Cantabria, Spain Travel Guide

Discover Cantabria: a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and exquisite cuisine on Spain's northern coast.

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Cantabria

Nestled in the northern coast of Spain, Cantabria is a place where green mountains meet the blue sea. The region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Picos de Europa mountain range and stunning beaches like those in Santander. Cantabria's natural beauty offers a paradise for hikers, beach lovers, and anyone who appreciates the great outdoors. Cantabria is rich in history and culture. The city of Santander, the region's capital, boasts beautiful architecture, charming squares, and a lively atmosphere. Don't miss the historic Magdalena Palace and the bustling Mercado de la Esperanza. For history buffs, the Altamira Caves, with their prehistoric paintings, provide a fascinating glimpse into the distant past. The region is also a culinary delight. Cantabria is famous for its seafood, particularly anchovies from Santoña and the delicious Cantabrian cheeses. Pair these with a glass of local cider or wine for a true taste of the region. Whether you're exploring ancient caves, hiking through lush landscapes, or savoring local delicacies, Cantabria offers an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cantabria.

Visit in spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy mild weather.
Rent a car to fully explore the region's diverse landscapes and hidden gems.
Try the local seafood dishes, especially the anchovies from Santoña.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the caves and hiking trails.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.

Top City Travel Guides in Cantabria

The cities of Cantabria, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Santander

Destinations in Cantabria

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Picos de Europa

Explore Cantabria: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Cantabria

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno

Discover the beauty of wildlife at Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno, a premier safari park in Cantabria showcasing diverse animal species in natural habitats.

4.5

El Capricho de Gaudí

Discover the enchanting El Capricho de Gaudí in Comillas, a historical landmark showcasing Antoni Gaudí's architectural genius in a breathtaking setting.

4.5

Palacio de la Magdalena

Explore the majestic Palacio de la Magdalena, a historical landmark in Santander, blending stunning architecture with breathtaking coastal views.

4.6

Cueva El Soplao

Cueva El Soplao: A breathtaking underground realm in Cantabria, rich in geological wonders and captivating history.

4.7

Best landmarks in Cantabria

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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All Landmarks

Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno

Visit Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno, a unique wildlife park in Cantabria filled with diverse animal species and breathtaking natural landscapes.

4.5

El Capricho de Gaudí

Explore El Capricho de Gaudí, a stunning modernist masterpiece in Comillas, showcasing the genius of Antoni Gaudí and the beauty of Spanish architecture.

4.5

Palacio de la Magdalena

Explore the stunning Palacio de la Magdalena, a historical landmark in Santander, offering rich heritage, breathtaking views, and cultural experiences.

4.6

Cueva El Soplao

Explore the captivating underground world of Cueva El Soplao, a historical landmark in Cantabria, Spain, renowned for its stunning geological formations.

4.7

Best restaurants in Cantabria

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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Casa Lita

Discover the vibrant flavors of Spain at Casa Lita, Santander's premier tapas bar offering authentic dishes in a lively setting.

4.3

Cañadío

Experience authentic Cantabrian cuisine at Cañadío - where tradition meets taste in Santander's vibrant culinary scene.

4.3

Restaurante Los Peñucas

Experience authentic Cantabrian seafood at Restaurante Los Peñucas in Santander - where fresh flavors meet warm hospitality.

4.4

Restaurante La Dársena de Suances

Experience exquisite Mediterranean seafood at Restaurante La Dársena de Suances – a culinary treasure along Spain's stunning coastline.

4.3

Best bars in Cantabria

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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All Bars

Casa Lita

Experience the vibrant flavors of Spain at Casa Lita, Santander's beloved tapas bar, where every bite tells a story of culinary passion.

4.3

COCTELERÍA LA SOLÍA

Experience the Best Cocktails in Santander at Coctelería La Solía - A Must-Visit Cocktail Bar for All Tourists!

4.4

Little Bobby

Discover the lively atmosphere and creative cocktails at Little Bobby, Santander's premier pub and cocktail bar for an unforgettable night out.

4.5

Grog

Discover Grog, Santander's vibrant cocktail bar, offering innovative drinks and a lively atmosphere perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.

4.1

Best nightclubs in Cantabria

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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Discoteca ZUL

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Cantabria at Discoteca ZUL, where music, dance, and fun come alive in a vibrant disco atmosphere.

4.5

Discoteca Cambalache

Dive into the heart of Santander's nightlife at Discoteca Cambalache, where unforgettable music and dance await you.

3.7

Sala Sümmum

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Santander at Sala Sümmum, a premier disco club and concert hall offering unforgettable music experiences.

3.6

Discoteca Amarras

Discover the pulsating energy of Discoteca Amarras, Santander's go-to disco club for an unforgettable nightlife experience.

3.8

Best shops in Cantabria

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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Valle Real

Explore Valle Real in Cantabria for an exceptional shopping experience with diverse stores and delicious dining options.

4.2

Laberinto De Villapresente

Discover the magic of Laberinto De Villapresente, an amusement center and botanical garden in Cantabria that offers fun and beauty for the whole family.

4.7

Parque natural de Oyambre

Explore the stunning coastal landscapes and rich biodiversity of Parque Natural de Oyambre, a nature preserve in Cantabria, Spain.

4.6

Mercado del Este

Discover the vibrant Mercado del Este in Santander, a bustling market filled with local flavors, crafts, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.

4.2

Explore Cantabria on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Cantabria, mapped for you.

