Hidden Gems Places To Visit in Cantabria, Spain

1. 5.0 Enjoy SUP School (93 reviews)
   - English child friendly
   Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing
   
   
   My 6 year old daughter attended their summer camp in July. I was worried that she might feel isolated being the only English child in the group, but all the instructors spoke a high level of English, and took wonderful care of her, she was included and made lots of friends. For sure an experience she will never forget! They also sent me lots of photos if her doing the different activities on a go pro. Thank you to all the amazing staff their WILL be back next year!!! See more..
   
2. 5.0 Casa de las Doñas (92 reviews)
   - Don't miss it!
   Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
   
   
   Great experience for adults and children alike. Doesn't feel like a museum but rather like going back in time 200 years, enter a country side house and seeing how everything is. Guidance is great, dedicated knowledgeable and patient. Highly recommended! See more..
   
3. 5.0 Costa Quebrada Geologic Park (86 reviews)
   - Stunning
   Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
   
   
   A hidden geological treasure in Northern Spain. There are places where awe-inspiring landscapes mask some deeper meanings. Costa Quebrada Geologic Park is one of these rare natural jewels. For decades this natural asset remained overlooked because of the appeal of its coves and golden sand beaches. Located in the green northern coast of Spain, near Santander, it is not only pleasing to the eye, but it also displays a unique assortment of coastal landforms and features that provide the opportunity for both witnessing geology in action and discovering in a very straightforward and simple way the origin and evolution of our planet. The visitor can understand these otherwise complicated facts thanks to brilliant examples along the coastal path. These telling features have the power to inspire, even to the untrained eye, the very same ideas and interpretations that the first geologists gave birth to. Geology here is, definitely, for everyone. The endless confrontation between the tilted rock layers and the ocean has produced a very diverse group of coastal landforms that lie in a row along a 10-mile long shoreline: Cliffs, arches, islets, coves, beaches, tombolos, sand spits, dunes and estuaries show the constant evolution of coastal areas. A more detailed observation of the rocky outcrops reveals the records of ancient tropical reefs, huge beaches and forests and marine whole ecosystems miraculously frozen in time by preserving minerals, and the mass extinctions that ended them. But not only that. The Park holds many traces of the human bonds to the geologic heritage throughout human history. This includes some Palaeolithic flint quarries where it is easy to spot some of the materials discarded by early humans when making their tools and weapons. Also, one particular layer of rock in Costa Quebrada was used by ancient humans as an ochre and umber colored 3-D canvas in the superb, UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, so-called "Sistine Chapel of Cave Painting": The Altamira... See more..
   
4. 5.0 Koa Escuela de Surf (82 reviews)
   - SUP in Somo
   Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Gear Rentals • Stand Up Paddleboarding
   
   
   We had a SUP class with Ander at 4pm on a Saturday afternoon, it had to be then cos of the tide. From the 1st moment we were treated well, we were given our wetsuits and we made a short drive to the river where we did the class. The views were wonderful and it was a great experience. A big thanks to Javi, Victor, Tere & Ander for giving us a wonderful afternoon. See more..
   
5. 5.0 Cantabria Activa - Day Tour (73 reviews)
   - Fantastic
   Sightseeing Tours
   
   
   We absolutely loved our first rafting experience with them. Daisy is a great guide. Highly recommend See more..
   
6. 5.0 Meron Surf (71 reviews)
   - Wonderful experience!
   Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Gear Rentals • Stand Up Paddleboarding
   
   
   I took 2 classes at Meron Surfschool. I had two different teachers and both of them were amazing. The were very good and patient at teaching. In addition, they made me feeling comfortable with this new sport. I think it was one of the best experience in my life. I absolutely recommend it to everyone and I’m looking forward to coming back. Thank you to the teachers and all the staff (very kind) that takes care of the preparation! See more..
   
7. 5.0 Conservas Juanjo (58 reviews)
   - The best anchovies, "Sobadas a mano" (hand made), so it is a luxury article, not cheap but worthy
   Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
   
   
   Me and my family are anchovies lovers. In search for the best ancovies we find out that "conservas Juanjo" where the ones Cantabria goverment use to provide as a gift when going to see the spanish president, king and other authorities. Once you try them is very likely you do not one any other. Good anchovies, good olive oil, the right amount of salt... They are just perfect! The only downside, they are not cheap. See more..
   
