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.
Its capital city is Santander which sits on the coast and is famous for its El Sardinero Beach.
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.
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. Altamara and nine other Cantabrian caves have been declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
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 – a popular holiday destination during summer.
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 – the Cantabrian Capital facing the Bay of Biscay
Santillana del Mar – is famous for its cobbled streets, historic mansions and Romanesque architecture
Santona – seaside town best known for its Tuna and other seafood.
San Vicente de la Barquera – a picturesque coastal town with history, culture and natural beauty.
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 there
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. Book flights.
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