Attractions and Places To See in Cantabria - Top 20

Cantabria is rich in history. You can explore the Santillana del Mar Historic Town Centre, considered one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Spain, featuring the 12th-century Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana. Another notable town is Comillas, known for its rich modernist architecture, including Gaudí's El Capricho and the Palacio de Sobrellano. The fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera also offers historic buildings and scenic views.

For breathtaking natural beauty, visit the El Cable Viewpoint in the Picos de Europa, accessible via the Fuente Dé cable car, offering panoramic views at 1,820 meters. The Costa Quebrada Geological Park is known for its dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations. You can also explore the Redwood Forest of Cabezón de la Sal for tranquil walks among imposing trees, or the Oyambre Natural Park with its diverse landscapes of beaches and dunes.

Yes, many attractions in Cantabria are suitable for families. The Santillana del Mar Historic Town Centre and Historic center of Comillas are great for exploring charming towns. Cabárceno Natural Park is a unique wildlife park where animals roam in semi-freedom, set within a former mining landscape, offering an engaging experience for all ages. The replica of Altamira Cave at the Altamira Museum is also a fascinating educational visit for families.

Cantabria offers diverse outdoor activities. Near the Picos de Europa, you can find numerous hiking opportunities. For example, there are challenging routes like 'Puertos de Áliva from Fuente Dé' or 'Cabaña Verónica from Fuente Dé'. If you prefer cycling, there are routes like 'Caves of Puente Viesgo and Vía Verde del Pas' or 'Parque Marino de la Magdalena to Faro de Cabo Mayor'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking in Cantabria and Cycling in Cantabria guides.

Cantabria is world-renowned for its prehistoric caves. While the original Altamira Cave is closed for preservation, an exact replica can be explored at the Altamira Museum and Research Center, showcasing extraordinary Paleolithic paintings. Another significant site is El Castillo Cave in Puente Viesgo, which houses cave art over 40,000 years old, including hand depictions.

Beyond the historic towns, Cantabria boasts unique architecture. Antoni Gaudí's El Capricho de Gaudí in Comillas is a vibrant example of Catalan Modernism. The Palacio de La Magdalena in Santander is an elegant 20th-century palace. In Santillana del Mar, the 12th-century Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana is a prime example of Romanesque architecture.

For a unique and challenging experience, consider the Descent to Faro del Caballo near Santoña. This involves descending over 700 steps to reach a lighthouse amidst dramatic cliffs, rewarding you with spectacular views over the Cantabrian Sea. It requires good physical preparation and suitable footwear.

Visitors frequently praise the well-preserved historical centers like Santillana del Mar and Comillas for their charm and architecture. The panoramic views from the El Cable Viewpoint are consistently highlighted as spectacular. The effort required for the Descent to Faro del Caballo is also often mentioned as being well worth the reward of stunning scenery.

The El Cable Viewpoint is located at the top station of the Fuente Dé Cable Car. You can take a bus from Potes to Fuente Dé. From the lower cable car station, you can either take the cable car, which ascends 750 meters in about five minutes, or hike one of the existing trails up. Always check cable car schedules, especially for the return trip.

Yes, Cantabria has several important religious sites. The Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana in Santillana del Mar is a 12th-century Romanesque masterpiece. The Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana is a revered pilgrimage destination, believed to hold a relic of the True Cross. In Santander, you can visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Cantabria's coastline offers beautiful towns and natural features. San Vicente de la Barquera is an impressive fishing village within Oyambre Natural Park, known for its historic buildings and views of the Picos de Europa. Castro Urdiales is another elegant seaside town featuring the Gothic Church of Santa María de la Asunción. The Costa Quebrada Geological Park provides dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations along the coast.