8. 5.0 La Curva Escuela de Surf (58 reviews)
   - Great Holiday
   Surfing & Windsurfing
   
   
   Me and my girlfriend went there last summer and had an amazing time. The staff there were amazing. I had never been surfing before but with the help of Damien and Rasta (the two English speaking instructors) who were very knowledgeable and experienced instructors I was riding waves by the end of the week. They also made us feel very much at home while we stayed there. See more..
   
9. 5.0 Destileria Siderit (52 reviews)
   - Great visit to Siderit Destillery
   Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries
   
   
   We visited the distillery between Christmas and New Years. David explained us about the different botanicals and gin Destillation process. Tasting & Gin was really good :) thanks See more..
   
10. 5.0 Totora Surf School (51 reviews)
    - Great lessons
    Surfing & Windsurfing • Lessons & Workshops • Stand Up Paddleboarding
    
    
    I have spent a few days in Suances and took surf classes every day for the whole stay. This is one of the best school I have tried so far. Nice instructors, well prepared and very observant and provided specific instructions on technique adjustments either if this is your first experience on the waves or if you want to advance. I stayed at the same surf house, which is just 2 minutes walk from the beach. Cousy house, very clean and well maintained, with a lot of space inside and outside, including an area to chill or a space for practising yoga. I will definitely repeat. See more..
    
11. 5.0 Reto Riopanero (50 reviews)
    - Escape original, muy ingenioso , entretenido y 100% recomendable!
    Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
    
    
    First escape game of environmental education. It is located in a privileged natural environment: the Visitor Center of Monte Hijedo, one of the most important oak forest in the north of Spain. Can we entertain and have fun and learn at the same time? With Reto Riopanero you will see that yes. Come and try it! See more..
    
12. 5.0 Eskapark Santoña (47 reviews)
    - Muy bien hecho, merece la pena ir
    Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
    Escape Room See more..
    
13. 5.0 Alto Miera Aventura (44 reviews)
    - Great outdoor activities + super pro guides
    Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Climbing Tours
    
    
    We were a group of 7 people and did two activities with them ( Canoes ) One was in the river Ason, and the other in the ria de Cubas . Both were great , beautiful scenarios, and appropiate for friends and family groups We had children and teenagers, these very demanding people had great fun , just like the adults . Jaime is a great leader and he and his team are both super pros and friendly . We are planning to try the other activities they offer because the experience was great See more..
    
14. 5.0 Rutas Turisticas 4x4 ® (44 reviews)
    - Fantastic
    4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
    
    
    My 18 year old granddaughter and I were in the small village of Garbandal with no vehicle. Gustavo picked us up and took us to our tour throughout Potes, to the monastery with the relics of the True Cross are exposed this jubilee year were you can touch it. We than went to the mountains of the Pico's . His 25 years of driving experience was appreciated as we went on the dirt roads !! I am from USA and located him in via trip advisor and trusted the good reviews . I totally agree. It was awesome! See more..
    
15. 5.0 Museo de la Real Fabrica de Artilleria de La Cavada (42 reviews)
    - Tiny museum that contains a lot of historical information about Spanish artillery
    Military Museums
    
    
    This four-room museum houses artifacts, mostly cannons, and many informative images and explanations (in Spanish) related to the Spanish manufacturing of artillery in the time of the Spanish empire, in the 16th through 18th centuries. Cannons built in La Cavada were used by Spaniards throughout the world; a number of them found their resting place in the Americas all the way from the gigantic artillery factory in the town of La Cavada. The knowledgeable volunteer guide who was there the day of our visit eloquently explained the evolution of the manufacturing processes, etc. Beware, however, everything in the museum is in Spanish. See more..
    
16. 5.0 Cuevas Hornos De La Pena (42 reviews)
    - Cave worth a visit
    Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Caverns & Caves
    
    
    A well known cave in Cantabria, now open to visitors in groups of 4. Cave paintings and etchings, stalagmites and stalagtites and more. Beautiful intimate cave in a beautiful valley. See more..
    
17. 5.0 NOR3 (39 reviews)
    - well worth
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Climbing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing
    
    
    We did two activites -on the first day our teenagers did the via ferrata and on the second day we did the tour of the caves. Both were very enjoyable. Excellent guide Jorge, good safety demonstration, and veey safety conscious. The tour of the Colvenetos caves took about 3.5 hours and was a highlight of our stay in the area. We abseiled, crawled, squeezed and climbed our way through an amazing experience. Great activities for families. See more..
    
18. 5.0 Votoventura Day Tours (38 reviews)
    - What an amazing way to spend 90 minutes!
    Sightseeing Tours
    
    
    The whole trip was excellent. Tito is a very enthusiastic and friendly host and we had a wonderful trip. It was very worth the money and we recommend this 100% See more..
    
