Things to Do in Cantabria

Cantabria sits between the Basque Country and Asturias, and it often gets overlooked. That’s a shame, because this small region packs in beaches, mountains, and prehistoric art. Green hills roll straight down to dramatic cliffs, and cider bars sit next to fishing ports. Despite its size, Cantabria never feels rushed, and that’s exactly its appeal.

Whether you love hiking, history, or just a good plate of anchovies, Cantabria delivers. Locals keep things relaxed here, and the pace of life suits slow, curious travel. You can drive from the coast to the mountains in under an hour, which makes day trips easy. Below, you’ll find twelve brilliant things to do in Cantabria. Each one shows off a different side of this underrated northern gem.

Tour the Palacio de la Magdalena

First up, the Palacio de la Magdalena sits proudly on its own peninsula in Santander. Spain’s royal family once used this grand English-style palace as their summer residence. Guided tours take you through its elegant halls. Outside, the surrounding parkland is home to deer, sea lions, and even a small flock of penguins. Because tours run on a set schedule, it’s worth booking ahead through the official site above.

Relax on Playa del Sardinero

Next, head to Santander’s most famous beach, Playa del Sardinero. Golden sand stretches for nearly a kilometre, backed by grand old hotels and a lively promenade. Surfers gather here when the swell picks up. Families, meanwhile, tend to stick to the calmer stretches near the centre of the bay. Afterwards, grab an ice cream and watch the sunset paint the bay orange.

See Prehistoric Art in the Cuevas de Altamira

Near Santillana del Mar, the Cuevas de Altamira hold some of the world’s most important prehistoric paintings. Ancient artists drew bison and horses on the ceiling here over 14,000 years ago. Since the original cave stays closed to protect the artwork, most visitors explore the remarkably accurate Neocave replica instead. It recreates every crack and colour of the original in painstaking detail. Book your ticket through the official museum site, since a handful of real cave visits are also drawn by lottery each week. Buy Tickets

Wander Medieval Santillana del Mar

Just up the road, Santillana del Mar often gets called one of Spain’s prettiest villages. Cobbled streets wind between honey-coloured stone mansions. Many of these date back to the medieval period, complete with carved family crests above the doors. A Romanesque collegiate church anchors the old town, worth a peek inside for its carved stone cloister. Since cars are banned from the centre, wandering here feels wonderfully peaceful.

Marvel at El Capricho de Gaudí in Comillas

Meanwhile, the coastal town of Comillas hides a quirky gem: El Capricho de Gaudí. Antoni Gaudí designed this whimsical summer house early in his career. Its tiled tower and sunflower motifs still stand out today against the surrounding gardens. Inside, period furniture and stained glass recreate the atmosphere of a wealthy 19th-century holiday home. Because it’s one of only a few Gaudí buildings outside Catalonia, fans travel some distance to see it.

Spot Wildlife at Cabárceno Nature Park

For a proper day out, Cabárceno Nature Park occupies a former open-pit mine turned wildlife reserve. Rhinos, elephants, and bears now roam its dramatic quarry landscape in huge open enclosures. You can drive your own car through much of the park, stopping wherever animals appear close to the road. A cable car also crosses part of the site, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the enclosures below. Since the park covers a huge area, plan for a full day to see it properly. Buy Tickets

Ride the Fuente Dé Cable Car

Further south, the Fuente Dé cable car climbs almost 800 metres in under four minutes flat. At the top, you’ll find sweeping views across the Picos de Europa’s jagged limestone peaks. On a clear day, you can even spot the Cantabrian Sea glinting in the distance. Several hiking trails lead off from the summit station, ranging from easy strolls to serious mountain routes. Because queues build up fast in summer, arrive early or book your ticket in advance.

Explore Potes, Gateway to the Picos de Europa

Down in the valley, Potes makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding mountains. Stone bridges cross the river that splits the old town in two, and a ruined tower watches over the rooftops. Every market day, stalls fill the square with local cheese, honey, and orujo liqueur. Traditional slate-roofed houses line the streets, many still with their original wooden balconies intact. Try a glass of orujo yourself, since Potes claims to make some of the best in Spain.

Taste Anchovies in Santoña

Over on the coast, Santoña produces some of the finest anchovies in the world. Local factories still salt and hand-fillet each fish using methods passed down for generations. Order a plate at any local restaurant, served simply with bread and good olive oil. Beyond the food, Santoña’s old fort and marshes also make for a lovely afternoon walk, and the views back over the bay are well worth the effort.

Wander San Vicente de la Barquera

Further west, San Vicente de la Barquera sits where a long medieval bridge crosses a wide estuary. A ruined castle and Gothic church sit high above the harbour, both worth the short climb up from the old town. Down below, fishing boats still bring in the day’s catch each morning. Pair a seafood lunch with views over the water for a proper Cantabrian afternoon.

Discover Castro Urdiales

Close to the Basque border, Castro Urdiales mixes Roman history with a lively seaside atmosphere. A Gothic church and old lighthouse perch dramatically on rocks above the harbour. Below, a long promenade connects sandy beaches to a busy old town full of tapas bars. Roman ruins also sit scattered around the town, a reminder of its long history as a trading port. Visit in the evening, when the church lights up and the harbourside terraces fill up fast.

Step Back in Time in Bárcena Mayor

Finally, tucked deep in the Saja-Besaya valley, Bárcena Mayor feels frozen in another century. Stone houses with wooden balconies line narrow lanes, all set against thick forest and rolling hills. This tiny village counts as one of Spain’s official “prettiest villages,” and it’s easy to see why. Deer and wild boar still roam the surrounding Saja Natural Park, so keep an eye out on the drive in. Stop for a hearty mountain lunch, since local restaurants specialise in stews made with wild boar and beans.

Cantabria rewards travellers who want mountains, coastline, and history packed into one small region. From Gaudí’s playful architecture to prehistoric cave art, surprises hide around every corner here. Each town along this coast seems to have its own festival, its own cheese, and its own fishing fleet. So pick a few highlights from this list, add a coastal drive or two, and let Cantabria’s quieter charm win you over. If you’d like a ready-made plan, check out our 7-day itinerary for Cantabria to fit it all in.