The most beautiful villages in Cantabria: top 10 to see

Travel tips: 

• See the most beautiful hotels in Cantabria
• See all the activities for your stay in Cantabria

Follow all our adventures on Instagram by clicking here 🩵

1. Santillana del Mar, a must-see

An old town full of charm, Santillana del Mar is undoubtedly the best known of the most beautiful villages in Cantabria. This medieval village is ranked among the most beautiful in Spain and attracts visitors from all over the world every year. Jean-Paul Sartre said as much. 

What to see? What to do?

• visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a 12th-century Romanesque masterpiece, the stately manor houses adorned with coats of arms and the museums devoted to local art and history.
• explore the Palacio de los Velarde or the Casa de los Tagle
• visit the torture museum, 
• stroll through the cobbled lanes lined with shops selling typical crafts of the region
• discover the Altamira cave (or its replica), considered the "Sistine Chapel of cave art".

We recommend this hotel in Santillana del Mar, rated Fabulous on Booking. 

2. Comillas, one of the most beautiful villages in Cantabria

Comillas is not just a seaside resort: it is a true museum of Modernist architecture. This blend of culture and seaside makes it a must-visit in Cantabria if you're coming to the region. 

Want to know more about Comillas' rich cultural heritage? 

So what to see and do in Comillas ?

• Visit El Capricho de Gaudí, a colourful villa with surprising shapes
• explore the majestic Pontifical University, as well as the Sobrellano Palace.
• walk through the Modernist cemetery with its ocean view, 
• enjoy beaches such as Oyambre
• discover its local cuisine based on seafood.
  

3. San Vicente de la Barquera, a small fishing village 

San Vicente de la Barquera charms with its exceptional setting between the ocean and the mountains. It is one of the emblematic villages of the Cantabrian coast, which is why it is part of our Top 10 most beautiful villages in Cantabria.

What to see and do? 

• the medieval Maza bridge, the Gothic church of Santa María de los Ángeles and the remains of the King's castle.
• stroll around the harbour, 
• take the time to taste seafood in the local taverns
• admire the unique contrast between the Cantabrian Sea and the snow-capped peaks of the Picos de Europa.

Book your kayak trip in the San Vicente de la Barquera estuary (free cancellation).

4. Potes, the capital of Liébana

In the heart of the Liébana valley, Potes is a mountain village surrounded by spectacular landscapes such as the eastern massif of the Picos de Europa. Its medieval charm makes it a must-stop.

What to see and do in Potes? 

• see the Torre del Infantado and the medieval bridges spanning the Deva and Quiviesa rivers
• admire the houses with flower-filled balconies, 
• visit the monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, an important pilgrimage site, 
• get lost in the lanes lively with bars and taste the famous "orujo", a traditional liqueur of the region.

Nearby, in Polientes, you'll find this magnificent hotel rated Fabulous on Booking. 

5. Castro Urdiales for its Roman history 

A former Roman port by the sea, Castro Urdiales is a pretty, lively coastal resort that is one of the most beautiful villages in Cantabria.

What to see? What to do in Castro Urdiales?

• See the Gothic church of Santa María de la Asunción, 
• explore the medieval castle and the Santa Ana bridge.
• swim at Brazomar beach, 
• stroll along the pier with its superb view over the bay,
• take part in the maritime festivals, not to be missed in summer.

6. Santoña for its sublime beaches

Santoña is a lively coastal town, famous for its tinned tuna and anchovies renowned throughout Spain. It is also a pretty port town known for its gastronomic heritage and typical architecture. 

What to see? What to do in Santoña? 

• explore the San Martín fortress, 
• take a tour of the Santoña marshes to admire the many bird species
• see the beaches of Berria and San Martín, 
• visit a traditional anchovy cannery with olive oil, 
• take a boat trip around the bay
• taste local cuisine in the harbour restaurants.

7. Liérganes, a village of legends and thermal baths

Liérganes is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and mysterious legends, such as that of the Fish-Man. 

What to see? What to do in this pretty town in Cantabria? 

• See the famous medieval bridge over the Miera river, 
• admire the montañés-style stately houses with their coat-of-arms façades and the twin mountains called Las Tetas de Liérganes.
• enjoy a moment of relaxation in this spa town, 
• visit the copper museum and discover the legend of the Fish-Man, the village's symbol.

8. Bárcena Mayor in the heart of the mountains

Lost in the Saja-Besaya Natural Park, Bárcena Mayor is a rustic village that has kept all its authenticity with its pretty stone and wood houses with flower-filled balconies. It is also one of the oldest in our Top 10 most beautiful villages in Cantabria. 

What to see? What to do in this medieval setting?

• see its church of San Andrés and its cobbled lanes lined with local crafts from this region of Spain.
• enjoy a typical meal such as cocido montañés, 
• go hiking in the surrounding forests to discover the wildlife and plants of Cantabria.

See this authentic hotel if you're staying in the village, rated Fabulous on Booking. 

9. Carmona, the bucolic hamlet

Carmona is a tiny hamlet with incomparable charm, perfect for those seeking tranquillity.

What to see? What to do?

• admire its white houses with flower-filled wooden balconies, 
• take a break on its small central square to admire the surrounding mountain landscapes.
• immerse yourself in Cantabrian rural life, enjoy the calm and explore the surrounding valleys

10. Mogrovejo for its breathtaking panorama

Mogrovejo is a picturesque mountain village in the Liébana valley.

What to see? What to do?

• Climb up its 13th-century medieval tower, 
• admire its traditional stone houses and its church of San Sebastián.
• discover the local ethnographic museum, 
• go hiking in the valley
• take the time to enjoy spectacular views of the peaks of the Picos de Europa.

FAQ: visiting the most beautiful villages in Cantabria

Here are our most frequently asked questions

When to go to Cantabria? 

From May to September to enjoy the mild climate and local festivals, but also in autumn for the colours of nature.

How to visit Cantabria?

We recommend hiring a car, the ideal solution for discovering these villages at your own pace and with more flexibility

What is the most beautiful village in Cantabria?

Santillana del Mar is often considered the most beautiful village in Cantabria. This perfectly preserved medieval town charms with its cobbled lanes, stone manor houses and its Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana. Ranked among the most beautiful villages in Spain, it immerses visitors in a timeless atmosphere. Nearby you can also discover the Altamira cave, famous for its prehistoric paintings.

What are the most beautiful places in Cantabria?

Cantabria is full of spectacular places to discover. Among the most beautiful are the Picos de Europa, ideal for hiking, the wild coast around San Vicente de la Barquera, and the Santoña marshes. Villages like Comillas or Potes add a cultural and historical touch to the trip. Finally, the beaches of the Costa Quebrada offer breathtaking seascapes.

What is the most beautiful beach in Cantabria?

Oyambre beach, near Comillas, is often considered the most beautiful beach in Cantabria. With its preserved dunes, golden sand and view of the mountains, it perfectly illustrates the contrast between sea and nature. It's an ideal place for swimming, surfing or simply relaxing. You can also enjoy superb sunsets there.

What is the most beautiful village in northern Spain?

Among the villages in northern Spain, Santillana del Mar in Cantabria often takes first place thanks to its medieval heritage. But other gems such as Cudillero in Asturias or Hondarribia in the Basque Country rival it for charm. Each reflects the authenticity and cultural richness of its region. Northern Spain thus charms with its picturesque towns and varied landscapes.

And that's where our article on the most beautiful villages in Cantabria ends. We hope all these good addresses and activities will help you plan your trip to this sublime region of Spain. All that's left is to wish you a great stay and plenty of good vibes 😎