Things to do in Cantabria Spain

A favourite destinations among Spaniards and a place that has the most iconic landscapes of the northern coast of the country. Cantabria, Spain, is all about nature, sea, mountains and rich history. Everything in this community is a visual spectacle, and offers a unique travel experience. The north of Spain has a mosaic of unbeatable landscapes where the purest greens blend with the deepest blue of the Cantabrian Sea. If you are wondering what to do in Cantabria, as well as which villages and landscapes to visit in this autonomous region, read on.

In this post we share the most interesting and outrageously beautiful spots. We want to inspire you more than ever, so save some of theses spots for your future getaways. Take note and let yourself be amazed by the best kept secrets in Cantabria, Spain.

To organize your travel itinerary we recommend you to use Passporterapp, totally free, easy and functional.  You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers and choose the places that interest you most, adding them to the route map.

The best things to do in Cantabria Spain

Although Cantabria is nature in its purest form, it would be a mistake not to mention the charms of its capital, Santander. The villages also keep the essence of this wonderful destination alive. Cantabria is the perfect choice for a route through its towns and villages, combining culture and nature.

What to see in Santander

Santander has one of the most spectacular bays in the world. Also, it has one of the most beautiful historic quarters in Spain. It boasts elegance and architectural beauty, as well as the sea and the mountains taking centre stage. Walking around Santander offers a wide variety, from architectural wealth with the Palacio de la Magdalena, to beaches and natural spaces just a stone’s throw from the city centre.

The Magdalena Palace

The Palacio de la Magdalena is one of the city’s most treasured gems. It is without a doubt one of the most iconic buildings in Santander. Located at the top of the Magdalena Peninsula, it was the summer residence of Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia for seventeen years. It is located in a large area, very pleasant to walk around. Its surroundings include Los Bikinis beach, the Embarcadero Real, and the Faro de la Cerda lighthouse. In addition, at the top of the peninsula, overlooking the coast is the famous Palacio de la Magdalena. It has incredible views of the landscape.

Walk around Sardinero

This is the most popular area of the city and the coast of Santander. You can’t miss the promenade and marvel at the views and the beaches. This promenade starts at the second part of Avenida Reina Victoria and stretches all the way to the second beach of El Sardinero. Along this magical route we highlight several essential stops; the Gran Casino in the Plaza de Italia, created in 1916, a little further on, the spectacular viewpoint of the Piquío Gardens, and the Mesones Park.

The Cabo Mayor Lighthouse

Continuing along the route and approaching the end of the city, you will find the Cabo Mayor lighthouse, one of Santander’s most visited icons. Next to it, you will find the Faro Café Bar. Here, you can have a few beers on its terrace and enjoy the views and observe a wilder natural landscape. But not before marvelling at Mataleñas Beach and taking a walk along the path. This is a route full of beauty between beaches and cliffs where you can enjoy incredible views of the bay of Santander.

Comillas, Cantabria Spain

On the western coast of Cantabria we find Comillas, known as Villa de los Arzobispos. In its streets we will find samples of great modernist architecture. This streets lead us to a beautiful beach surrounded by ancestral homes, small squares, parks and cobbled corners. One of the most iconic buildings in the town is known as the Capricho de Gaudí. This is an arabesque style building that was declared a historical and artistic monument in the 1960s.

Santillana del Mar

It is one of the most beautiful villages to see in Cantabria, Spain. Located just 30 km from Santander, this small town is considered a landmark, thanks to its historical and artistic value.

Here you will find the Altamira Caves, described as the “Sistine Chapel” of cave art. Also the Monastery of Santa Juliana and the Merino and Don Borja Towers. Be surprised by its medieval-style cobbled streets and taste the town’s most popular snack.

Santoña

On the left bank of the River Ansón is Santoña, which forms part of the Nature Reserve of the Santoña and Noja Marshes. This is one of the oldest fishing villages. Moreover, it was a great coastal frontier and is presided over by three monuments: the Fort of San Martín, the Fort of San Carlos and the Fort of El Mazo, next to two charming lighthouses.

