Santander & Cantabria

Cantabria's capital and an elegant seaside city, with the Altamira Cave, the medieval village of Santillana del Mar and Cabárceno Nature Park close by.

Santander is the capital of the autonomous community of Cantabria in northern Spain, spread along the Bay of Santander. In the early 20th century it was the Spanish royal family's summer retreat, and El Sardinero beach, the Gran Casino and the Magdalena Palace still carry an elegant Belle Époque air; the old town was rebuilt after the great fire of 1941, and the modern Centro Botín has given the bay a fresh look. The climate is mild, wet and Atlantic: Jun–Sep is best for swimming and outdoor activities, while winters are mild but rainy. Plan your visit in three parts: one day in the city (Pereda Gardens, Centro Botín, the cathedral, the market, and the bayside promenade to the Magdalena Peninsula and El Sardinero); one day heading west (the Altamira Museum, Santillana del Mar and Gaudí's El Capricho in Comillas, extending to San Vicente de la Barquera and El Soplao cave); and routes south and east (Cabárceno Nature Park, the World Heritage cave of El Castillo and Liérganes, or the beaches of Laredo and the Faro del Caballo lighthouse in Santoña). Getting there: Santander Airport has budget flights to destinations across Europe; the train from Madrid takes about 4–5 hours, and Bilbao is about an hour's drive away. Buses to the surrounding villages are infrequent, so renting a car is recommended. Visits to the original World Heritage caves are limited and must be booked in advance on the official website. Allow 3–4 days; the Picos de Europa deserve a separate, in-depth trip.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries