The perfect combination of sea and mountains defines a trip to the autonomous community of Cantabria. There, a cuisine awaits that can satisfy even the most discerning palate as well as the heartiest appetites. As if that weren’t enough, there’s also an extraordinary cultural heritage in the form of beautiful towns and first-class artistic treasures. All this and more can be discovered during a five-day getaway to Cantabria.
Day 1: Santander
Given its more or less central position in relation to the Cantabrian territory, a good option to make the most of this getaway is to stay in Santander. However, the regional capital is more than just a place to sleep. It has its own attractions. One of them is simply strolling along the Paseo and the Jardines de Pereda with views of the bay of Santander. By the way, this area is also home to one of the most interesting artistic ventures in the city: the Centro Botín. It is also essential to cool off at the beaches of El Sardinero or Playa de Peligros, as well as to take a walk through the woodland peninsula where the Palacio de la Magdalena is located. And on returning to the historic center, one must find a good place for dinner near the Porticada Square, the Mercado del Este, and Cañadío Square.
Day 2: San Vicente de la Barquera and Liébana Monastery
The second day of the getaway to Cantabria can be dedicated to discovering the westernmost part of the autonomous community. Thanks to the A-8 highway, it doesn’t take long to reach a charming village like San Vicente de la Barquera, which is just a step away from the Principality of Asturias. Make sure no one forgets to cross the Maza Bridge to get to the beautiful beaches of San Vicente de la Barquera. Notably, there is a sign on that bridge indicating the pilgrimage to Liébana. It’s quite an interesting excursion, taking about an hour by car from San Vicente de la Barquera to the Monastery of Santo Toribio. This is a must-visit in Cantabria, both for the destination and the journey, as it provides views of the Picos de Europa mountains and passes through the breathtaking Desfiladero de la Hermida gorge.
Day 3: Altamira, Comillas, and Santillana del Mar
One of the highlights of a trip to Cantabria is seeing firsthand the so-called “Sistine Chapel” of rock art, namely the paintings of Altamira. In reality, viewing the original is nearly impossible. However, one can see the exact replica made at the Neocueva de Altamira. Visiting it is a must, and prior reservations are required. If arranged with little time to spare, the timing may not be ideal, but it’s still important to book and plan the day around this memorable visit. The advantage is that very close to Altamira are two of the most attractive towns in the community and the entire Cantabrian coastline. First is Comillas, where one can admire a whimsical work by Gaudí, one of the few he created outside of Catalonia. Not too far away is Santillana del Mar, a purely photogenic place rich in history and art.
Day 4: Valles Pasiegos
On the fourth day of the trip to Cantabria, it’s time to venture a bit away from the sea and delve into the gentle Cantabrian mountains. Specifically, the plan is to prepare for a slow drive through the famous Valles Pasiegos, where an emblematic Cantabrian product is made. Indeed, a mandatory stop on this route should be at a factory producing sobaos and quesadillas, and there’s even a museum dedicated to this product in the town of Selaya. But there are more sights to see along this itinerary. For instance, one should visit the monumental Colegiata de Santa María de Castañeada or take a walk through the elegant town of Puente Viesgo, famous for its hot springs and rock paintings. Likewise, a stroll through the charming village of Vega del Pas in the upper part of the valley is worth it, or at least taking a photo of the Soñanes Palace in Villacarriedo.
Day 5: Santoña, Laredo, Liendo, and Castro Urdiales
The final day of the trip is devoted to the easternmost coast of Cantabria. This area has a little bit of everything. For example, a first stop should be in Santoña, where it’s essential to stock up on a few preserves, especially the anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, a delicacy that will allow you to savor this trip back home, recalling a spectacular beach like that of Laredo, which can be reached from Santoña on the Puntal boat. After swimming and returning to the car, you can choose to visit the neighboring town of Liendo with its grand indiano mansions. Alternatively, there’s the option to head to the monumental Castro Urdiales. It is one of the most picturesque sights in Cantabria, featuring its fishing port, the Church of Santa María, and the castle lighthouse overlooking the sea. A perfect scene to bid farewell to this intense getaway to Cantabria.
