The 10 things to do in Cantabria

Are you wondering what to do and see in Cantabria, one of the most beautiful regions of Spain? Here are the 10 must-sees of this beautiful region!

Welcome to the heart of green Spain! Cantabria is a little visited area despite its many attractions. Wild and authentic, it contains a wide variety of landscapes: beaches, marshes, mountains, meadows... But also many communes to the rich cultural heritage. Its ancient caves and traditions allow us to trace the history of this particular region. You want to go to his discovery? Here are the 10 essentials to visit Cantabria!

1. Santander

Visit the capital of Cantabria, Santander! Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, it attracts visitors very little and yet it is full of riches. Its city centre features beautiful beaches, such as La Magdalena or El Sardinero. Discover this historical and natural heritage along the maritime path, particularly pleasant. It houses the Centro Botín, a cultural centre with amazing architecture. His exhibitions are always worth a visit. Also, don’t miss the archaeology museum, which allows you to discover the origins of the cantabrian culture.

You want to go out at night? You will not need to get far away from the seafront. Go to the sparkling plaza Cañadío to live a night in the Spanish!

2. Santillana del mar

Sartre described Santillana as “the most beautiful village in Spain”. And we can understand it... This small medieval city is particularly well preserved. It still has a warm and authentic atmosphere today. When you swing in her pretty paved streets, you will cross many casonas . These are large seigneurial houses, whose facades are decorated with blasons and flowery balconies. A real open-air museum.

3. The cave of Altamira

Just two kilometers from Santillana is the Altamira Cave. It contains one of the most important pictorial sets in the Prehistory! About 15,000 years ago, his galleries were covered with works of art by our ancestors. Tens of animals were represented, in a style that struck by its realism. By visiting the site, you can visit a replica of the cave and a very didactic museum.

But the Cantabria is famous for its golden caves! If Altamira is the most famous, El Monte Castillo caves are also worth a visit. Emotional visits that plunge you into the heart of a distant and mysterious past...

4. The peaks of Europe

What to do in Cantabria to enjoy the beautiful nature of the region? Visit the peaks of Europe, which gather the highest peaks of the Cantabrian Cordillera. They draw a tortuous landscape, shaped by torrents and glaciations. Here you can enjoy beautiful hikes. These wild snow-covered lands are also a cradle of cantabrian mythology. They house sacred places, such as Torre Bermeja or the Peña de Santa.

You can take the Fuente Dé cable car, which trains you at an altitude of 800 metres. Gorgeous panoramas await you at the top.

5. Comillas

Comillas is a must for visiting Cantabria. This seaside resort has a dreadful cachet. It is bordered by literal marshes that house many species of aquatic birds. But it is above all its historic centre that makes the reputation of Comillas, a destination of the Spanish aristocracy since the nineteenth century. It includes El Caprichio de Gaudí, one of the first works of the famous architect. In addition, we advise you to go to the fishing port and the ramparts in the morning. At the sound of the fishermen's cries and laughter of the gulls, there is a very nice atmosphere.

6. Castro-Urdiales

Let's stay on the coast with the beautiful Castro-Urdiales, a city not to be missed to visit the Cantabria. A former fishing village, it also became a holiday destination taken during the nineteenth century. The large manor houses that run along the seaside promenade testify.

Whether you stroll through its paved streets, along its pretty beaches or on the fishing port, the charm operates. The city has a quiet and restless atmosphere. Finally, it contains a real architectural jewel! The whole of the cathedral castle and the church of Santa María. They are perched on rocky facades overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

7. Langre

Are you wondering what to do in Cantabria to enjoy the sun? So don't miss Langre's beach. This true haven of peace is surrounded by grey and green cliffs. Here nature is preserved, wild. To access it, you will have to take a long tortuous path, but the game is worth it. Especially since then, the beach is never crowded. Make yourself there preferably when the tide is low! Crickets reveal themselves then and Langre becomes an ideal surf spot.

8. San Vicente de la Barquera

Located at the gates of Asturias, the city of San Vicente de la Barquera offers a picturesque landscape. Its old village, former fishermen's landmark, is lined with beautiful white sand beaches. In the background, the peaks of Europe draw like a stage decor. The light that clings to the reliefs of the mountains gives them a different aspect throughout the day.

But it is also the rich historical heritage of San Vicente which makes it a must to visit the Cantabria. Its squares, bridges and churches allow us to trace the history of the region. Between two visits, pass the door of restaurants to taste cantabric specialties. They are obviously based on the products of the sea.

9. Carmona

Are you looking for authenticity and wondering what to do in Cantabria? So don't miss Carmona. Nestled in the hollow of Nansa Valley, this tiny village is a perfect example of cantabrian mountain architecture. Through its narrow alleys, you will follow the old stone buildings of the peasants and the bourgeois. The traditions of Carmona persist, and it is not uncommon to cross there albarqueros , artisans of wood typical of the region. The cliquetis of their tools mix with the song of birds. Carmona is full of trees and flowers, which does not ruin anything. A timeless getaway.

10. Noja

The small town of Noja sits in an extraordinary natural and wild setting. Its long white beaches, including Trengandín and Ris, languish along the Cantabrian coast. They are lined with marshes that house huge bird colonies. A true paradise for those who like to observe them! In this flat landscape on the infinite horizon, sunsets are to fall on the ground. If you are looking for what to do in Cantabria to take a bowl of fresh air, Noja is an ideal destination.

But its city centre is also interesting. There you will find traditional stone buildings, a hermitage, a medieval bridge, a sandmill and several pretty fountains.

How do I go to Cantabria?

By car

Visiting Cantabria by car is a very good option. You can radiate throughout the region without difficulty. To get there, borrow the A63 to the doors of Spain. She turns into AP8 , then in A8 . Count about 2h40 to Santander from Bayonne.

You want to take a carpool? To optimize your chances of finding a trip, make a step to Bilbao .

By train or bus

To visit Cantabria by train or by bus, the best is to head to the capital, Santander.

You can also borrow the tourist train Transcantábrico . It crosses all of green Spain: Basque Country , Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia .

By plane

Santander Airport serves many European cities. In particular, you will find a direct line Paris-Santander which has very interesting rates. Are you looking to save money? Use therefore a comparison of flights as Ulysses . This will allow you to find the best flight deals according to your dates.

Where to stay in Cantabria?

You have the embarrassment of choice to find where to sleep in Cantabria! Of course, Santander is ideal to radiate in the area. Especially if you want to go out at night! The capital offers many accommodation solutions for all budgets. To find the most interesting offers and select your preferences accurately, use this Compare hotels .

However, you may be looking for a quieter place. You will find many hotels and Airbnb which are full of charm in Cantabria. For this, go to small towns like Santillana or San Vicente.