Cantabria Essentials

Cantabria is located in the northern part of Spain. The region is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest international airport is Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport (SDR) in Santander, the capital of Cantabria. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or rent a car to reach your destination within the region. Alternatively, you can fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is about an hour's drive from Cantabria. For those traveling by train, RENFE offers services to major cities in Cantabria including Santander and Torrelavega. There are also direct bus services from major Spanish cities like Madrid, Bilbao, and Barcelona.
Cantabria has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trains. The regional bus service, ALSA, connects most towns and villages. For local travel within cities like Santander, municipal buses are frequent and reliable. The FEVE narrow-gauge railway network is a scenic way to explore the coast and countryside. Taxis are readily available but can be more expensive. Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring remote areas and offers flexibility. Cycling is also popular, especially along the coastal routes and in nature parks.
The official currency in Cantabria, as in the rest of Spain, is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in cities and larger towns. Some smaller establishments may not accept cards, so having some cash on hand is always a good idea.
Cantabria is generally a safe region for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Santander is a safe city, but it is wise to avoid poorly lit areas at night. Always stay aware of your surroundings and use reputable transportation services.
In case of an emergency, dial 112, the general emergency number in Spain, which connects you to police, medical services, and fire departments. Hospitals and medical facilities are available in major towns and cities, such as the University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla in Santander. Pharmacies are widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Casual wear is accepted, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious customs. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers and disabled individuals. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'hola'. In more formal settings, two kisses on the cheek are common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and specialties. Don't rush your meals; dining is a leisurely experience in Cantabria.
To experience Cantabria like a local, visit the traditional markets such as Mercado de la Esperanza in Santander, where you can buy fresh seafood and regional products. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and proud of their heritage. Explore the lesser-known villages like Santillana del Mar and Comillas for their unique charm and historical significance. Don't miss the chance to hike in the Picos de Europa National Park or visit the prehistoric caves of Altamira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When is the best time to visit Cantabria?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Cantabria

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Cantabria. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [OH-lah]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-DYOS]
- YesSí
  [SEE]
- NoNo
  [NO]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [por fah-BOR]
- Thank youGracias
  [GRAH-thyahs]
- Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pehr-DON]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [KOH-moh ehs-TAS]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [BYEN. ee TOO]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [AH-blahs een-GLES]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [NO en-TYEN-doh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah BEHR el meh-NOO, por fah-BOR]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [NO KOH-moh KAR-neh]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-LOOD]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah pah-GAR, por fah-BOR]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [VEH-teh]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [YAH-mah ah lah poh-lee-SEE-ah]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [YAH-mah ah oon MEH-dee-koh]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [es-TOY pehr-DEE-doh]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [es-TOY en-FER-moh]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah kom-PRAHR]
- I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [SO-lo es-TOY mee-RAN-do]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [KWAN-toh KWEH-stah]
- That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [es deh-mah-SYAH-doh KAH-roh]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [PWEH-des bah-HAR el PREH-syo]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh OH-rah es]
- It's one o'clockEs la una
  [es lah OO-nah]
- Half past (10)Y diez y media
  [ee DYESS ee MEH-dyah]
- MorningMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [TAR-deh]
- EveningNoche
  [NOH-cheh]
- YesterdayAyer
  [ah-YER]
- TodayHoy
  [OY]
- TomorrowMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
- 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
- 2Dos
  [DOS]
- 3Tres
  [TRES]
- 4Cuatro
  [KWAH-troh]
- 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
- 6Seis
  [SAYS]
- 7Siete
  [SYEH-teh]
- 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
- 9Nueve
  [NWEH-beh]
- 10Diez
  [DYESS]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde hay un/una...?
  [DON-deh ai oon/OO-nah]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [KWAL es lah dee-rek-SYON]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [PWEH-des mohs-TRAR-meh (en el MAH-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [KWAN-doh es el PROK-see-mo (ow-toh-BOOS)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [oon bee-YEH-teh (ah ....)]

History of Cantabria

Cantabria is renowned for its prehistoric cave art, particularly in the Cave of Altamira. These caves, often referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art,' contain some of the most famous examples of Upper Paleolithic cave paintings, dating back to around 36,000 years ago. The vivid depictions of bison, horses, and human hands offer a glimpse into the lives and spiritual practices of the early inhabitants of the region.
The Roman conquest of Cantabria, known as the Cantabrian Wars (29-19 BC), marked a significant period in the region's history. The indigenous Cantabri tribes fiercely resisted Roman rule, leading to a series of brutal campaigns under Emperor Augustus. Despite their resistance, the Cantabrians were eventually subdued, and the region was incorporated into the Roman Empire, contributing to the Romanization of Cantabria.
During the Middle Ages, Cantabria was a strategic frontier zone between the Christian kingdoms of the north and the Muslim territories to the south. The region saw the rise of powerful feudal lords and the construction of numerous castles and fortified towers. Notably, the town of Santillana del Mar, with its well-preserved medieval architecture and the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, became a center of religious and political power.
Santander, the capital of Cantabria, began to flourish in the 18th century as a major port and trading hub. The city's growth was spurred by its strategic location and the development of the shipping industry. Notable landmarks from this period include the Cathedral of Santander and the Palacio de la Magdalena, a royal palace that later became a symbol of the city's prosperity.
Cantabria played a significant role during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The region was initially held by Republican forces but was captured by Franco's Nationalists in 1937 after the Battle of Santander. The war left a lasting impact on Cantabria, with many of its towns and cities suffering significant damage and its people experiencing profound hardship.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Cantabria underwent significant economic and social transformations. The region saw the development of its tourism industry, capitalizing on its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural heritage. The establishment of the Autonomous Community of Cantabria in 1982 granted the region greater political autonomy and spurred further cultural and economic development.