Northern Spain is a perfect area to explore on four wheels because of its mountains, coastline and towns and villages steeped in history. Today, we propose a road trip through Cantabria.
The charm of the Cantabrian coast
The Cantabrian coast has a lot going for it. As you travel along it, cliffs alternate with wild beaches and fishing villages. In Galicia, the waves of the Atlantic strike with great force, and have been shaping landscapes as stunning as the Mariña Lucense. If you head to Asturias, the Picos de Europa are the place to go, with trails that almost reach the sea. And in Cantabria, lush green meadows abound.
Since the climate is humid, the green hue can be appreciated throughout the year. So, even if you go in summer during the hottest months, its beauty remains. But in addition to enjoying the scenery, losing yourself in the historical town centres, visiting lonely lighthouses and trying some local flavours should also be high priorities on the to-do list. There is nothing like freshly caught fish, artisan cheeses or a comforting stew after a long day on the road.
If you want to explore all this without limitations, the best option is to rent a car. You can improvise stops, take the road less travelled and decide when it is time to get going without depending on specific schedules. What’s more, you can combine the coast with inland areas in the same day. You can start your road trip through Cantabria with OK Mobility by picking up your rental car at Santander airport or Asturias.
Road trip through Cantabria: the essential stops
On a road trip through Cantabria, Galicia and Asturias usually take all the limelight. However, in the former, some of the most iconic points of the area are just a few miles away. Here are seven stops you can't miss on your trip:
Castro Urdiales
Very close to the border with the Basque Country is the fishing village of Castro Urdiales. Its historic centre is concentrated around the port, with the Church of Santa María de la Asunción as the main monument. There is also the medieval fortress of Santa Ana which, as well as a castle, is where the lighthouse is located. In addition to strolling across its medieval bridges at sunset, you can take a dip in its urban beaches.
Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park
The Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park is a protected natural area. It is one of the biggest wetlands in the north of the peninsula. It is also a resting place for thousands of migratory birds. You can drive along the marshes and combine the visit with a stop at the port of Santoña to taste the famous anchovies.
Santander
Santander is the capital of Cantabria, which has been built around its port since the times of the Roman Empire. Today, however, it is ancient, modern and cosmopolitan in equal measure. Mataleñas, the beaches of El Sardinero and La Magdalena, where Alfonso XIII’s summer palace is located, are the highlights. You can travel from one to the other by car without a problem.
Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar is known as the town of the three lies, because it is neither holy (Santi), flat (llana), nor borders the sea (del Mar). It is one of the best preserved medieval sites in Spain, with cobbled streets that will take you to the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana. It is also a popular spot thanks to the Altamira Museum, with Paleolithic cave art.
Comillas
Comillas is a small town, but holds a great importance in Spain because it is one of the few towns outside of Catalonia with works by Gaudí, like El Capricho. In addition to modernist architecture, it also has medieval and baroque buildings. Other places of interest are the old Pontifical University and the cemetery on the cliff.
San Vicente de la Barquera
San Vicente de la Barquera is a fishing village with an estuary and beautiful views of the Picos de Europa. The castle and the bridge of La Maza are a reminder of its strategic past during the Middle Ages. It also formed part of the Camino de Santiago. By car, you can visit beaches like Merón or continue to the Picos de Europa.
The Cantabrian coast offers a mixture of nature, history and good food, in a route that is quite easy to plan. This is especially true when you have your rental car and total freedom of movement. Start your adventure with OK Mobility!
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