Holiday in Cantabria
Region in Spain — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇸
Country
Spain
Type
Region
Best time to travel
June–September
Budget/day
60–100 €
Getting there from Germany
Flights to Santander (with a stopover) or to Bilbao with a subsequent drive (about 1 hour). Ferry from Portsmouth/Plymouth to Santander is possible.
Deals for Cantabria:
What makes Cantabria special as a destination?
Cantabria on the northern coast of Spain surprises with green coastal landscapes, prehistoric cave paintings, and elegant seaside resorts. The region between the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa combines dramatic coastlines, lush meadows, and a cultural heritage that dates back to the Stone Age in a small area. Cantabria is the green Spain par excellence and a hidden gem for nature lovers. The Cave of Altamira, the "Sistine Chapel of Stone Age Art," houses 15,000-year-old paintings of bison, horses, and deer in astonishing detail (UNESCO World Heritage). The original is closed for protection, but the Neocueva replica in the museum is impressively authentic. In the province, there are over 60 other caves with prehistoric art, including El Soplao with its spectacular stalactite formations. The capital, Santander, impresses with the peninsula beach El Sardinero, the Palacio de la Magdalena (summer residence of the Spanish kings), and the modern Botín center by Renzo Piano. Comillas enchants with Gaudí's El Capricho, a colorful summer palace, and the neo-Gothic palace Sobrellano. Santoña is the center of Spanish anchovy production — the Anchoas de Santoña are among the best in the world. Cantabrian cuisine offers Cocido Montañés (mountain stew), fresh seafood, and Sobaos Pasiegos (butter cakes from the Pas Valley).
What are the top highlights in Cantabria?
The top highlights in Cantabria include Cave of Altamira, Santander & El Sardinero, Picos de Europa (North Side), Comillas, Santillana del Mar.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Cave of Altamira
The "Sistine Chapel of Stone Age Art" with 15,000-year-old bison paintings is a UNESCO World Heritage site – the Neocueva replica is impressively authentic.
Santander & El Sardinero
The elegant port city delights with the glamorous beach El Sardinero, the Magdalena Peninsula, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Picos de Europa (North Side)
The limestone mountains rising up to 2,648 m offer spectacular hikes, the gorge Desfiladero de la Hermida, and brown bears.
Comillas
The coastal town features El Capricho, a colorful early work by Gaudí, and the neo-Gothic palace Sobrellano.
Santillana del Mar
The medieval village with cobblestone streets and manor houses is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
Hotels in Cantabria
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Cantabria?
The best time to visit Cantabria is June–September. Pleasant, 20–26 °C, changeable In winter: Mild, 6–12 °C, frequent rain
Recommended travel time
June–September
Summer
Pleasant, 20–26 °C, changeable
Winter
Mild, 6–12 °C, frequent rain
How much does a holiday in Cantabria cost?
Budget travellers: 30–50 €/day, mid-range: 60–100 €/day, luxury: 150–300 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
30–50 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
60–100 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
150–300 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Cantabria?
Flights to Santander (with a stopover) or to Bilbao with a subsequent drive (about 1 hour). Ferry from Portsmouth/Plymouth to Santander is possible.
Book a package holiday to Cantabria
Compare thousands of package holidays to Cantabria and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Cantabria?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Be sure to book Altamira tickets for the Neocueva online in advance – they sell out quickly, especially in high season.
The coastal road from Santander to San Vicente de la Barquera is one of the most beautiful in Spain.
Sobao Pasiego and Quesada are the traditional desserts of Cantabria – available in every bakery.
Cantabria's beaches are perfect for surfing – Somo and Loredo are the most popular surf spots.
In spring, wild gorse blooms on the coastal hills in bright yellow – a fantastic natural spectacle.
What should you eat in Cantabria?
Typical specialities in Cantabria: Cocido Montañés, Anchoas de Santoña, Sobao Pasiego, Quesada Pasiega, Rabas (fried squid strips), Cocido Lebaniego.
These specialties you must try!
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