12 Reasons to Drive Spain’s Cantabria Coastline

With mountains, beaches, stunning views, and rich history, the Cantabria coast is a goldmine of authentic Spanish beauty. Slightly off the beaten path from major tourist areas, Cantabria is one of the smallest and most historic areas of Spain. 

The charming and remote region is home to rugged coastlines, flowing rivers, rolling hills and photogenic villages. Here's what you can look forward to when you set out to drive the Cantabria coastline.

1. Castro Urdiales

The small coastal town of Castro Urdiales on the beautiful Bay of Biscay entices visitors with quiet beaches, a pleasant harbor, and a maze of cobbled streets.

No visit is complete without catching a glimpse of the Church of Santa Maria, a Gothic church built in the 13^th century. Other highlights include the cave of Pena del Cuco and the Ocharan Palace Gardens.
 

2. Noja

A stunning seaside gem, Noja is a quiet, friendly town on the water. Surrounded on one side by beautiful beaches and the other side by lush green mountains, it offers an oasis of beauty and opportunities for relaxation.

Local legend suggests that Noah’s Ark washed up on one of the neighboring mountains. Explore independent shops and fresh local markets and embrace the homely nature of this charming town.

Points of interest include the town's many 17^th-century buildings and the popular beaches Playa de Ris and Playa de Trengandin.

3. Santander

The capital of the region, Santander has a resort town feel, with sprawling beaches, plenty of shopping and good eats, alongside tourist attractions such as La Magdalena Palace and Gardens and the medieval gothic cathedral. Enjoy the historic city center and then relax on one of the city's white sand beaches.

4. Beaches

Great beaches aren't limited to Santander — the 220 kilometers (137 miles) of Cantabria coastline offers more than 90, each with large stretches of white sand, turquoise waters, and stunning views well worth the drive.

It's difficult to choose just one to visit but popular picks include Mataleñas for families, thanks to the shallow and often calm shoreline. El Sardinero beach is 1.3 kilometers long and perfect for sunbathing, and Somo beach is ideal for watersports enthusiasts and nature admirers.

5. Torrelavega

Just ten minutes inland from the coast, Torrelavega is well worth a visit. As Cantabria’s second largest city, there’s plenty to see and do, including the Viérnoles monument ensemble. Foodies won’t want to leave without sampling at least one of the city’s famous puff pastry dishes, which include cakes, palmeritas and polkas and are widely available throughout the town.

6. Santillana del Mar

Enjoy a stroll through the picturesque village of Santillana del Mar and discover cobblestone streets steeped in history. With stone buildings dating from the 14^th to 17^th centuries, the area is considered one of Spain's prettiest towns. The medieval architecture has earned the entire town a designation as a National Monument.

7. Museo de Altamira

Cantabria is a great place to take a step back into Spain’s deepest history, thanks in part to its wealth of prehistoric drawings. At Museo de Altamira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can dive into contemporary art discussions – and, of course, see inspiring archaeological finds from millennia ago. The Cave of El Castillo is home to the world's oldest cave paintings, so this is a must-visit. Its artworks were created more than 40,800 years ago.

8. El Capricho de Gaudi

Cantabria offers more than just natural beauty. El Capricho de Gaudi is an awe-aspiring palace in the town of Comillas. Built in the 19^th century by Antonio Gaudi, the palace is an architectural wonder, reflecting a unique Modernist style that fuses Arabesque and neo-Gothic elements.

9. Oyambre Nature Reserve

No visit to Santander is complete without a stop at Oyambre Nature Reserve, one of the largest dune areas in Cantabria. The reserve boasts some of the best-preserved landscapes in the region, with beaches, dunes, hills, cliffs, and valleys, all set against the backdrop of the Picos de Europa mountains.
 

10. San Vicente de la Barquera

This old fisherman’s village is home to historical monuments such as the Church of Santa María de Los Ángeles and the La Maza bridge – whose 28 arches symbolize the town’s identity.

Don’t forget to visit some of the beautiful surrounding beaches and look up and enjoy the backdrop of the snow-capped Picos de Europa mountains.

11. Picos de Europa

Picos de Europa is spread over 11 villages and is the only inhabited nature reserve in Spain. Discover breathtakingly high mountains, deep ravines, and exquisite beauty. You can see the mountains from your vehicle, but for a better look, park the car and ride the Fuente de cable car, for a spectacular birds-eye view.
 

12. Potes

While not quite on the coast, this beautiful little village in Liébana is definitely worth a visit. Surrounded by streams and mountains, picturesque Potes is full of charm. Be sure to visit the weekly market to pick up some fresh local produce.

Thrill-seekers have plenty to do as it’s a great base for taking on action sports in the surrounding mountains – including canyoning, kayaking and climbing.

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