Cantabria is one of Spain's most convenient and complete regions for motorhome travel: in a very small space it combines wild coastline, big-league mountains (the Picos de Europa) and storybook villages, with good facilities and short distances. It's an ideal destination for summer, when the north escapes the heat. Here are some ideas for touring it.
The coast
Elegant Santander with its bay and Sardinero beach; to the west, Santillana del Mar (the "town of three lies"), Comillas with Gaudí's El Capricho, San Vicente de la Barquera. Beaches like Liencres, with its dunes, or those of eastern Cantabria. A very rewarding green and wild coast.
The mountains: the Picos and the valleys
Heading inland, Cantabria climbs quickly into the mountains: the Cantabrian entrance to the Picos de Europa (Fuente Dé, the Liébana valley, Potes), the Pas valleys and El Soplao (a spectacular cave). Nature, hiking and stone villages (see the Picos de Europa).
Villages and gastronomy
Potes, Bárcena Mayor, Liérganes... charming villages throughout the region. And the gastronomy: cocido montañés, Santoña anchovies, quesucos cheese, sobaos pasiegos. Eating in Cantabria is a pleasure.
Practical tips
- Warm and waterproof clothing even in summer: Atlantic climate.
- Combine coast and mountains: they're a stone's throw apart.
- Watch out for altitude on the valley roads.
- Use motorhome areas and check local overnight-parking rules.
In summary
Cantabria brings together coast, the Picos de Europa and storybook villages in a small, convenient region, ideal in summer. The step to take today: on a single trip you can combine the coast (Santander, Santillana, San Vicente) with the mountains of the Picos via Liébana; plan a couple of areas in each zone for a well-rounded, varied route. Combine it with the northern route.