Travel Guide of Cantabria in Spain by Influencers and Travelers
Cantabria is an autonomous community in northern Spain with Santander as its capital city. It is called a comunidad histórica, a historic community, in its current Statute of Autonomy.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Cantabria
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Santander
Santander is the capital of the autonomous community and historical region of Cantabria situated on the north coast of Spain. It is a port city located east of Gijón and west of Bilbao with a population of 172,000.
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2 - Torrelavega
Torrelavega is a municipality and important industrial and commercial hub in the single province Autonomous Community of Cantabria in northern Spain.
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3 - Rafting in Santander
The excursion of Rafting down the Ebro River, which is Cantabria's best spot for extreme sports, offers you amazing beginner and advanced rafting trips! Flowing through an important portion of the northeast of Spain, the Ebro is one of the most impor...
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4 - Suances
Suances is a municipality in Cantabria Province, Spain.
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5 - Cabezón de la Sal
Cabezón de la Sal is a municipality located in the autonomous community of Cantabria, Spain. According to the 2007 census, the town has a population of 7,971 inhabitants.
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6 - Via Ferrata in Cantabria
The Via Ferrata route in the Picos de Europa National Park will leave you speechless. La Hermida is one of the most popular Vias Ferratas there is. Explore the upper limits of Picos de Europa National Park on this via ferrata challenge . A graded cou...
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7 - Sardinero
Sardinero is a popular beach located in the Spanish city of Santander, Cantabria. Sardinero is divided by the gardens of Piquio about one-quarter the way along its length, stretching from the Magdalena Peninsula to Mataleñas; two further adjacent beaches are also sometimes included.
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8 - Cabo Menor
La Manga, or La Manga del Mar Menor is a seaside spit of Mar Menor in the Region of Murcia, Spain. The strip is 21 km long and 100 metres wide, separating the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor lagoon, from Cabo de Palos to the Punta del Mojón.
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9 - Canyoning in Cantabria
Rock formations of Cantabria, particularly in the Vega de Pas area, are perfect for canyoning. You will spend an incredible day while you feel the adrenaline. If you are looking for the most exciting and most popular outdoor adventure sports then you...
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10 - Cantabrian Mountains
The Cantabrian Mountains or Cantabrian Range are one of the main systems of mountain ranges in Spain. They stretch for over 300 km across northern Spain, from the western limit of the Pyrenees to the Galician Massif in Galicia, along the coast of the Cantabrian Sea.
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11 - Palace of La Magdalena
The Palacio de la Magdalena is a palace located on the Magdalena Peninsula of the city of Santander, Cantabria, Spain. It was built between 1909 and 1911, by popular subscription, to house the Spanish Royal Family.
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12 - Mouro Island
Mouro Island, originally Mogro Island, is a small uninhabited island in the Bay of Biscay, located off the Magdalena Peninsula. It lies close to the entrance to the Bay of Santander near the city of Santander, Cantabria along the north coast of Spain. The island is approximately 2 hectares and lies about .75 km from the entrance to the harbor.
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13 - Faro
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14 - Isla de la Virgen del Mar
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Pictures and Stories of Cantabria from Influencers
9 pictures of Cantabria from Riccardo Gazzin, Carmen Peñaranda, Guillem Ruiz and other travelers
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Why should you visit Cantabria ?
Travel to Cantabria if you like:
🏖️ Shore ⛰️ Hill station ⛰️ Hill 🏖️ Headland 🏖️ Beach ⛰️ CliffHow to visit Cantabria ?
Why traveling to Cantabria, Spain?
Cantabria is a captivating region in northern Spain, known for its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and stunning coastline. It offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers. The region is home to the Picos de Europa National Park, countless beaches, and the famous Altamira Caves, showcasing the beauty of both the mountains and the sea.
How to get there?
The easiest way to reach Cantabria is by flying into Santander Airport (SDR), which has regular connections to major cities in Europe. Alternatively, you can fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO) in the neighboring Basque Country and then drive or take a bus to Cantabria. If you're coming from within Spain, there are also train and bus options available from major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao.
What to book in advance?
It's recommended to book your accommodations, especially during the peak summer months. Also, consider booking guided tours for popular attractions such as the Altamira Caves, as these can fill up quickly. If you plan on visiting the Picos de Europa National Park, booking a guided hike or adventure activity in advance is a good idea.
What are the costs?
Cantabria is relatively affordable compared to other parts of Spain. Budget travelers can expect to spend around €40-€60 per day, while mid-range travelers may spend between €60-€100 per day. Accommodations range from budget hostels starting at €20 per night to mid-range hotels and guesthouses for around €50-€80 per night. Meals at local restaurants cost around €10-€20 per person, while entrance fees for attractions are relatively low, usually under €10.