Langre and Loredo

One of the routes you can follow in Cantabria is the cliffs route. This route runs along the beaches between Langre and Loredo. Start at Langre Beach (just 1 km from the town) whose cliffs will immerse you. You will find a 7.5 km path where the abrupt views of this landscape will leave you speechless. Also, you can visit both villages and discover more of the charms of Cantabria Spain.

Bárcena Mayor

This village, located in the heart of the Saja-Besaya natural park, is one of the best places in inland Cantabria. Moreover, it is said to be the oldest village in this region. Its streets and structure have a special charm that is unique among the towns of Cantabria Spain. Surrounded by mountains and nature, this village has cobbled pedestrian streets, baroque houses, and balconies adorned with flowers, making it a pleasant stroll. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1979, it is certainly the place to lose yourself in, and discover its shops selling local products.

What to see in Isla, Cantabria Spain

Isla is one of the best known towns in the municipality of Arnuero and one of the quintessential tourist destinations on the eastern coast of Cantabria Spain. This village has attractive stops both in the town centre and on the coast. The village is located in the highest area next to the church, and is known for the church of San Julián and Santa Basilisa. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, this village has the Palace of the Counts of Isla, a monument that stands out both for its beauty and its historical value.

The beach area of Isla follows the coastline of the estuary as far as Cape Quejo. As for the most impressive beaches on this coast, we can point out Playa del Cándano, Playa de los Barcos, Playa del Sable with a blue flag, as well as Playa de Arnadal, and Playa de la Arena, also with a blue flag.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Best beaches in Cantabria Spain

Cantabria is sea and coast, but not just any sea and coast. Here you will find some of the most spectacular beaches in the whole country and scenery to take photos of and keep for your memories.

Covachos Beach

A beautiful half moon, framed by a mighty cliff where the meadows reach right up to the edge of the cliff. No wonder, then, that this cove, barely 50 metres long, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cantabria and usually appears in all lists as one of the best beaches in Spain. Somewhat remote and little frequented, it is a favourite among those who like to practise nudism. It gets its name from the characteristic islet attached to the land at low tide, and is located close to the city of Santander, about 3 km from Soto de la Marina. You have to go down some steps to get there, so it is not suitable for everyone.

Oyambre Beach

This isolated beach in Cantabria, located between the municipalities of Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera, in the Oyambre Natural Park, is one of the best surfing beaches in the Cantabrian Sea. Oyambre Beach is about two kilometres long, with white sand and a field of dunes. There are waves all year round, although the best time for surfing is in winter with the big swells. Despite its remote location, it tends to be quite busy.

Trengandin Beach

This is a great beach in Cantabria Spain. Not only because of its three-kilometre length, but also because of its location: it is next to the Santoña Marshes, the most important wetlands in the north of the peninsula. It has fine sand crystal clear waters. Trengandín beach is equipped with a large number of services and good access adapted for all types of users.

Los Locos Beach

Suances is one of the best known towns in Cantabria and one of the liveliest during the summer months. Although it is not the only one, Los Locos beach is one of the most beautiful. It meets the typical characteristics of Cantabrian beaches: it is located between cliffs and its shape and location make it perfect for surfing. Many surfing enthusiasts come here to make the most of its characteristics, and it is also sheltered from the wind. You can reach it via a long staircase. In the upper area there is a car park and various bars and restaurants.

Langre Beach

Connoisseurs of the region say that Langre beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in Cantabria. Considering it is so close to the beaches of Somo and Loredo, that is really saying something. But simply seeing on arrival the 800 metres of beach with fine golden sand surrounded by cliffs is enough to realise that this statement is not an exaggeration. You can reach it from the municipality of Langre, approximately one kilometre away. It is a beach with strong currents and waves, so surf lovers will enjoy it.

Arnía Beach

Arnía beach is in the municipality of Piélagos, very close to Santander and about 3 kilometres from Soto de la Marina, near Santander. Its beauty is heavenly, which regularly puts it on lists of the best beaches in Spain. A clue as to why is in the name of the area: Costa Quebrada. A place of exceptional geological beauty, with ancient islets, limestone cliffs and an abrasion platform that shows how far the ancient coastline reached. It is difficult to access and therefore is not very crowded.

