Cantabria is an autonomous community located in the north of Spain. To the east lies the province of Vizcaya, to the west Asturias and in the south the provinces of Burgos, León and Palencia. Its northern part is bathed by the Cantabrian Sea. Cantabria is a mountainous and coastal region that has two climates: the temperate Atlantic climate, which is humid; and in the regions where the Cantabrian Mountains have a barrier effect, a temperate Mediterranean climate. Cantabria has more than 220 km of coastline and more than 90 beaches. Within its mountain ranges in this region of Spain, the western massif of the Picos de Europa stands out, at over 2,000 meters high. In addition, this autonomous community is rich in culture and steeped in history, one of the most important caves containing Paleolithic paintings, the Altamira cave can be found in this region. As for places of interest, the list is endless: the Cabárceno Natural Park, the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, the Capricho de Gaudí and the palace of Sobrellanos in Comillas, the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, the church of Santa María de la Asunción in Castro Urdiales and the Botín center in Santander, all worth a visit. Cantabria´s beautiful mountain villages deserve a special mention, some of them are recognized as the most beautiful in Spain, such as Potes, Cartes, Ruente and La Fuentona, Carmona, Bárcena Mayor and Liérganes.

Cantabrian gastronomy is rich and varied due to its climate and its environment, its main dishes are mostly based on fish, shellfish and beef. If you travel to Cantabria you cannot miss their anchovies from Santoña, the razor clams from San Vicente de la Barquera, their Tudanca beef and their cheeses. As for desserts, sobaos cake, Unquera pastries and quesadas are everyone's favourites.

The best plans to discover Cantabria

3 days. Santander with food tour

This 3-day plan in Santander allows you to discover the flavors of Cantabria. This experience includes accommodation in the center of Santander and a 10-hour gastronomic tour where you will
2 nights

5 days. Essential Cantabria with excursions included

If you are looking for nature, mountains, fairytale towns and tradition, with this 5-day plan you will see everything there is to see. This experience includes 4 nights of accommodation
4 nights

5 days. Route by car through the essentials of Cantabria

If you want to get to know Cantabria, don't wait any longer! This beautiful green land has a lot to offer: mountains, some of the most beautiful villages in Spain,
4 nights

7 days. Route by car through Cantabria

Cantabria is a land of mountains, coast, tradition and culture, green meadows, rivers and natural parks. Traveling to Cantabria is synonymous with authenticity, local products and good food, charming towns
6 nights

Asturias and Cantabria with Madrid

5 nights

Full tour of Cantabria with excursions included

If you are looking for a vacation in Cantabria that allows you to discover this beautiful land in its entirety with scheduled excursions but with enough free time to rest
6 nights

Getaway to Santander with excursion to Cabárceno Park

Looking forward to a weekend in the city and nature? This little getaway to Santander is for you! This weekend plan includes accommodation in a central Santander hotel, a guided
2 nights

Getaway to Santander with tickets to the Botín Center

Santander is a city that has it all: culture, art, history, sea and beach. In this getaway you will be able to get to know the city, its monuments, its
1 night

Weekend in Santander with excursions included

This weekend in Santander is organized so that you can make the most of your getaway. This weekend plan includes: 2 nights in a central hotel in Santander and an
2 nights

Unique experiences that include Cantabria

Hotels in Santander

Cantabria is a land of mountains, coast, tradition and culture, green meadows, rivers and natural parks. Traveling to Cantabria is synonymous with authenticity, local products and good food, charming towns
1 night28 €per person
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What to see in Cantabria?

El Soplao Cave

The cave of El Soplao is located 83 km from Santander, 60 km from Torrelavega and only 21 km from San Vicente de la Barquera. This cave was discovered by local miners in 1908 but was kept secret to extract lead zinc until 1976 when it was closed because it was not profitable. Despite this, the miners respected this cave in great measure, which is why it is still a cavity full of stalactites, stalagmites, lava flows, columns and white eccentrics. The latter is what makes this cave a unique cavity of great geological value. In addition, mining activity has also left its mark, allowing us to access this cave by train since, due to the work of the miners who had already built a track. During your visit, you will also be able to see the area where the rubble was disposed of and how the water was collected

Cabarceno Nature Park

The Natural Park of Cabárceno is a protected natural area where almost 120 animal species live together in semi-freedom. It is a complex of 750 hectares in which animal life unfolds in the most natural way possible. Far from being a zoo, except for the food provided to them, the rest of their vital activities are carried out by each animal using their instinct and with freedom. It is possible to see fights between males in mating season, mating and of course, even new members that have been born in the park. The purposes of Cabárceno Natural Park are educational, cultural, scientific and recreational, which, together with respect for the animal kingdom, have made this place one of the most visited in northern Spain. Through the different viewpoints that are toured both by car or bicycle, visitors can observe how animals from 5 different continents live: African elephants, giraffes, gorillas, bison, bears, pygmy hippos, rhinos, lions, hyenas... and many more animals that can also be seen from the sky by taking the cable car lift.The park is family-friendly and has recreational areas, picnic areas, cafes and restaurants where you can spend the day.Visiting hours: open all year round except December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.From March 1 to November 1: 9:30 am - 6 pm.From November 2 to February 28. Monday to Friday: 9:30h-17h / Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and long weekends: 9:30h-18h.Holy Week (from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday): 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.*The timetable is for entry because, although the ticket offices close at 6 pm, you can stay in the Park until sunset, although from 6:15 pm some of the animals begin to be kept in their stables to be fed and observed, as required by international organizations.*The cable car schedules close earlier. Consult upon arrival at the Cabárceno Nature Park.
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You may be interested in these destinations related to Cantabria

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