Where to stay in Cantabria
Want to discover the best areas to stay in Cantabria? Read on to get to know the main locations where to set up your base:
- San Vicente de la Barquera.
- Santillana del Mar.
- Suances.
- Carmona.
- Castro-Urdiales.
- Laredo.
- Comillas.
- Potes.
- Santander.
1. San Vicente de la Barquera
On the other hand, if you are interested in staying in a nice place, do not miss my selection of charming hotels in Cantabria.
San Vicente de la Barquera is a small coastal town of just over 4,000 inhabitants located 60 kilometers west of Santander. It is located in the Natural Park of Oyambre; therefore, the surroundings of this charming fishing village are a real privilege.
Do not miss places like the Puente de la Maza, the Church of Santa Maria de los Angeles, or the Castillo del Rey (to enjoy the views). If what you are looking for is mainly to go to the beach, you can go to Playa de Merón or Playa de Gerra. Oyambre Beach is also nearby.
In addition, in San Vicente de la Barquera, you can enjoy one of the best sunsets in Cantabria. Just go to La Terrazuca de Gerra or Bar El Rayo Verde. Another place that has recently opened and that I also like a lot is Yepah! Bar.
This village is a great option to stay in Cantabria if you want to enjoy a spectacular natural environment and a place that transmits a unique peace and energy.
On the other hand, from San Vicente de la Barquera, you can get close to the Picos de Europa (about an hour) or visit Asturias, as the council of Llanes is next door.
Recommended hotels in San Vicente de la Barquera
If I had to choose a place to stay, I would choose Apartamentos Villa Sofía. It is an old mansion restored to offer one or two bedroom apartments. It is located outside the center of the town, right in front of Oyambre Beach, which you can reach comfortably on foot.
The hotel has a rating of 9.7/10 on Booking and 5/5 on TripAdvisor.
Other hotels in San Vicente de la Barquera:
- $: Liébana Guesthouse. Hotel located in the center of the locality that has double rooms with private bathroom. Breakfast is served.
- $$: Apartamentos Rincón del Puerto. Hotel composed by apartments of one or two bedrooms located next to the port. There are beautiful views.
- $$: La Panera. A hotel surrounded by nature. They offer double rooms of different types. There is a garden with barbecue area and free private parking.
2. Santillana del Mar, one of the most beautiful towns in Spain
Santillana del Mar is famously known as “the town of three lies”: it is neither holy (santa), nor flat (llana), nor by the sea (mar). However, what it undeniably is its extraordinary charm.
With its cobbled streets and flower-filled balconies, Santillana del Mar has earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. It’s a must-visit destination on any route through Cantabria, located just 30 km west of Santander.
Be sure to visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, the Plaza Mayor, and the famous Altamira Cave. Simply strolling through its historic center is a delight in itself.
Santillana del Mar is also an excellent place to stay while exploring Cantabria. It not only offers rich cultural and culinary experiences but also a wide variety of accommodations to suit all budgets.
Recommended hotels in Santillana del Mar
My favorite place to stay is the Hotel Cuevas, a beautiful 4-star accommodation for adults only located just outside the historic center. It offers double rooms of different categories, some with whirlpool tubs. There is a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, and private parking (for a fee).
It has a score of 9.7/10 on Booking and 5/5 on TripAdvisor.
Other hotels in Santillana del Mar:
- $: Posada de la Abadia. Adults-only hotel located in a typical Cantabrian house of the 19th century. They offer double rooms, some with balconies. Breakfast is served, and there is free private parking.
- $$: La Casona de Revolgo. Rugged 3-star hotel in a restored 17th-century house. They have double and family rooms. There is a bar, free private parking, and breakfast is served.
- $$$: Hotel Casa del Marqués. 5-star hotel located in the historic center of Santillana del Mar. All the interior and exterior spaces are charming. In addition, there is a bar, private parking, and breakfast is served.
3. Suances, great area to stay in Cantabria
On one of my trips to Cantabria, we stayed in Suances. This coastal town of almost 9,000 inhabitants is located 30 km west of Santander. The center of the town is about a kilometer and a half from the beaches; however, most of the hotels are located in several urbanizations next to the coast.
Because of this, it is necessary to differentiate between “Suances village” and “Suances beach.” In the village, you can take a stroll through the neighborhood of La Cuba or visit the Casa de los Polanco, the Church of Nuestra Señora de las Lindes, and the Plaza de Viares.
As for the beaches, do not miss the Playa de la Concha (the largest of them), Playa de la Ribera, and Playa de Los Locos. Here, be sure to visit the lighthouse and enjoy the views from the Torco viewpoint. Although one of my favorite activities in Suances was to walk along the estuary of San Martin every morning.
Recommended hotels in Suances
In Suances, I would choose Costa Esmeralda Suites, a great 5-star hotel about 250 meters from the beach. The exterior of the building is very nice, and inside you will find a bar, a restaurant, and a gym. There are also outdoor pools and private parking. Breakfast is served.
