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.

The Best Places to Stay in Cantabria

FOR a City Stay

• Jardin Secreto is a cosy six-bedroom guesthouse hidden with the luxury of a small garden. In Santander's city centre, it's just a five minute stroll from the Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo, and has charming interiors with exposed brick walls or wooden beams. A partnership with the Club Metropolitan Aqua-Floranes allows guests to use the spa at reduced rates. Lovely and great value.
• Suite Home Sardinero has 10 modern rooms in the north-eastern part of Santander. Expect light, airy spaces decorated in white and soft cream tones, with minimalist furnishings and indulgent bathrooms. An attractive base for keen explorers of all ages, who can head out on foot after big breakfasts.

For Foodies

• Palacio de Arce is a historic hotel with characterful rooms featuring beautiful beamed ceilings and exposed stone-framed windows. The big draw, however, is the gastronomic restaurant, which specialises in delicious regional dishes using local, seasonal produce, including freshly caught fish, mouth-watering Iberico ham and more.
• Camino Real has 25 individually decorated rustic rooms with bold artwork and brightly painted walls. There's a gorgeous garden with a sun-drenched terrace and a superb restaurant. Foodies will be thrilled to sample and savour a regularly changing menu of sublime local cuisine, paired with Spanish wines from the expansive cellar.
• San Roman de Escalante is a carefully converted 17th-century mansion. Traditional guestrooms boast high beamed ceilings, period furnishings and deep blue or green tones. There's a swimming pool, generous terrace and exemplary regional restaurant. The event catering is superb, making this a top choice for weddings or brithday celebrations, complete with Cantabrian cuisine.

For a Rural Retreat

• Casona del Nansa, close to the Saja-Nansa Natural Park, has a classic country feel, with stone walls, floral textiles and an atmospheric bar. Hop on the hotel's bicycles or explore the area on foot. One for adventurous nature lovers eager to get off the beaten track in the Valley of Nansa.
• La Casona Azul is an idyllic nine-bedroom house in the tranquil Corvera countryside. Close to the Cabárceno Nature Reserve and with its own wisteria-filled gardens, this is a lovely spot for outdoorsy types as well as for romantic couples.
• Casona de Quintana has just seven guestrooms with exposed stone walls, wooden beams and rustic wooden furnishings. Nestled in a lush valley, it's close to the Natural Park of Assos and perfect for cyclists and hikers. Expect marvellous views from the terrace and restaurant.
• Hotel del Oso is a classic country house hotel, with fifty traditional rooms featuring parquet flooring, antique pieces and private balconies overlooking the mountains. The gardens boast a swimming pool and tennis court, whilst the restaurant specialises in Cantabrian cuisine. Full of old-fashioned charm.
• Posada Caborredondo has 14 rustic bedrooms with exposed wooden beams and floral fabrics. Gather in the library or cosy up by the fireplace after days out in the hills or at the beach. A great value rural escape.

FOR Romantic Charm

• Hotel Tinas de Péchon is a chic little boutique bolthole in Péchon, whose elegant rooms and suites are clad in soft hues, with parquet flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows promising lovely views and lots of light. There are bicycles to borrow and the terrace restaurant specialises in superb regional cuisine. Very romantic.
• Posada la Panaderia is a delightful little hideaway close to the banks of the River Pas. Charming whitewashed guestrooms with exposed wooden beams, carved antique furnishings and sink-into beds overlook verdant surroundings. A lovely choice for tranquil couples.
• Palacio de Sonanes is a gorgeous historic manor house with 28 opulent rooms and suites — some with four poster beds — in a lovely rural setting. Romantic couples will adore the sense of calm, the leafy gardens, swimming pool and well-regarded restaurant.

FOR FAMILIES OR GROUPS

• Valle d'Arco is a charming hotel with 21 spacious, colourful rooms and suites and splendid views towards the Picos de Europa mountains in one direction, and the sparkling Cantabrian Sea in the other. Set on a hillside in the little town of Prellezo, just 3km from San Vicente, it's a relaxed base for couples, friends and families.
• Hotel Don Pablo offers family rooms as well as doubles and and triples, perfect for group trips. On the edge of Pechón and within walking distance of the beach, it's an idyllic choice for outdoorsy travellers, with a very friendly feel. Also appealingly affordable.
• El Jardin de Carrejo, formerly a stable, now houses 12 rooms and suites, two of which are especially well-suited to families. Close to the beach, the mountains and two national parks, this is a great pick for outdoorsy types looking for an affordable retreat with green gardens and lots of character.
• La Casona de San Pantaleón de Aras is a family favourite, with spacious rooms offering flexible options for little ones, a children's games room and onsite babysitting. The leafy gardens are ideal for exploring with the youngsters, and there are opportunities to hike, cycle and fish with friends or older children.

For a Beach Break

• Posada las Garzas is a charming 11-bedroom B&B with whitewashed interiors and lots of exposed wood. Close to Playa de Berria, it's a lovely spot for relaxed holidaymakers as well as outdoorsy types looking to swim, surf, hike and mountain bike. Families are very welcome.
• Le Petit Boutique Hotel, just 300 metres from Sardinero Beach in Santander, has seven elegant guestrooms, all decorated in natural tones. Breakfasts of fruit and warm pastries are served each morning. A well-priced contemporary choice for a beach break as a couple or with friends and family.

For Luxury

• Hotel Palacio de la Pena, close to Ajo, is a magnificent 16th-century palace with lavish rooms and suites featuring carved and gilded bedsteads, glittering chandeliers and marble bathrooms. Curl up alongside the roaring fire and feast on regional delights after days out at the nearby Playa de Cuberris. Very luxurious.
• Hotel Casa del Marques is a fabulous five-star hotel housed in a 15th-century building with an impressive 700-year-old staircase, carved from a single tree. The fifteen rooms have a Gothic feel, with carved four-posters, gilded mirrors, chandeliers and velvet armchairs. Kick back in the library or enjoy couples' massages. An indulgent choice for history buffs.
• Palacio de Trasvilla's six romantic guest rooms are bedecked with Flemish tapestries and Renaissance art. The building itself dates back to the 16th Century, and has been carefully restored to retain its unique atmosphere. A hot tub, pool and magical views complete the experience.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly into Santander-Seve Ballesteros Airport and travel onwards by bus or taxi from there. Alternatively, journey by overnight ferry to Santander from various ports in the UK, and continue to your destination in Cantabria by road. Many hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
• Cantabria is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Expect warm and sunny summers, with temperatures averaging at around 20°C - 24°C between June and August. Do be aware that this is peak holiday season for travellers from Spain & further afield. For fewer crowds and great hotel deals, travel in April, May or late September.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Santander.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Basque Country.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Cantabria