19. 5.0 Multiaventura San Vicente (35 reviews)
    - Adventures with Multiaventuras
    River Rafting & Tubing • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing
    
    
    These guys are an extremely friendly and professional outfit! We enjoyed our three activities ( Caving, Kayaking and Canyoning) enormously!! Ollana was lovely and made sure we were well-equipped and all our activities worked smoothly. Danny was upbeat and competent during our canyoning trip in the La Hermida gorge which turned out to be much more exciting/eventful than I had expected. Alvaro took us kayaking and caving . He is an extremely high calibre guide with a passion for caving that is infectious and wealth of specialist knowledge that he loves to share. Thank you Multiaventura San Vicente! You made our holiday very memorable!❤️ See more..
    
20. 5.0 Picos Guias de Montana (34 reviews)
    - First Class Guiding in World Class Mountains
    Multi-day Tours • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours
    
    
    Climbed a single day with Pablo Mata. Excellent in every respect. Knows the mountains natively, even set several of the routes, seemed to be familiar with everyone we encountered. Climbed with my friend who is new to climbing and Pablo was able to work well with all skill levels. Will be back to the area next year for sure, and will come straight to these guys. See more..
    
21. 5.0 Escuela de Surf Costa Norte (33 reviews)
    - COCO time!!
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing
    
    
    My 13 year old has just had the best trip ever to San Vicente, due to the amazing 3 days spent with COCO, learning to surf. What a great guy, patient and fun, kind and considerate, my son loved the whole experience and is desperate to return soon. Many thanks to Coco, aka Sergio. See more..
    
22. 5.0 Escuela de Surf Ris (33 reviews)
    - Brilliant instructors
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Stand Up Paddleboarding
    
    
    I could not recommend the guys at ESR more highly. My two daughters (aged 9 and 6) just spent 5 days at their surf school (2 hours a day). The attention, fun and engaging way they worked with kids of all ages was superb. If you are thinking of trying to get your kids into surfing or give them a taste this is the place to do it. The beach is relatively shallow allowing long stretches of white waves to learn on, and the waves are not too high to be daunting to learners. The school provided 6-10 instructors each day so that on many occasions my two daughters had 1:2 tuition. As a result they improved hugely during the week and loved every minute of it. They even made cards for their favourite instructors on the last day!! Thank you ESR. See you next year hopefully See more..
    
23. 5.0 La Ojerada (33 reviews)
    - Especial cueva en el mar
    Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Geologic Formations
    
    
    Fuimos con niños , un poco difícil ya que el pequeño tiene 5 años .Pero el lugar es impresionante .Hay un aparcamiento bien grande para dejar el coche .Si vaís a mano derecha esta la cueva si cogéis la mano izquierda vamos al faro de ajo .El camino al faro por algunos tramos es estrecho y vas muy cerca del acantilado hay que tener cuidado si vas con niños . See more..
    
24. 5.0 Escuela de Surf H2O (32 reviews)
    - Surf School
    Sports Camps & Clinics • Surfing & Windsurfing • Gear Rentals
    
    
    Very good surf school, excellent teachers and equipment, for kids too!excellent surf spot location also. Highly recommended. See more..
    
25. 5.0 Bodegas Sel d'Aiz (24 reviews)
    - Great Wine and Great Hospitality
    Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    Live a unique experience of our hand. Saturdays and Sundays in the morning we open the doors so you can see the winery and our vineyards. You will enjoy exceptional views and also you can taste our wines accompanied by local products of the Pas Valley as cheeses and the Cantabrian coast like anchovies See more..
    
26. 5.0 Pub Sherezade (22 reviews)
    - Súper recomendable
    Spent More than 3 hours Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Nos sentimos como en casa, trato inmejorable y súper agradables en todo momento. ¡Repetiremos sin duda! See more..
    
27. 5.0 Rutas La Pedrasca (22 reviews)
    - Ruta con La Pinta
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours • Horseback Riding Tours
    
    
    Ha sido una tarde fantástica. Olalla explica todo de maravilla y la yegua Pinta nos ha regalado un paseo maravilloso. See more..
    
28. 5.0 Escuela de Surf Los Locos (20 reviews)
    - good professionals, nice people
    Sports Camps & Clinics • Surfing & Windsurfing • Stand Up Paddleboarding
    
    
    gorgeous, we enjoyed very much with teachers and learners and the price is very cheap if you take a three days course See more..
    
