Cantabria

🌊 Why Visit Cantabria, Spain?

It’s Spain Jim, but not as we know it. Cantabria, perched up in the country's lush north, is where rugged mountains meet wild Atlantic waves, and fairy-tale villages rub shoulders with buzzing beach towns. This is Spain's best-kept secret – a region so gorgeous and diverse you'll wonder why everyone's been banging on about the Costa del Sol (alright - it is pretty great there too!)

From prehistoric caves to world-class surfing, medieval villages to modern cities, Cantabria packs more variety into one region than most countries. Plus, the food scene is incredible and because it's less well known you'll get great value accommodation and enjoy beautiful historic towns without fighting through crowds of tourists taking selfies.

Top reasons to visit Cantabria:

• 🏔️ Epic nature on your doorstep – soaring mountain trails, hidden forest glades, lush green valleys, and dramatic coastlines.

• 🏄 Surf's up! – catch waves on legendary north coast beaches like Somo, Liencres and Loredo.

• 🎨 History meets mystery – explore the jaw-dropping Altamira Caves, dubbed the 'Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art.'

• 🧀 Cheese, anchovies & cider...oh my! – feast like a local with hearty regional fare in cosy seaside taverns.

• 🏖️ Beach variety – from family-friendly sandy stretches to wild, windswept coves perfect for dramatic walks.

🦁 Top Things to Do in Cantabria

Cantabria is compact and well-connected, making it perfect for cramming loads of different experiences into one brilliant holiday.

Family Adventures

• 🦁 Cabárceno Natural Park – Wildlife park where lions and elephants roam free in a reclaimed quarry. Jurassic Park vibes, minus the T. rex!

• 🏖️ Beach Days in Noja and Comillas – Calm, shallow waters perfect for paddling, plus proper good beach bars for the grown-ups.

• 🎨 Altamira Museum – Replica cave paintings and interactive exhibits that'll keep curious kids (and adults) fascinated for hours.

• 🐠 Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico – Get up close to sea creatures, submarines and everything ocean-y in Santander.

Romantic Escapes

• 🏘️ Santillana del Mar – Wander cobbled alleys in this perfectly preserved medieval village that's basically a fairy tale come to life.

• 🌅 Sunset Watching – The coastline offers endless spots for those perfect romantic sunset moments with your other half.

• 🏰 Palacio de la Magdalena – Stunning palace with gorgeous gardens and incredible sea views, perfect for those #couplegoals photos.

Adventure Activities

• 🚣 White-Water Rafting – Get your adrenaline pumping on the River Deva with your crew.

• 🕳️ Caving in El Soplao – Explore incredible underground formations in one of Spain's most spectacular cave systems.

• 🏄 Surfing Lessons in Somo – Learn to catch waves on some of Spain's best surf beaches.

Foodie Experiences

• 🍤 Rabas (Crispy Squid) – The perfect bar snack to start your Cantabrian food journey.

• 🥘 Cocido Montañés – Hearty bean and pork stew that'll warm you up after a day of adventures.

• 🐟 Santoña Anchovies – These famous little fish are small but mighty – try them and you'll never look at tinned anchovies the same way.

• 🍺 Cider House Experiences – Learn about local cider traditions and master the art of the perfect pour.

🏨 Where to Stay on your Cantabria Holidays

Cantabria offers a brilliant mix of accommodations, from historic paradors to seaside hotels with spectacular views. Whether you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Cantabria or you want to stay in a room that will make your friends and family jealous, we’ve got the bed for you. 

• 🏨 Parador de Limpias - Set in King Alfonso XIII's former summer palace (the 19th-century Eguilor Palace) on the banks of the River Asón, this surprisingly affordable 4-star gem features elegant rooms and extensive grounds. The palace has a seasonal heated pool, tennis and paddle courts, plus the excellent Palacio de Eguilior restaurant serving creative Cantabrian cuisine.

• 🏨 Hotel Chiqui (Santander) - A proper seaside showstopper! Located on the most beautiful corner of El Sardinero Beach with spectacular views of the Palacio de la Magdalena and Cantabrian Sea. All rooms have sea views and loads of natural light, there's an infinity pool overlooking the sea, plus the Panorama Restaurant & Lounge with its large terrace. This is the option for when you want to feel all special!

• 🏨 Eurostars Hotel Real (Santander) - Contemporary and sophisticated accommodation in Santander's heart, offering modern amenities with easy access to the city's cultural attractions and dining scene.

