Cantabria is compact: the Picos de Europa on its western edge, a coast of long beaches and estuaries, and Santander, a refined port city that was once the royal summer resort. Altamira’s Ice Age cave paintings are here (visitors see a replica in the museum).
It is quieter and cheaper than the neighbouring Basque Country and easy to reach by ferry from the UK.
Climate
Atlantic: mild summers, cool damp winters, frequent rain.
Best time: June to September.
Food and drink
Anchovies from Santoña, cocido montañés, sobaos and quesadas pasiegas (butter sponge cakes and cheesecake).
What it’s like
Santillana del Mar and Comillas are among the prettiest towns in northern Spain. The coast is good for surfing (Somo, Liencres).
Living here
Moderate costs; a steady flow of British residents thanks to the Brittany Ferries routes from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander.
Getting around
Trains to Madrid take about 4 hours; Bilbao is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
Towns and cities in Cantabria
Cantabria
Santander
A refined bay city with the Magdalena Palace, El Sardinero beaches and ferries to the UK.
€€€€ 1 to 2 days
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Cantabria?
June to September.
What is the weather like in Cantabria?
Atlantic: mild summers, cool damp winters, frequent rain.
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