What are the best things to do?
- Explore the Picos de Europa National Park, where you can hike, mountain bike, or take a cable car to enjoy panoramic views.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Altamira Caves, which display some of the world's oldest prehistoric cave paintings.
- Wander through the picturesque villages of Santillana del Mar and Comillas, rich in history and architectural gems.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Somo, Laredo, or Noja, perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and swimming.
- Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of the region's capital, Santander, by visiting its museums, cathedrals, and parks.
Where to eat?
1. El Serbal (Santander): This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Cantabrian cuisine, showcasing the region's finest ingredients.
2. Solórzano Bar & Restaurante (Santillana del Mar): A family-run restaurant serving delicious local dishes in a cozy, rustic setting.
3. La Maruca (Comillas): A charming seaside restaurant offering fresh seafood and stunning views of the Cantabrian coast.
Where to stay?
1. Gran Hotel Sardinero (Santander): A luxurious beachfront hotel with elegant rooms and excellent amenities, perfect for a relaxing stay.
2. Parador de Santillana del Mar: A charming historic hotel set in a beautifully restored 17th-century mansion, located in the heart of Santillana del Mar.
3. Hotel El Refugio (Comillas): A quaint and cozy hotel offering comfortable rooms, friendly service, and a lovely garden.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, visit the small town of Liérganes and search for the "Hombre Pez" (Fish-Man) statue. This bizarre statue commemorates a local legend about a young man who mysteriously disappeared in the river, only to reappear years later as a fish-like creature. The town itself is also worth exploring, with its well-preserved Baroque architecture and picturesque streets.
Learn More about Cantabria
Cantabria is a historical community, a province and an autonomous Spanish community located in the north of the country. Wild and authentic, the region contains a great diversity of landscapes: beaches, marshes, mountains, meadows... But also numerous communes with a rich cultural heritage. Its decorated caves and its thousand-year-old traditions allow tracing the history of this so particular region.
Visit the capital of Cantabria, Santander! Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, it does not attract many visitors, and yet it is full of gems. Its city center is surrounded by beautiful beaches, such as La Magdalena or El Sardinero. Discover this historical and natural heritage by walking along the pleasant maritime path. It is home to the Centro Botín, a cultural center with amazing architecture. Its exhibitions are always worth a visit. Also, don't miss the Archaeology Museum, where you can discover the origins of the Cantabrian culture.
Santillana is a small medieval town, particularly well-preserved, with an authentic atmosphere. While strolling in its pretty paved streets, you will cross many casonas. They are vast noble residences, whose facades are decorated with coats of arms and balconies with flowers. A real open-air museum. Only 1.2 miles (2 km) from Santillana is the Altamira cave, which hosts one of the most important pictorial sets of Prehistory! About 15,000 years ago, its galleries were covered with works of art by our ancestors. Cantabria is famous for its painted caves! If Altamira is the most famous, the El Monte Castillo caves are also worth a visit.
Go to the Peaks of Europe, which includes the highest peaks of the Cantabrian Mountain Range. Here you can enjoy great hiking. These wild lands covered with snow are also a cradle of Cantabrian mythology. They are home to sacred places, such as the Bermeja Tower or the Peña de Santa.
Cantabria has many towns that will arouse your interest such as the charming town of Comillas, Castro-Urdiales or San Vicente de la Barquera which are fishing villages with rich architecture where it is pleasant to spend time.
The region is very rich for its mountainous landscapes and its fine sandy beaches, but you will be impressed by the history that this region contains through its caves and its medieval villages.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Cantabria
Visitors may only camp in the Picos de Europa National Park's approved campsites and near the villages.
Outside these strict rules, a hiker may set up a tent only if, while crossing a mountain range, he or she is surprised by night at an altitude of more than 5250 feet (1,600 meters). In this exceptional case, the bivouac is authorized. Also, when all the places of a refuge are occupied, the installation of tents around the refuge is authorized, but apart from these exceptions, it is recommended to use the established camping sites.
It all depends on what you are looking for in your stay, rest or activities, Santander is the ideal base, being the capital of the region you will have many things to visit there, and you will have the choice in accommodation and restaurants while enjoying the seascape.
Where to Stay in Cantabria
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More Travel spots to explore around Cantabria
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Cantabria
🏖️ Beach spots 🏖️ Shore spots ⛰️ Hill spots ⛰️ Hill station spots ⛰️ Mountain spots 🌲 Nature reserve spots ️🏜️ Badlands spots Skimboarding spots ⛰️ Cliff spots 🏖️ Headland spotsTravel map of Cantabria
Explore popular touristic places around Cantabria
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