Cantabrias West Coast Road Trip

Explore the stunning beauty of Cantabria's west coast on this two-day road trip. Starting in Santander, the route takes you 88km south to San Vicente de la Barquera. Along the way, you'll pass through the quaint villages of Santillana del Mar and Comillas. This trip is best taken in the spring or summer when the roads are in the best condition and the weather is mild. The scenery is spectacular, with breathtaking coastal views, lush green hills, and sandy beaches. The roads are generally in good condition although some of the roads may be narrow. This road trip offers an unforgettable experience with plenty of memories to take home. Even on a moderate budget, you can make the most of your journey and take in all the sights and sounds this region has to offer. So hop in your car and enjoy the ride!

Santander is the perfect starting point for the Cantabrias West Coast Road Trip. Located on the Bay of Biscay, Santander offers beautiful views, stunning beaches and plenty of activities. Visit the city's old quarter to discover its rich history, or marvel at the Palacio de la Magdalena with its grand architecture. Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby Cabárceno Natural Park and the medieval Santillana del Mar. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is located in Santander and has the IATA code SDR. At the airport, car rental services are available to get you started on your road trip. Take in the stunning views of the Cantabrian coast, drive along the winding roads of the Picos de Europa National Park and bask in the sunshine at the beaches of the Costa Verde. Santander is the perfect starting point for the Cantabrias West Coast Road Trip and a must-visit destination.

Embark on an exciting road trip from Santander to Santillana del Mar, a journey of 59 km that will take you less than two hours. Get ready for a scenic drive as you make your way through Suances, a charming coastal village in Cantabria. Along the way, you'll be treated to spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea and the lush green valleys of the region. Keep an eye out for narrow sections of the road, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Don't forget to take a break and explore the local attractions, such as the Caves of Altamira, the Santillana Zoo, and the medieval village of Santillana del Mar. With so much to see and do, this is a road trip you won't soon forget. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Santillana del Mar to Comillas! This 17 km journey takes less than an hour to complete, and the scenic road will be sure to delight. As you drive, keep an eye out for narrow sections of the road. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and unique architecture of Santillana del Mar, including the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana and the Cave of Altamira. When you reach Comillas, marvel at the El Capricho de Gaudí and the Pontifical University of Comillas. Don't forget to explore the nearby beaches and the stunning San Vicente de la Barquera. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Start your road trip in Comillas, Spain and take in the sights of the Cantabrian Coast as you drive the 12km to San Vicente de la Barquera. Enjoy the scenic views of the coast as you drive along the winding road, taking in the sights of the rolling hills and the Cantabrian Sea. As you drive, keep an eye out for the narrow sections of the road, and take your time as you travel. You'll find plenty of interesting places to stop along the way, including the Gaudi-designed Capricho de Comillas, the medieval castle of Santillana del Mar and the beautiful beaches of San Vicente de la Barquera. Whether you're looking for a short day trip or a longer journey, this stage of your road trip is sure to be memorable. For more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants and campsites along the route, please take a look at the Itinerary for this stage.

San Vicente de la Barquera is an ideal destination to end a road trip along the west coast of Cantabria. Located on the banks of the Pas River, this small fishing village is a great place to spend a few days and enjoy the best of Cantabrian gastronomy and culture. The most interesting places in San Vicente de la Barquera include the Church of Santa María de la Asunción, with its beautiful baroque architecture, the Castle of San Vicente, and the Santuario de la Virgen de la Barquera. The beaches of San Vicente de la Barquera are also a must-visit, offering stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea. For those traveling by car, the closest international airport is Santander Airport (SDR). From there, it's a short drive to San Vicente de la Barquera. Once there, you can explore the charming streets of the village and enjoy the local cuisine. No matter how you get there, San Vicente de la Barquera is the perfect place to finish a road trip along the west coast of Cantabria. With its picturesque streets, beautiful beaches, and delicious gastronomy, San Vicente de la Barquera is the perfect way to end your "Cantabrias West Coast Road Trip".

Before you set off

Embark on a captivating two-day journey spanning 88km along the west coast of Cantabria, from the bustling city of Santander to the enchanting town of San Vicente de la Barquera. This Road Trip will captivate you with its diverse blend of coastal vistas, verdant countryside, and historical landmarks. The route weaves through quaint villages such as Santillana del Mar and Comillas, each offering its unique tapestry of cultural heritage and picturesque settings.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Santander: Begin your adventure in a city that boasts golden beaches and the majestic Palacio de la Magdalena, once the summer residence of Spanish royalty. The palace, set on the Magdalena Peninsula, offers panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea.
• Santillana del Mar: Step back in time in this cobblestoned medieval town, acclaimed for its remarkably preserved historic buildings. Don't miss the world-renowned Altamira Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its prehistoric cave paintings.
• Comillas: Explore the architectural marvel of El Capricho, an early work of the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí. The town is also known for its grand Universidad Pontificia, a historical monument with impressive neo-gothic architecture.
• San Vicente de la Barquera: Conclude your Trip in a picturesque coastal town that offers breathtaking views of the Picos de Europa mountain range. Its heritage is reflected in the Castillo del Rey and the medieval church of Santa María de los Ángeles, standing as testaments to its storied past.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal period for this Road Trip is from late spring to early autumn, particularly May through September. This season boasts pleasant temperatures, lush landscapes, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for exploring the great outdoors and historical sites.

Potential Risks:

• Narrow Roads: Exercise caution on the winding and occasionally tight Roads, especially in rural areas.
• Weather changes: The region's microclimates can lead to sudden shifts in weather. It's advisable to stay informed on current forecasts and pack accordingly.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• Accommodations: Catering to all preferences, the region offers charming rural houses, modern hotels, and seaside inns.
• Gastronomy: Delight in Cantabria's culinary treasures, particularly its renowned seafood dishes like `marmita de bonito` (tuna pot), fresh anchovies, and `sobaos pasiegos` (traditional sponge cakes).
• Activities: Enrich your Trip with activities beyond sightseeing, such as hiking the trails of the Oyambre Natural Park, enjoying the sun on the pristine beaches, or partaking in water sports along the coast.

A good choice for:

This Road Trip is a treasure trove for those seeking to immerse themselves in Northern Spain's fusion of culture, history, and natural beauty. With a plethora of sights and activities, it caters to a wide range of interests and promises an enriching experience for every traveler. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking to relax by the sea, Cantabria's west coast Road Trip is a journey not to be missed.