29. 5.0 San Pedro de Cervatos (20 reviews)
    - Una joya del arte románico esta vez en Cantabria.
    Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    Estaba nevando y eso fue un plus, porque rodeada de nieve estaba más bonita si cabe. Llamamos a un teléfono que había en la puerta y acudió una voluntaria. Solo hay visitas guiadas en verano, aunque la voluntaria fue muy amable y nos hizo la visita muy amena e interesante. See more..
    
30. 5.0 El Zulo Escape Room (20 reviews)
    - Genial!!!!!!!
    Wednesday: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Escape Games
    
    
    De los mejores que hemos echo, con muchísimas sorpresas y súper bien preparado. Os encantará!!! Lo recomiendo 100% See more..
    
31. 5.0 Mirador De Piedrasluengas (20 reviews)
    - Stop and look!
    Lookouts
    
    
    Beautiful landscape with the view of part of the Comarca de Liébana. Just make a short stop, get ready to have your breath takan away by the beauty of the place. See more..
    
32. 4.5 Nacimiento del Rio Ason (95 reviews)
    - Fantastic January afternoon
    Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
    
    
    Entire walk, with infant in baby sack took aprox 2 hours and 40 min(there and back), you walk 7,5 km round trip. Waterfall was exceptional wonderful. Highly recommended. Route is clearly marked by white-yellow marking on poles, rocks and trees. See more..
    
33. 4.5 Cueva El Pendo (91 reviews)
    - Spectacular prehistoric cave
    Caverns & Caves
    
    
    Not the best cave in Northern Spain for prehistoric rock art, but quite spectacular in itself. Tours in Spanish but, as usual, the guides try their best to assist your understanding of what it's all about. Definitely worth a visit. See more..
    
34. 4.5 la Mar Salada Somo (91 reviews)
    - You can't miss it!
    Bars & Clubs
    
    
    You have to go to this canteen to have a beer, international, national.... or even better, local beer! Nice fun in a surfing atmosphere. See more..
    
35. 4.5 Monte Buciero (91 reviews)
    - Must visit
    Mountains
    
    
    There are many routes to walk, we took the easiest i guess, but the way down to the light house was quite hard, well the way up i mean. 700 huge stone steps, but worth to try. See more..
    
36. 4.5 Fuerte del Rastrillar (91 reviews)
    - Fabulous coastal views
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    This is an old coastal defense fortification on a high headland next to Laredo. It is a substantial uphill hike to get there from the old town, you must go to the end as there are wonderful views of the coastline to the east. The views in other directions are wonderful too. Unfortunately this is a one way system, you will have to retrace your steps to get back to town. You can access this place via a walkway to the west of the old church or one to the east--the western path is the more attractive. See more..
    
37. 4.5 Torre de Horcados Rojos (91 reviews)
    - Stunning views on a lovely trail!
    Mountains
    
    
    We hiked the Torre De Los Horcados Rojos trail (PR-PNPE-23) which was about 9km at the end of August. Starting early at just after 9am it was not so hot and there were few people on the trail. We got to appreciate the views from afar with the low cloud over the mountains. We made the mistake of taking too many layers with us. It felt cold queuing for the cable car at the bottom so we assumed it would be colder at the top. Actually when the sun came out it was very hot so we ended up wearing shorts and a t-shirt and carrying our jeans, fleases and anoraks in our backpack. There are lovely views on that trail which is well maintained. We stopped for lunch at the junction to Refugio Cabana Veronica before continuing on to a lovely viewpoint. After the hike we walked an extra couple of kilometres or so to look at the Heidi house from afar. This day trip surpassed our expectations! See more..
    
38. 4.5 Canoason Turismo Activo (88 reviews)
    - Fantastic!!!
    Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM Kayaking & Canoeing
    
    
    My family including two grumpy teenagers absolutely loved this trip down the river. The adults had not been in a kayak for years but it was well organised and you see some stunning scenery going down the river. The drop down the weir was scary and exciting at the same time. We all thoroughly enjoyed it, would highly recommend!!! The photos taken by the company were an added bonus and they are great, some great photos to remember how brave I was!!!! See more..
    
39. 4.5 Excursiones Maritimas (87 reviews)
    - A great boat trip but turn off/down the recorded commentary
    Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Rides & Activities • Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Ships • Scenic Walking Areas
    
    
    Such a great value trip which far exceeded my expectations. The cliffs and lighthouse were highlights and quite spectacular. The man at the stand was really informative, inviting those with reservations to board first. The only thing I didn´t like was the constant and very loud recorded commentary, especially the reverence shown towards colonial history and constant reference to the Brits as the English. See more..
    
