About Cantabria
Cantabria is an autonomous community and province in northern Spain with Santander as its capital city. It is called a comunidad histórica, a historic community, in its current statute of autonomy.
Places to visit in Cantabria
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Cave of Altamira
Historic · 7 mi from centreA cave famous for its prehistoric paintings of bison and other animals, protected so that most visitors see an exact replica in the adjoining museum. The replica is very convincing and worth an unhurried visit.
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Picos de Europa
Nature · 41 mi from centreA rugged limestone range with deep gorges and high meadows, partly within Cantabria. Take the cable car at Fuente Dé for views over the peaks, and arrive early in summer to avoid long waits.
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Santillana del Mar
Historic · 7 mi from centreA beautifully preserved medieval village of stone mansions and cobbled lanes centered on a Romanesque collegiate church. Visit early or late in the day, since tour buses crowd it around midday.
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Magdalena Palace
Historic · 15 mi from centreAn early twentieth-century palace built as a summer residence for the Spanish royal family, standing on a green peninsula in Santander. The grounds are free to wander and offer fine views over the bay.
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Cabárceno Natural Park
Zoo · 8 mi from centreA large wildlife park in a former open-pit mine, where elephants, bears, and giraffes roam big enclosures among dramatic rock formations. It is best visited by car, and the cable car gives good overhead views.
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El Capricho
Landmark · 15 mi from centreA whimsical early Gaudí villa in Comillas, decorated with sunflower tiles and a slender minaret-like tower. Combine it with a walk around the village, which also has a striking neo-Gothic university building.
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Sardinero
Beach · 15 mi from centreSantander's main sandy beach, backed by gardens, a historic casino, and elegant early twentieth-century hotels. The water is cool even in summer, so time a swim for a warm, calm afternoon.
Things to do in Cantabria by type
11 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 4 experiences Altamira & Santillana del Mar - Small Group -
Tour & activities 4 experiences Caves Monte Castillo and Rock Art Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 2 experiences Cabarceno Natural Park - Ticket
- 3-6 hours 5
- Over 6 hours 2
- Small group 7
Top experiences in Cantabria
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.
Cabarceno Natural Park - Ticket
From $29 per adult
Altamira & Santillana del Mar - Small Group
From $59 per adult
Santoña: Anchovy Factory and Boat Trip
From $55 per adult
Cabarceno Natural Park Tour
From $84 per adult
San Vicente de la Barquera and the Redwoods Forest
From $51 per adult
Tour Villages of the West Coast
From $84 per adult
Caves Monte Castillo and Rock Art Tour
From $109 per adult
Where to stay in Cantabria
Popular hotels in Cantabria, out of 382 properties you can book.
NH Ciudad de Santander
From $75 per night
Vincci Puertochico
From $107 per night
Bahia
From $158 per night
Santos Santemar
From $93 per night
Eurostars Hotel Real
From $156 per night
Palacio del Mar
From $87 per night
Dorma Sardinero
From $65 per night
Gran Hotel Victoria
From $80 per night
Abba Santander
From $86 per night
City Express Santander Parayas
From $71 per night
Gran Hotel Sardinero
From $103 per night
Apartamentos Las Brisas
From $87 per night
Best time to visit Cantabria
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cantabria is April to November, when average daytime highs are around 63–76°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Cantabria weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 59° 51° 70%
- Thu 22 Oct 63° 47° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 61° 53° 15%
- Sat 24 Oct 61° 53° 30%
- Sun 25 Oct 61° 53° 58%
- Mon 26 Oct 66° 54° 46%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +34
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/MadridUTC+2
- Capital
- Madrid
Upcoming public holidays in Spain
- All Saints DayDía de todos los Santos
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Immaculate ConceptionInmaculada Concepción
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- EpiphanyDía de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Cantabria
These are the airports closest to central Cantabria. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- SDR Santander Airport11 mi (18 km) from the city centre
Getting around Cantabria
Public transport connects the towns but for many out-of-the-way places you need a car. The gradients in the hilly south are daunting for cyclists.
Cantabria travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Cantabria?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cantabria is April to November, when average daytime highs are around 63–76°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.
What is the weather like in Cantabria?
August is usually the warmest month in Cantabria, with average highs of 76°F (25°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 43°F (6°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 127 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Cantabria?
Santander Airport (SDR) is the closest airport, about 11 miles (18 km) from the centre of Cantabria.
What currency is used in Cantabria?
Cantabria uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is Cantabria in?
Cantabria uses the Europe/Madrid time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Cantabria?
Public transport connects the towns but for many out-of-the-way places you need a car. The gradients in the hilly south are daunting for cyclists.
What are the best places to visit in Cantabria?
Top sights in Cantabria include Cave of Altamira, Picos de Europa, Santillana del Mar and Magdalena Palace. A cave famous for its prehistoric paintings of bison and other animals, protected so that most visitors see an exact replica in the adjoining museum. The replica is very convincing and worth an unhurried visit.
What are the top things to do in Cantabria?
Popular experiences you can book in Cantabria include Cabarceno Natural Park - Ticket, Altamira & Santillana del Mar - Small Group and Santoña: Anchovy Factory and Boat Trip. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Cantabria?
The most popular types of experiences in Cantabria are day trips & excursions (4), tour & activities (4), zoo, aquarium & nature (2) and gastronomy & nightlife (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Cantabria?
Popular areas for hotels in Cantabria include Santander. Well-reviewed options include NH Ciudad de Santander and Vincci Puertochico.
How many hotels can I book in Cantabria?
Destina Holidays currently lists 382 properties in and around Cantabria, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
