There are journeys where the road is almost as important as the places it takes us. This route along the Cantabrian coast is one of them. Three seaside towns, two autonomous communities, and a landscape that alternates between beaches, cliffs, architecture, ports, and mountains.
The journey begins in Suances, continues to Comillas, and ends by crossing into Asturias to reach Llanes. Here, it is important to travel slowly, detour towards a beach, peek at the cliffs, and leave time to walk. Because in this part of the Cantabrian Sea, the best plans often emerge between one destination and the next.
Suances, to start by the sea
We begin in Suances, practically with our feet in the sand. This Cantabrian town has grown looking out to sea and to the mouth of the Saja and Besaya rivers. Its beaches are a good indication of what awaits us in the coming days.
For accommodation, we chose the Villas de La Ribera apartments, which proved to be perfect as a base. Comfortable and well-located, they were an excellent starting point for our coastal route. Of course, other accommodations are available.
La Concha is the most convenient beach to start exploring the town. From here, we can head to the port and continue towards Punta del Dichoso, which separates two well-known beaches: La Concha and Los Locos. Los Locos faces directly into the Cantabrian Sea and is a surfing hotspot.
If time permits, we can venture a few kilometers to Tagle. Its beach, surrounded by cliffs, is ideal for enjoying the sunsets, a highly sought-after image of this part of the Cantabrian coast.
On the way to Comillas: beaches worth a detour
The next day, we head to Comillas, just over 20 kilometers down the road. Between Suances and Comillas, we find places that justify a detour.
One of them is Santa Justa Beach in Ubiarco, a small and secluded spot nestled between cliffs. Further ahead is Cóbreces and Luaña Beach, another stop before continuing to Comillas.
Comillas, the most monumental whim of the journey
Upon arriving in Comillas, we change our surroundings and pay attention to its unique architectural heritage. Modernism and its history transformed the town and are part of its identity.
The star attraction is El Capricho de Gaudí, a masterpiece created by Antoni Gaudí outside of Catalonia. Very close by is the Palacio de Sobrellano, accompanied by its Chapel-Pantheon. We also find the Pontifical University overlooking the town.
Comillas invites us to walk. From the monuments to the cemetery, situated on a hill with ruins and the figure of the Exterminating Angel, the visit is distinctive.
Oyambre, a beach to extend the afternoon
We head to Oyambre Beach, where the urban landscape fades away and the Cantabrian Sea returns to its natural state. The beach is part of the Oyambre Natural Park.
Towards Asturias
We leave Comillas and head west towards Llanes. The Llanes coast lies at the foot of the Sierra del Cuera and near the Picos de Europa, blending sea and mountains.
Llanes, a town between the Cantabrian Sea and the mountains
Llanes is maritime, medieval, and of Indian heritage. We start with its historic center, declared a Historic-Artistic Complex, and then seek the sea.
The Paseo de San Pedro, elevated above the cliffs, offers spectacular views. We descend to the port, where we see the Cubos de la Memoria by Agustín Ibarrola, which are part of the town’s visual identity.
Llanes and the difficult choice of beaches
After lunch, we decide which beaches to visit, given that Llanes boasts over thirty beaches. El Sablón, Toró, Poo, Barro, Torimbia, Gulpiyuri, and Cuevas del Mar are attractive options, but the recommendation is not to try to see them all.
A road to travel without too much hurry
Suances, Comillas, and Llanes may seem like independent destinations, but together they form a wonderful route to discover the Cantabrian coast. Among beaches, heritage, and landscapes, traveling slowly is the best advice.
