grew along the historic Camino Real. For centuries, traders and travellers passed through Cartes on their journey between the coast and Castile. Today, visitors can still walk this ancient route while admiring well-preserved architecture and traditional Cantabrian homes.
Unlike larger tourist destinations, Cartes offers a slower pace. You can spend hours wandering its narrow streets, enjoying local cafés and discovering hidden corners. At the same time, its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring many of Cantabria’s best attractions.
Nature lovers, history enthusiasts and photographers will all find plenty to enjoy. Whether you stay for a few hours or several days, Cartes provides an authentic glimpse into northern Spain.
What to see and do
Begin your visit along the historic Camino Real. This beautifully preserved street forms the heart of Cartes’ historic centre. Traditional stone houses line both sides of the road. Many feature colourful flowers, carved wooden balconies and noble family coats of arms. Walking here feels like stepping back several centuries.
One of the town’s best-known landmarks is the Torreón de Cartes. This medieval tower stands at one end of the old street and symbolises the power once held by the Lords of Manrique. Together with the adjoining archway, it creates one of the most photographed scenes in Cartes.
Continue to the elegant Casona de los Quijano. Built during the seventeenth century, this impressive manor house showcases traditional Cantabrian architecture. Its stone façade, decorative shield and peaceful surroundings make it well worth seeing.
Nearby, the eighteenth-century stone bridge crossing the River Besaya offers another excellent viewpoint. Four graceful arches support the bridge, which once formed an important crossing for merchants and travellers. Today, it remains one of Cartes’ most attractive historic structures.
A short drive from the centre brings you to the beautiful Church of Santa María de Yermo. Dating from the thirteenth century, this Romanesque church features remarkable stone carvings and a peaceful rural setting. It is one of the finest examples of medieval religious architecture in the area.
Do not miss the neighbouring village of Riocorvo, which also forms part of the municipality of Cartes. Like Cartes itself, Riocorvo preserves traditional Cantabrian buildings and historic streets. Walking between the stone houses provides wonderful opportunities for photography throughout the year.
Several local cafés and traditional restaurants occupy historic buildings along the Camino Real. Stop for coffee, homemade cakes or local dishes while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Many establishments also serve regional specialities such as cocido montañés, local cheeses and sobaos.
If you enjoy walking, several countryside paths begin close to the town centre. These routes follow quiet rivers, green meadows and woodland landscapes. They offer an easy way to appreciate the natural beauty of the Besaya valley.
Cartes also serves as an excellent base for visiting nearby attractions. The world-famous National Museum and Research Centre of Altamira lies within easy driving distance. Its outstanding exhibitions explain prehistoric life and the famous cave paintings that have earned worldwide recognition.
Another popular day trip is Cabárceno Nature Park. The enormous wildlife park allows animals to live in spacious natural surroundings. Visitors can see elephants, bears, giraffes, rhinos and many other species while driving or using the park’s cable cars.
The historic village of Santillana del Mar also lies nearby. Its cobbled streets, medieval buildings and artisan shops make it one of Cantabria’s most visited destinations. Combining Cartes with nearby attractions creates a rewarding day of sightseeing.
Local festivals and traditions
Cartes proudly celebrates its traditions throughout the year. These events bring together residents and visitors while preserving customs that have existed for generations.
The most famous celebration is the Romería de San Cipriano, held every year on 16 September in nearby Cohicillos. Pilgrims walk together carrying hazel sticks before returning with the sticks decorated with traditional ring-shaped pastries known as rosquillas. The event combines religion, music and local folklore in a lively atmosphere.
Summer also brings concerts, cultural activities and community festivals across the municipality. Local squares fill with live music, traditional dancing and family entertainment. Visitors are always welcomed to join the celebrations.
Traditional Cantabrian food plays an important role during these events. Local families prepare hearty dishes using regional ingredients. Visitors often enjoy cocido montañés, fresh cheeses, artisan pastries and locally produced cider.
Throughout the year, markets and craft fairs also showcase handmade products and regional foods. These smaller events provide an excellent opportunity to meet local artisans while experiencing everyday life in Cartes.
Where to stay
Cartes is a small town, so most accommodation sits within easy walking distance of the historic centre. Staying along Camino Real allows you to step outside and immediately enjoy the medieval streets, traditional houses and local cafés. This area is ideal for visitors who want to experience the town’s history at a relaxed pace.
The neighbouring village of Riocorvo offers another excellent option. This peaceful village features beautiful stone buildings and a rural atmosphere. It is perfect for travellers seeking a quiet stay while remaining only minutes from Cartes’ main attractions.
If you prefer more accommodation choices, consider staying in nearby Torrelavega. The city offers hotels, apartments and guesthouses to suit every budget. It also provides excellent transport links for exploring Cartes and the rest of Cantabria.
Rural cottages and country houses can also be found throughout the Besaya Valley. These properties are ideal for families or visitors planning a longer stay. Many enjoy scenic countryside views while remaining close to the town.
Whenever possible, book accommodation well in advance during summer and local festivals. The most desirable properties often fill quickly.
How to get to Cartes
The nearest airport is Santander Airport, around 30 kilometres away. Regular flights connect Santander with many Spanish and European cities. From the airport, you can reach Cartes by hire car, taxi or public transport.
Travelling by train is straightforward. Renfe services connect Santander, Torrelavega and other cities with nearby Viérnoles station. From there, Cartes is only a short taxi ride or pleasant walk away.
If you are driving, Cartes is easily reached via the A-67 motorway. The town is approximately 30 minutes from Santander and only a few minutes from Torrelavega. Having a car also makes it easier to explore nearby villages, beaches and natural parks.
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Several regional bus services also connect Cartes with Santander, Torrelavega and surrounding towns. These services provide an affordable option for visitors without a car.
Thanks to its excellent transport links and central location, Cartes makes an ideal destination for a relaxing day trip or a longer stay while exploring the many attractions of Cantabria.