Cantabria is one of the autonomous Spanish communities that is most enjoyed during holiday periods. It combines nature, culture, gastronomy, leisure and a milder climate in summer. This is why more and more people are choosing this region as a tourist destination; in 2024 alone, there were more than 2 million visitors. In this article, we show you the most beautiful towns and villages near Santander so you can plan your visit.
Beautiful towns and villages near Santander: Top 5
If you are thinking about visiting Cantabria, we tell you some of the nearby towns and villages you should not miss. To organise your trip with less hassle, you can rent your car at Santander airport and start the route from there.
Comillas
Although it is one of the towns that receives the most tourists in the area, Comillas is an architectural jewel that you cannot miss. The Sobrellano Palace is a 19th century modernist mansion that was once the summer residence of the Marquis of Comillas.
Next to the palace is the Pantheon Chapel, a small cathedral housing the mausoleum of the Marquises of Comillas. And, if you go to Comillas, another essential visit is Gaudí's El Capricho, one of the four buildings designed by the architect outside Catalonia.
Santillana del Mar
This beautiful town has a historic medieval centre that has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site. Among the most iconic buildings along its cobblestone streets we can highlight the Casa del Cura, the Collegiate Church of Saint Juliana and the Palacio de los Velarde.
And, interestingly, in Santillana del Mar you will find two museums that are quite out of the ordinary. On the one hand, there is the Barquillero museum, where all the utensils related to this trade are exhibited. And, on the other hand, the museum of torture, where you can see the different instruments that have been used throughout history for this purpose.
In addition, just over 1.5 miles from Santillana del Mar are the Altamira caves.
Castro Urdiales
The third of the beautiful towns and villages near Santander is Castro Urdiales, where walking along the promenade and reaching the port is one of the greatest pleasures.
It also has important buildings, such as the Ocharan Palace, from the early twentieth century, the Casa de los Chelines in the Plaza Mayor, the medieval bridge, the castle of Santa Ana or the Church of Santa María de la Asunción.
Carmona
Besides having a namesake in Seville, Carmona is one of the most beautiful villages in Cantabria, despite being less popular than others. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Located in the valley of Cabuérniga, it is a small village with only 170 inhabitants that holds a wide variety of typical Cantabrian mansions, many of which can be visited.
Entering the Palacio de los Díaz Cossio y Mier or seeing the San Roque church are also interesting options. In the streets of Carmona we find the monument to Amado González, which recognises the work of the albarqueros, those who make the traditional Cantabrian footwear, a trade that is still alive and well in this village. And, speaking of statues, here we can also see the statue of the Tudanca cow, a species native to Cantabria.
Less than 8 miles from Carmona, you can go to the cave of 'El Soplao', where, with a guided tour, you can see the impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Three Pasiego Villages
We close the list of beautiful villages near Santander with the ones known as the Three Pasiego Villages (Tres Villas Pasiegas). That is, Vega de Pas, San Roque de Riomiera and San Pedro del Romeral. This area is dedicated to grazing and cattle raising.
From a historical and cultural point of view, a visit to the Ethnographic Museum of the Villas Pasiegas, in Vega de Pas is highly recommended. This museum explains the Pasiego way of life, and shows reconstructions of traditional Pasiego huts.
Among the natural attractions found in this valley, we can highlight the beech forest of Zamina, the cave of Sopeña, the cave paintings of Monte Castillo or the hermitage of San Antonio, among others. And, of course, here you can taste the classic sobaos pasiegos.
As you can see, visiting the different towns and villages located around Santander is a decision that will undoubtedly make your trip to Cantabria a must. Renting a car in Santander with OK Mobility is the perfect way to enjoy these magical places without missing anything, and with a vehicle that suits your family's needs. Your trip starts here!
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