Best things to do in Cantabria

Cantabria's Absolute Essentials

Cantabria features a diverse array of landmarks, from the UNESCO-listed Cave of Altamira’s prehistoric paintings to Gaudí’s modernist villa, El Capricho. The region's history is reflected in the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar and the Gothic Santander Cathedral. Natural highlights include the geological formations of El Soplao Cave and the semi-captive wildlife at Cabárceno Natural Park. Coastal Santander offers the early 20th-century Palacio de la Magdalena and the sandy expanses of El Sardinero.

Cantabria's Absolute Essentials — Map

Josep Panadero / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Palacio de la Magdalena

The Palacio de la Magdalena is a palace in Santander, Spain. Its construction was financed by popular subscription and given to the Spanish…

Tirithel / GFDL

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Gaudí’s "Capricho"

El Capricho is a villa in Comillas, Spain, designed by Antoni Gaudí. It was built in 1883–1885 for the summer use of a wealthy client,…

Rameessos / Public domain

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Cave of Altamira

The Cave of Altamira is a cave complex, located near the historic town of Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, Spain.

Dolmanrg / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Santander Cathedral

Santander Cathedral is located in the Spanish city of Santander. Its structure is mainly Gothic, although it has been extended and renovated…

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Cabarceno Natural Park

Cabárceno Natural Park is a zoo and nature reserve located in the town of Penagos, Spain, 17 kilometres south of Santander.The park is…

Igpinnato / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Sardinero Beach

Sardinero is a popular beach located in the Spanish city of Santander, Cantabria.

Josep Panadero / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Sardinero

Sardinero is a popular beach located in the Spanish city of Santander, Cantabria.

Ana Sevilleja / CC-BY-SA

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Santillana del Mar Collegiate Church

The Collegiate church and cloister of Santa Juliana is a collegiate church located in Santillana del Mar, Spain.

Rubén Ojeda / CC BY-SA 3.0 es

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Santo Toribio de Liébana

The Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana is a Roman Catholic monastery located in the district of Liébana, near Potes in Cantabria, Spain.

María Jesús Tomé / CC BY 2.0

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Cave of El Soplao

El Soplao is a cave located in the municipalities of Rionansa, Valdáliga and Herrerías in Cantabria, Spain.

Bare Itinho / CC-BY-SA

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Palacete del Embarcadero

A former 1920s passenger terminal on Santander's waterfront that now serves as a cultural center and exhibition space for contemporary art.

Dagane / CC BY 3.0

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Mercado de La Esperanza

Inaugurated in 1904, this modernist food market features a significant cast-iron and stone structure. It remains the city's primary hub for fresh local fish and regional produce.

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Santander

The capital city of Cantabria and a major port on the Cantabrian Sea, characterized by its wide bay and early 20th-century architecture.

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Mirador de El Cable

An observation deck situated at the upper station of the Fuente Dé cable car, providing panoramic views of the Picos de Europa mountains from over 1,800 meters above sea level.

Arriano60 / Public domain

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El Camello Beach

A sandy beach in Santander named for a distinctive rock formation shaped like a camel. It is a popular local spot for traditional beach tennis.

Other Lists

Sacred Heritage Sites Natural Wonders and Viewpoints Historic Cantabria: Caves and Castles Authentic Spanish Flavors