• 🏨 Santos Satemar - A great value all-rounder. This elegant hotel combines comfort with Cantabrian character and is perfectly positioned for exploring the region's diverse attractions from coastlines to mountain villages.

• 🏨 Hotel Cuevas (Santillana del Mar) - Stay right in the heart of Spain's most beautiful medieval village! This charming hotel puts you steps away from cobbled streets, historic architecture, and all the fairy-tale magic that makes Santillana del Mar so special. Perfect for couples and culture lovers. But it does often book up in advance.

Whether you choose a royal palace experience, beachfront luxury, or medieval village charm, each hotel offers that perfect Cantabrian combination of comfort, character, and brilliant access to everything from prehistoric caves to world-class hiking trails and stunning Atlantic beaches!

🗓️ When to Visit Cantabria

☀️ Summer (June–August) | 20–25°C

The driest and warmest time to explore, though pleasantly mild compared to southern Spain – you won't be melting on the beach here. Perfect for surfing, hiking, and enjoying the region's gorgeous Atlantic coastline. Book early for the big festivals.

• 🎉 Semana Grande de Santander (mid-late July) – Santander's biggest fiesta with fireworks over the bay, concerts, bullfighting, traditional Cantabrian sports, and street parties for a full week

• 🎭 Santander International Festival (August) – one of Spain's most prestigious cultural events since 1948, bringing world-class opera, ballet, and classical concerts to historic venues

• 💐 Battle of Flowers (last Friday August, Laredo) – spectacular parade of flower-decorated floats along the Alameda de Miramar, going strong since 1908 and drawing thousands to this coastal town

🌸 Spring (March–May) | 13–18°C

The countryside bursts into life with wildflowers and green valleys. Rain showers are possible (pack a light jacket), but you'll avoid the summer crowds and have Santillana del Mar's medieval streets almost to yourself.

• ✝️ Semana Santa (Easter) – atmospheric processions through Santander and historic towns like Castro Urdiales

• ⛵ La Folia (Easter Sunday, San Vicente de la Barquera) – ancient maritime procession where the Virgin is carried through the streets and onto fishing boats in a beautiful centuries-old tradition

• 🌊 Surfing season begins – spring swells bring excellent waves to Somo, Liencres, and Loredo beaches

🍂 Autumn (September–October) | 14–20°C

September stays warm and relatively dry – arguably the best-kept secret for visiting Cantabria. October brings cosy vibes in Potes and the mountain villages as autumn colours sweep the Picos de Europa.

• ⛪ Nuestra Señora de la Bien Aparecida (15 September) – pilgrimage to the sanctuary of Cantabria's patron saint in Ampuero, declared of Regional Tourist Interest

• 🥃 Fiesta del Orujo (second weekend November, Potes) – one of Spain's most authentic festivals in the medieval town of Potes, watching traditional pomace brandy being distilled in copper alquitaras, with folk music, regional costumes, and the prestigious Alquitara de Oro award

• 🍂 Picos de Europa hiking – spectacular autumn colours in Spain's premier mountain national park

❄️ Winter (December–February) | 8–13°C

Mild by northern European standards, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing on the coast. The pintxo bars and cider houses are at their cosy best, and you'll experience authentic Cantabrian life without the tourist crowds.

• 🐟 Santoña Carnival (February/March) – the "Carnival of the North" features the wonderfully bizarre "Trial at the Bottom of the Sea" where a sea bream is judged by Neptune for kidnapping a mermaid. Costume parades, murgas (satirical singing groups), and the burning of the bream make this one of Spain's most unique carnival celebrations

• 🎭 La Vijanera (first Sunday of January, Silió) – ancient winter masquerade dating back centuries, with costumed characters expelling evil spirits from the village

• 🎄 Christmas traditions – nativity scenes, festive markets, and traditional celebrations across the region

🏝️ Nearby Destinations

• 🏙️ Bilbao – the Guggenheim, world-class pintxos, and vibrant Basque culture are about 100km east along the stunning coastal motorway

• 🍴 San Sebastian – Spain's culinary capital with the famous La Concha beach is around 150km east, making it a brilliant day trip or overnight add-on

• 🏔️ Asturias – more green mountains, stunning beaches, and fantastic cider culture just to the west, sharing the Picos de Europa national park