It has a score of 9.2/10 on Booking and 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.
Other hotels in Suances:
- $: Hostería Isla Cabrera. Standard hotel with double rooms located next to the Concha Beach. There is a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant, and a bar. They offer breakfasts.
- $$: Amita Hotel Boutique. Charming boutique hotel for adults only located next to the estuary of San Martín de la Arena. They offer double rooms of different categories with sea views. There is a restaurant, and breakfast is served.
- $$$: La Surfería Suances.
Hotel located next to the beach with double rooms of different categories and some with sea views. There is a bar and restaurant, and breakfast is served.
4. Carmona, ideal for rural tourism
If you are looking for rural tourism, a very good option is Carmona, a very small village (no more than 200 inhabitants) called one of the most beautiful villages of Cantabria. The town is located just over 60 kilometers from Santander, between the Saja valley and the Nansa valley.
It highlights the traditional architecture of the area and the wonderful natural environment. It is a good place for those seeking tranquility and disconnection. If you stay here, be sure to visit the town of Bárcena Mayor, located half an hour away by car. It is a village with cobblestone streets, stone houses, and balconies full of flowers.
You won’t be far from the impressive El Soplao Cave, an old mining factory. It is one of the places that impressed me most on my trip. I could not stop hallucinating with all the stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological formations that are hidden inside this wonder.
Recommended hotels in Carmona and surroundings
In Carmona and surroundings I recommend these 2 hotels:
- $$: Posada de Fidel. Rural hotel located in Puentenansa, about 4 km from Carmona. They offer double rooms, and breakfast is served.
- $$$: La Infinita Rural Boutique. This charming hotel is located in Carmona. If you want to disconnect in an unbeatable natural environment and enjoy a stay cared for to the maximum, this is a great place to stay in Cantabria.
5. Castro Urdiales, between Cantabria and Basque Country
Castro-Urdiales is the third-largest town in the region. It is located almost 70 kilometers east of Santander, bordering the Basque Country.
The most picturesque part of the town is next to the port, where the Church of Santa María de la Asunción, the Castle of Santa Ana, and the Medieval Roman Bridge create the typical postcard of Castro-Urdiales.
Other places not to be missed are Cotolino Park, Amestoy Park, the promenade, the Palace-Castle of Ocharán, Ostende Beach, and Brazomar Beach. Not far away, you can also go to Oriñón Beach to cool off. Although my favorite is Sonabia Beach.
As you can see, there are many things to see and do in Castro Urdiales and its surroundings, apart from having a large number of stores and restaurants.
All this makes it a good option to make a base for visiting Cantabria, especially if you are going to focus on the east of the region and if you also plan to visit Bilbao and other areas of Vizcaya.
Recommended hotels in Castro Urdiales
Out of the hotels available in Castro-Urdiales, I would choose Las Rocas Playa Hotel, a 4-star accommodation located next to Brazomar Beach. They offer double and triple rooms. It also has a bar-restaurant and serves breakfast.
It has a score of 8.9/10 on Booking and 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.
Other hotels in Castro-Urdiales:
- $: Pensión La Mar. Standard 2-star hotel located in the center of the town, next to Amestoy Park. It has single and double rooms. There is a common living room.
- $$: Hostal Vista Alegre. 3-star hotel offering single, double, and triple rooms. It has free private parking, and breakfast is served.
- $$: Casa La Quintana. Hotel located in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Castro-Urdiales. It has a studio and several apartments. Free private parking is available.
6. Laredo, prefect to enjoy the beach
Another town that can not be missed in this list of places to stay in Cantabria is Laredo, a coastal town located 50 kilometers east of Santander.
Laredo is a very quiet town during the year that in summer is full of people and atmosphere. I recommend a stroll through the old town and enjoying its beaches, such as Playa Salvé or Playa del Regatón.
From Laredo, you can reach Santoña in just a few minutes, where you can visit the Fort of San Martin, the Fort of San Carlos, or the Church of Santa Maria de Puerto.
Recommended hotels in Laredo
Although it is not located in the town of Laredo itself but in Liendo, a nearby village, I recommend Posada La Torre de La Quintana. In this hotel you will enjoy a charming stay. It is located in a historic building, and its decoration will take you back in time. There is a bar, and breakfast is served.
It has a score of 9.1/10 on Booking and 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.
Other hotels in Laredo:
- $: Hotel Las Ruedas. The hotel is situated in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Laredo. Free private parking, bar, and restaurant. Breakfast is available.
- $$: Hotel Las Ruedas. Standard hotel located in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Laredo. In addition, there is free private parking, a bar, and a restaurant. Breakfast is available.
- $$$: Posada Casona de la Ventilla. Hotel located on the outskirts of Laredo, in a very beautiful natural environment. It has a nice garden with an outdoor swimming pool. Breakfast is served.