40. 4.5 Playa de Amió (86 reviews)
    - Beautiful place
    Spent More than 3 hours Beaches
    
    
    Amazing beach. There´s an islet in the middle, connected to the shore by a isthmus, like a sort of long natural sandy bump. Depending on the tide, you can walk along it, and the most remarkable trait of this beach is that due to the uneven terrain, depending on the height of the tide, waves don´t come towards you with a frontal movement as in everywhere else, but in a side movement, which is quite original and funny. See more..
    
41. 4.5 Las Tetas de Lierganes (83 reviews)
    - Fun story, best views,
    Geologic Formations
    
    
    "Las Tetas" or "The breasts" made us laugh. The whole area is beautiful and "Las Tetas" are no exception... See more..
    
42. 4.5 Parroquia Santisimo Cristo (83 reviews)
    - The Happy Sharing Company Exploring Spain
    Wednesday: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    Excellent Stop for the Mass and warm welcome on the Camino Santiago at the Sacristia. Beautiful Cathedral with wonderful sound of voices and choirs due to its voutes. Happy Sharing Happy Outside See more..
    
43. 4.5 Parque y Nacimiento de La Fuentona en Ruente (81 reviews)
    - Unos de los paseos más bonito que hemos hecho
    Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas • Fountains
    
    
    Ideal para un paseo. No dejen de hacerlo. Muy recomendable después de una buena comida en algunos de los restaurantes de la zona See more..
    
44. 4.5 Avenida de la Constitución (79 reviews)
    - Pleasant promenade
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Av. De la Constitucion is the main harbour area promendade and you can stroll along to Parque Cotolino at the far end past Playa de Bazomar or in the other direction through the old town area to Playa Ostende. There are some interesting buildings to look at, including the Town Hall and the tourist office is also along this stretch. You get a nice view across the harbour towards the church, castle and causeway on the town side. Flower beds are well tended and blooming even when I visited early March. There’s an underground car park beneath the park running alongside the prom plus numerous bars and cafes. Castro Urdiales as a town is nothing special but the harbour area and prom is well worth a visit. See more..
    
45. 4.5 Playa de la Concha (76 reviews)
    - A lovely beach & a wonderful estuary
    Beaches
    
    
    The water was too cold at the end of September, so we could only enjoy the sun and beautiful views – the islands, which one can see in front are called Rabbit islands. The sand and the water were clean. Many restaurants, many surfers. La Concha beach is enclosed from one side by a long estuary, which is a perfect area for walking or riding a bicycle. Picturesque green landscapes, lots of birds, a warm pleasant smell of the grass and flowers. See more..
    
46. 4.5 Buciero Natura (71 reviews)
    - Faro del Caballo hike/canoe
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Hiking & Camping Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing
    
    
    My host family and I went for this hike today and it was lovely! It began with a tour held in Spanish, then we walked the route for maybe 1.5-2 hours and it was beautiful. Many places to stop and take photos. When we finally got to the end of the train there were canoes waiting for us to take us back. We jumped off the cliff (the small children had some stairs to walk down so they didn't have to jump) into the water and after getting into the kayaks we went through some caves on our way back to shore. Over all, great hike and great experience though I would have liked more time going through the caves. I appreciated that they had a boat following the whole time so when one of the kids got too tired, we could put him in the boat. See more..
    
47. 4.5 Urdon-Tresviso (70 reviews)
    - Great Hike
    Scenic Drives
    
    
    Excellent walk from Urdon up to the village of Tresviso. Good path all the way but steep in parts with great views. It took us just under 3 hrs including a couple of stops on the way up and around 2 hrs on the way back. Bar in Tresviso serves food as well as cold beer ! See more..
    
48. 4.5 Centro De Interpretación Del Hombre Pez (69 reviews)
    - Easy Walk
    Speciality Museums
    
    
    Lovely village to explore and an easy route down to Hombre Pez. Over the river you can sit on the steps or go in for a paddle. See more..
    
49. 4.5 Centro Ecuestre El Sable (65 reviews)
    - Repetiremos
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Horseback Riding Tours
    
    
    Horseback rides trought the forest and the beach See more..
    
50. 4.5 Dunas de Liencres (64 reviews)
    - Large playa in a natural park
    Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Geologic Formations
    
    
    Large playa with high peaks behind. Good waves for surfers, a lot of space for sunbathing and relax and a restaurant/bar. Very relaxing Place. See more..
    

What's a Hidden gem?

We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.