Verdant and peaceful, Cantabria is a very picturesque northern Spanish region, perfect for outdoorsy and food-focused holidays. It’s also an area rich in history, studded with seaside villages and rural towns boasting heritage architecture, pretty squares and striking churches. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, and our pick of the best places to stay in Cantabria are dotted throughout the region, promising marvellous views of the dramatic Picos de Europa as well as the dazzling Cantabrian Sea. We've discovered great value guesthouses, family friendly agroturismos, converted palaces and five star luxury hotels.
Santander, Cantabria’s capital, sits on the northern side of the Bay of Santander. Boasting a lively food and nightlife scene, as well as some top-notch beaches and Belle Epoque architecture, it’s a wonderful choice for a city break or a popular starting point for a road trips across Cantabria. To the west, San Vicente de la Barquera is a lovely, laid-back destination with its own impressive heritage landmarks — as is Comillas.
Turning east, you’ll find coastal Santoña, which offers some superb hikes as well as scenic surf spots. Big beaches of golden sand abound in Cantabria, often fringed by cliffs with marked trails for hiking or cycling. Inland, you can expect family-run farms producing fine cheeses and meat in the foothills of the Picos de Europa. Some of these will wend their way to the tables at the best places to stay in Cantabria where you can savour delectable dishes with top-notch Spanish wine.