7. Comillas, one of the best places to stay in Cantabria
Another recommendation is the town of Comillas, located on the coast, just over 50 kilometers west of Santander. Its architecture is characterized by modernist buildings of the nineteenth century.
Apart from strolling through the old town and going to Comillas Beach, do not miss the following places: the Capricho de Gaudí, the Pontifical University of Comillas, the Monument to the Marquis of Comillas, the Casa del Duque, the Palacio de Sobrellano, and the Chapel-Pantheon of the Marquises.
Near this town, I recommend a visit to the Redwood Forest of Monte Cabezón. You will also be very close to San Vicente de la Barquera and all the places I recommended above in the surroundings of the town. Hotel Las Ruedas. Basic accommodation located in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Laredo. There is free private parking, a bar, and a restaurant. They offer breakfast.
Recommended hotels in Comillas
Among the hotels in Comillas, I think Dunas de Oyambre is a very good option, an accommodation on the outskirts of Comillas that has a charming environment. You can stay in one of its double rooms and enjoy its garden and bar. There is free private parking, and breakfast is served.
It has a score of 8.7/10 on Booking and 4/5 on TripAdvisor.
Other hotels in Comillas:
- $: Pensión Vega de Pas. Hotel located next to Comillas Beach. It has double rooms.
- $$: Apartamentos Mar Comillas. Hotel located near the historic center of Comillas. You can choose between one- or two-bedroom apartments. Private parking is available.
- $$$: El Tejo de Comillas. A 3-star hotel is located on the outskirts of this town. They offer double and triple rooms. There is a bar, free parking, and breakfast is served.
8. Potes, to visit the Picos de Europa.
A 3-star hotel is located on the outskirts of this town. They offer double and triple rooms. If you want to visit the Picos de Europa National Park, Potes and its surroundings are one of the best places to sleep in Cantabria to know this area.
In addition, it is one of the most beautiful villages of this autonomous community. It has many restaurants, bars, and beautiful places such as the Old Bridge of Potes and the Bridge of San Cayetano.
Potes is located in the Liébana Valley, where I also recommend visiting the Hermida Gorge (from the viewpoint of Santa Catalina), the cable car of Fuente Dé, the villages of Mogrovejo and Bejes, the Church of Santa María de Lebeña, or the viewpoint of Collado de Llesba.
Recommended hotels in Potes
In this area, I recommend the Posada San Pelayo, located in the town of Camaleño, on the outskirts of Potes. It is a large house of typical architecture with great views of the Picos de Europa. It has a wonderful garden, outdoor swimming pool, bar, and free private parking. Breakfast is served.
It has a score of 9.5/10 on Booking and 4/5 on TripAdvisor.
Other hotels in Potes
- $$: Apartamentos Casa de la Abuela. Hotel that offers apartments for 2 or 4 people in the center of Potes. They have a balcony and terrace, so you can enjoy the outdoors and the views.
- $$$: Posada El Bosque. Hotel located in a privileged natural environment. The views you will have of the Picos de Europa are amazing. The accommodation has a wonderful garden with a swimming pool and common lounge. There is free private parking.
9. Santander, where to stay in Cantabria to be in the center of the city
Santander is not only a beautiful city but also has a privileged location to know the whole region, as it is right in the center of this autonomous community. Thanks to this, you can move to the east and west very easily.
In addition, the city itself has the wonderful Sardinero Beach, ideal for swimming or walking along its promenade. You can also go to Mataleñas Beach, smaller and hidden but beautiful. Nearby is the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, which has incredible views.
In the city center, be sure to stroll along the promenade of Santander, walk the streets of Puertochico, climb to the viewpoint of the Botin Center, and go into the great markets. And don’t miss a visit to the Palacio de La Magdalena.
If you decide to stay in Santander, you will also be next to the Costa Quebrada, an area with great beaches and cliff walks. You will want to stay there to live…
Recommended hotels in Santander
These are the hotels I suggest in Santander, both with private garage, in case you travel by car:
- $$$: Hotel Chiqui. It is located next to the Sardinero Beach, so you will have quick access to a nice swim in the sea. It also has a wonderful pool with views. There is a bar and restaurant.
- $$$: Soho Boutique Palacio de Pombo. A 4-star hotel located in the historic center of Santander. It has a bar and restaurant. They offer double rooms, triple rooms, and suites.
In this article on the best areas and hotels to stay in Santander, we share more places to stay.
Map of best areas to stay in Cantabria
I have created a map to help you choose a place to stay.
You will see marked in red the main locations (besides being places you should visit during your trip); marked in orange the different hotels I recommend (with their respective links to Booking); marked in yellow the places I recommend to see in Cantabria; and, finally, marked in dark blue, hotels with enchantment.
You can click on each of the boxes in the drop-down menu on the map to see the areas, hotels, or places to visit. This will make it much easier for you to organize your trip and choose where you want to stay.
I hope this post about the best places to stay in Cantabria has been very useful when organizing your trip. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact me. See you next time!
