📍 Spain

CANTABRIA BAYS: MEDIEVAL VILLAGES AND MOUNTAIN PEAKS

Medieval stones glow under coastal sun, peaks break through cloud cover, bays shimmer bright turquoise. Cantabria is bay magic.

≈ 5
Days
288
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Santander and its Belle Époque charm, medieval Santillana del Mar, Comillas and Gaudí's Capricho, Fuente Dé cable car in the Picos. Cantabria, between sea and mountain.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Santander

coastal belle epoque capital

Santander - Photo 1Santander - Photo 2Santander - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Magdalena Peninsula — palace and park.
2
Botín Center — walkways over the bay.
3
Sardinero Beach — ocean promenade.
🎯

Activities

→
Bay cruise at sunset.
→
Anchovy and rabas tasting.
→
Walk to the Cabo Mayor lighthouse.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 33 km
Travel time: 1h06
2
Day

Santillana Del Mar

medieval arcade stone village

Santillana Del Mar - Photo 1Santillana Del Mar - Photo 2Santillana Del Mar - Photo 3Santillana Del Mar - Photo 4Santillana Del Mar - Photo 5Santillana Del Mar - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Collegiate Church of Saint Juliana.
2
Altamira Museum and neocave.
3
Medieval alleys with coat-of-arms houses.
🎯

Activities

→
Cheese and sobaos pasiegos workshop.
→
Country walk around the village.
→
Local crafts visit.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 19.3 km
Travel time: 39min
3
Day

Comillas

modernist palace clifftop

Comillas - Photo 1Comillas - Photo 2Comillas - Photo 3Comillas - Photo 4Comillas - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
El Capricho de Gaudí — modernist villa.
2
Pontifical University — eclectic architecture.
3
Beach and port of Comillas.
🎯

Activities

→
Seafood tasting.
→
Walk along the coast towards Oyambre.
→
Sunset over the dunes.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 64.9 km
Travel time: 1h05
4
Day

Fuente

Fuente - Photo 1Fuente - Photo 2Fuente - Photo 3Fuente - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Cable car to the high plateaus.
2
Hike to Mirador del Cable.
3
Observation of vultures and chamois.
🎯

Activities

→
Marked PR-PNPE trail.
→
Picnic on the alpine pastures (summer).
→
Return via the viewpoints.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 171.2 km
Travel time: 2h08
5
Day

Castro Urdiales

promontory gothic medieval charm

Castro Urdiales - Photo 1Castro Urdiales - Photo 2Castro Urdiales - Photo 3Castro Urdiales - Photo 4Castro Urdiales - Photo 5Castro Urdiales - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Gothic church Santa María de la Asunción.
2
Castle-lighthouse and Santa Ana hermitage.
3
Maritime promenade and old port.
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting of sea preserves.
→
Walk to nearby coves.
→
Aperitif facing the swell.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

ASTURIAS: CANTABRIAN SEA, PRE-ROMANESQUE AND PICOS DE EUROPA.

📅 5 days 🛣️ 147 Km

BAY OF BISCAY: BILBAO, SAN SEBASTIÁN AND FISHING VILLAGES.

📅 5 days 🛣️ 207 Km

LA RIOJA: WINES, PERCHED VILLAGES AND UNESCO MONASTERIES.

📅 5 days 🛣️ 121.6 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Spain

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, ideal for sightseeing, moderate crowds, excellent value.

Fall (September-October): Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, harvest season, perfect beach weather, cultural activities, good prices.

Summer (July-August): Hottest weather, peak beach season, highest prices, very crowded, festival season, intense heat inland.

Winter (November-March): Mild temperatures south, cooler north, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cultural attractions, ski season Pyrenees.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 4 and 6 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Spain?

Passionate culture with flamenco, incredible cuisine, and diverse regions from Catalonia to Andalusia. Experience Moorish architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant festivals. The country offers beautiful beaches, historic cities, and excellent transportation. Spain provides cultural richness with culinary excellence and artistic heritage in accessible European destination.