Sardinero Beach

If you are looking for beaches in Cantabria, you cannot miss the beaches in the district of El Sardinero, a classic in Santander. Many consider it, along with La Concha beach in San Sebastian, one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Spain. It has almost two kilometres of fine sand if we add the beaches of La Segunda, La Primera, La Concha and El Camello. Its name is pretty self-descriptive: it was once a sardine fishing ground.

Berellín Beach

This beach in Cantabria is not very crowded. It stands out for its striking karstic formations full of greenery that contrast with the turquoise colour of its waters. It is easily reached on foot and its beauty makes it a must-see. There is a car park just a few metres from the access point, but it does not have any extra services so as not to interfere with its natural surroundings.

Berria Beach

Santoña is not only known for its rich anchovies, but also for Monte Buciero, and at its feet we find this beautiful beach where its sand is mixed with some vegetation and is 2 kilometres long, perfect for strolling and relaxing. It has access for people with reduced mobility and many services: toilets, showers, litter bins, kiosks and sun lounger hire.

What to see in Cantabria Spain, in 3 days?

Cantabria is a destination that does not disappoint, and you can make the most whether you stay for a week or 3 days. All of its must-see spots exude Cantabrian magic, and will turn your trip into an incredible experience. Here is a 3-day itinerary that you can use as a reference, and inspire you to create your own.

• Day 1: Comillas in the morning and for lunch, and Santillana del Mar for the afternoon.
• Day 2: Santander; Sardinero Beach, Magdalena Palace and Cabo Mayor Lighthouse for sunset.
• Third day: Berria beach, Santoña town, and San Carlos Fort in Santoña.

3-day itinerary by @fraanlax in Cantabria Spain

First day: Suances, its cliffs and route to Ubiarco.
Second day: Dune Park and the coast of Liencres.
Third day: Lighthouses and unique places in Santander.

About the traveller:

Fran is a landscape and adventure photographer. Lover of his land, what he likes most is to explore Cantabria with his camera in hand and capture everything his eye can see. He has prepared an itinerary along the Cantabrian coast where he will show you the most special and hidden corners of Cantabria. He has travelled all over the north of Spain.

What to see in Cantabria Spain, in 4 days?

Four days will allow you to cover more of the essential things to see in Cantabria, Spain. Take a look at this 4-day itinerary in the region and get ideas for your trip.

• Day 1: Comillas in the morning and for lunch, and Santillana del Mar for the afternoon.
• Day 2: Santander; Sardinero Beach, Magdalena Palace and Cabo Mayor Lighthouse for sunset.
• Third day: Langre, Langre Beach, and Loredo to spend the afternoon.
• Fourth day: Cantabria Island, Berria Beach, Santoña town, and San Carlos Fort in Santoña.

What to see in Cantabria, Spain in 7 days?

To discover Cantabria, to get to know its landscapes and to absorb its northern essence, you will definitely need to follow this 7-day itinerary. Here is a selection of the most special places to see in Cantabria, which we are sure you will fall in love with. After this trip, you’ll never want to spend the summer anywhere else.

• First day: Oyambre Beach in the morning, and we go into the interior of Cantabria to visit Bárcena Mayor.
• Second day: Los Locos beach in the morning, Comillas for lunch, and in the afternoon.
• Third day: Santillana del Mar in the morning, Playa Arnía and Playa de Covachos in the afternoon.
• Fourth day: Santander; Sardinero Beach, Magdalena Palace and Cabo Mayor Lighthouse to watch the sunset.
• Fifth day: Langre, Langre Beach, and Loredo to spend the afternoon.
• Sixth day: Cantabria Island, and Trengandín Beach.
• Seventh day: Berria Beach, Santoña town, and San Carlos Fort in Santoña.

Itinerary for more inspiration

Here is a final itinerary created by user @mireiagh98 for even more inspiration for your trip:

How to organize what to do in Cantabria, Spain?

If you don’t know how to organize your trip to Cantabria, download the Passporter App and we will help you.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add to it the suggestions of the app.
• Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest that we indicate in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by days of the route according to its location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited on your trip to the app to inspire other users.