Tour to the Villages of the Western Coast of Cantabria
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
In this tour, you will discover the charms of the most important villages on the western coast of Cantabria.
It will be a fascinating journey through the historic ensemble of San Vicente de la Barquera, its rías, and bay; Comillas, with its elegant Modernist buildings; and Santillana del Mar, with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings.
As a grand finale, you will visit the neocave of Altamira and its magnificent cave paintings, an exact replica of the original cave, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.
Available options
Tour to the Villages of the Western Coast of Cantabria
Pickup included
What's included
Transportation.
Local guide.
Entrance to the museum Altamira
Detailed itinerary
1
Hotel pick-up and transfer to San Vicente de la Barquera.
2
Discover the historic old town of one of the most important fishing villages in Cantabria. Enjoy the views over the bay of San Vicente.
3
Discover this iconic 12th-century building in the old town of San Vicente... One of the best-preserved castles in the region.
4
Discover the exterior of the 12th-century Gothic church, the most important in San Vicente.
5
Tour the Oyambre Natural Park by minibus, with its vast beaches, dunes, and rías.
6
Discover the only Modernist town in Cantabria, with its historic ensemble consisting of the Sobrellano Palace, the Pantheon Chapel, and the Old Major Seminary.
Option to visit Gaudí's Caprice in Comillas or enjoy free time in the town.
7
On our walk, we will learn about what would have been the summer palace of the Marquis of Comillas, in a neo-Gothic style and designed by the Catalan architect Joan Martorell.
8
On our walk, we will explore the neo-Gothic Pantheon Chapel, where the family of the Marquis of Comillas is buried, designed by the Catalan architect Joan Martorell.
9
You will also discover this town, with its sunflowers and one of the few buildings designed by the famous Catalan architect outside of Catalonia.
10
Transfer journey from Comillas to Santillana.
11
Explore one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Spain, where you will see small palaces, towers, and medieval mansions. Additionally, visit its Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a jewel of Romanesque architecture in Cantabria.
Enjoy 2 hours of free time in Santillana to have lunch and go shopping.
12
You will love discovering this collegiate church dedicated to Santa Juliana, a 12th-century building and a jewel of Romanesque architecture in Cantabria.
13
Visit the Altamira Museum and its neocave, an exact replica of the famous Altamira cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985.
14
Return journey to Santander.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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4 reviews
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Santander
Santander is a picturesque coastal city in northern Spain, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and historic architecture. Nestled along the Bay of Biscay, it offers a perfect blend of urban charm and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure alike.
Top Attractions
Palacio de la Magdalena
This historic palace was built in the early 20th century and served as the summer residence of the Spanish royal family. It now houses a university and is open for guided tours.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€5-10
Playa del Sardinero
One of Santander's most famous beaches, known for its golden sand and clear waters. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
This maritime museum showcases the rich maritime history and biodiversity of the Cantabrian Sea. It features exhibits on marine life, fishing, and shipbuilding.
Museum
1-2 hours
€5-8
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rabo de Toro
A rich and flavorful stew made with oxtail, vegetables, and red wine.
Dinner
Contains beef
Anchoas
Salted and cured anchovies, often served on bread or as a topping for tapas.
Snack
Contains fish
Quesada Pasiega
A traditional cheesecake made with local cheese, eggs, and sugar.
Dessert
Contains dairy
Popular Activities
Hiking
Surfing
Kayaking
Beach lounging
Spas
Yoga
Museum visits
Historical tours
Best Time to Visit
June to September
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and long sunny days, perfect for beach activities and outdoor exploration. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.
18°C to 24°C
64°F to 75°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Santander is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- Santander Airport • 4 km from city center
- Bilbao Airport • 100 km from Santander
By train
Santander Train Station
By bus
Santander Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network covers the entire city and is an affordable and efficient way to get around. Buses are frequent and well-connected.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Cabify
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
El Sardinero
Centro
Puertochico
Day trips
Cabo Mayor
3 km from Santander • Half day
A scenic coastal area with beautiful cliffs, lighthouses, and walking trails offering stunning views of the Bay of Biscay.
Comillas
40 km from Santander • Full day
A charming coastal town known for its historic sites, including the stunning El Capricho de Gaudí, a unique mansion designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí.
Cuevas de Altamira
30 km from Santander • Half day to full day
A world-famous prehistoric cave known for its stunning cave paintings, which are considered some of the finest examples of Upper Paleolithic art.
Festivals
Festival Internacional de Santander • July to August
Semana Grande • Second week of August
Christmas and New Year's Celebrations • December to January
Pro tips
- Visit the beaches early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos
- Try local seafood dishes, such as anchovies and hake, which are a staple of Cantabrian cuisine
- Explore the city's historic sites, such as the Palacio de la Magdalena and the Catedral de Santander, to gain a deeper understanding of the city's rich history
- Take a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Comillas or the Cuevas de Altamira, to experience more of the region's natural and cultural beauty
- Attend local festivals and events, such as the Festival Internacional de Santander or Semana Grande, to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
