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What to see and do in Cantabria

If there's one thing that characterizes Cantabria, it's the green of its landscapes and the beauty of its beaches and cliffs. This region in northern Spain boasts a wide range of cultural, natural, and sporting activities.

Located 15 km from Santander is Cabárceno Nature Park , a must-see in Cantabria. It's a natural space where over a hundred animals from five continents live in semi-freedom. You can also enjoy birds of prey flight demonstrations and sea lion shows.

In the Liébana region, in the heart of the Picos de Europa mountains , lies the Fuente Dé Cable Car . It takes passengers to an altitude of 1,823 meters above a glacial valley, making it an exceptional viewpoint overlooking the Liébana Valley.

Another great option for things to do in Cantabria is a trip to Santillana del Mar. This beautiful town is home to the Altamira Caves , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which contain Paleolithic cave art.

Santillana del Mar has been one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain since 2013, thanks to its charming center with cobbled streets and traditional Cantabrian houses with flower-filled wooden balconies. We recommend visiting the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana or the Velarde Palace .

Another cave of great interest is the El Soplao Cave , of great geological value, with large surfaces of stalactites, stalagmites and helictites that combine to create a unique play of colors and sensations.

In the Bay of Santander, you can find towns of extraordinary beauty and rich heritage, such as Santander and Maliaño . Boat trips around the Bay offer stunning panoramic views of the waterfront, the Magdalena Palace, Mouro Island, and El Puntal. Regular boat tours are also available to explore El Puntal Beach and the nearby towns of Somo and Pedreña .

In the capital, Santander, there is much to see. For example, a must-see is the Magdalena Palace . It is part of a large park that includes Los Bikinis beach , the Royal Pier , and the La Cerda Lighthouse , as well as the Magdalena Palace itself , which can be visited inside.

A must-see in Cantabria if you want to learn about the region's fishing history and underwater natural environments is the Cantabrian Maritime Museum . The so-called "Santander cultural ring " comprises this museum, along with the city's Interpretation Centers , the Cathedral , the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology , and the Botín Centre . All of these are museums you shouldn't miss on a visit to the Cantabrian capital.

The Ethnographic Museum of Cantabria is located in the town of Muriedas. It is one of the most important museums in the province and comprises more than 1,700 pieces that showcase traditional Cantabrian ethnography.

Santander is also home to some of the best beaches with fine, golden sand, such as El Sardinero , La Magdalena , Bikinis , El Camello , Los Peligros , and Mataleñas . Around Santander, you can find several beautiful coves, such as La Arnía , Covachos , and Somocuevas .

Just a few kilometers from Santander lies the so-called Costa Quebrada (Broken Coast ), a stretch of coastline just over 10 km long, with cliffs, islets, dunes, inlets, and coves. The most famous beach in this area is Valdearenas Beach , located within the Liencres Dunes Natural Park . The dunes in this protected natural area are considered some of the most important in northern Spain. Adjacent to this beach is Canallave Beach, a popular spot for surfers and paragliders.

Near Comillas, in Cabezón de la Sal, lies a forest of giant sequoia trees, some over 40 meters tall. In Comillas itself, you can also visit Gaudí's Capricho , a palace brimming with color and fantasy, reflecting the distinctive architectural style of this renowned artist. Other recommended attractions in Comillas include the Sobrellano Palace and the Pantheon Chapel .

Puente Viesgo is famous for its thermal waters. The Puente Viesgo Spa is a complex made up of two buildings, with a spa, restaurants, and the Temple of Water, which features a large central pool, jacuzzis, and saunas.

In such a stunning natural setting, adventure sports are undoubtedly a must. Scuba diving, flyboarding, surfing or kitesurfing, sailing… these are just a few examples of the diverse activities available in Cantabria.

Maliaño offers several hiking trails and bike paths that provide opportunities to explore the surrounding area, such as the Sierra Parayas Coastal Mountain and the Senda de los Porqués (Path of the Whys ). In this town, you can also visit the Roman Baths and Medieval Necropolis of San Juan de Maliaño , which includes magnificent Roman baths, a medieval necropolis, and a small Romanesque church.

How to get to Cantabria

To reach Cantabria by plane, you can use Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport, located in the town of Maliaño. This airport offers regular passenger service, both domestic and international, as well as private charter flights and air taxi services.

It is also possible to reach Cantabria by bus , thanks to the bus stations in Santander and Torrelavega.

Renfe's railway network also connects Cantabria with other cities in the country, so getting to Cantabria by train is also possible.

Cantabria can also be reached by boat via the seaports of Maliaño and Santander. Regular ferry services run between Santander and Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Cork.

Finally, to reach Cantabria by car , the main road entrances are: the Autovía del Cantábrico (A-8/E-70), access from Vizcaya or Asturias; the Autovía de la Meseta (A-67), access from Palencia; the N-634, which crosses the province from east to west (from Vizcaya to Asturias, passing through Torrelavega); the N-611, access from Palencia; the N-623, access from Burgos-Madrid; and the N-621, access from León.

Where to eat in Cantabria

Cantabrian cuisine, recognized as one of the best in the country, is one of its greatest tourist attractions. Currently, six establishments in Cantabria boast the Michelin Guide distinction, synonymous with quality, creativity, and excellent cooking.

The capital is heavily influenced by the Bay of Santander. Its maritime tradition gives it its distinctive character, with seafood dishes like panchos (a type of fried fish), red mullet, sea bass, anchovies, sardines, squid, and cuttlefish.

The largest selection of restaurants in Cantabria is found in the Bay of Santander, especially in the city of Santander itself. The coastal area has the highest concentration of bars and restaurants. The Paseo Pereda is lined with terraces and ice cream shops. The " Terrazas del Ferry " (Ferry Terraces) are a lively area with many terraces where you can also sample the fantastic local cuisine. There is also a restaurant in the Parque Atlántico de las Llamas (Atlantic Park of the Flames ).

The town of El Astillero has the highest concentration of restaurants in the Camargo valley.

Maliaño-Muriedas also boasts a good selection of restaurants. A great place to eat in Maliaño is the Punta Parayas restaurant, where you can enjoy the pleasant weather on its terrace while savoring generous portions. The marina is another good option for dining in Maliaño. The Valle Real Shopping Centre is another possibility for eating in Maliaño.

You can also eat well in the Suances and Liencres area.