Santander: Western Coast of Cantabria Villages Day Trip

Take a captivating day trip along Santander’s western coast, where charming villages and breathtaking vistas await. Discover the historic treasures of San Vicente de la Barquera, Comillas, and Santillana del Mar, each boasting its own unique architectural gems. Uncover the fascinating Altamira Museum and its renowned prehistoric cave paintings. With a small group size and the option of English or Spanish, this guided tour promises an immersive and personalized experience. Explore the picturesque Cantabrian coastline and prepare to be enchanted.

Good To Know

• This guided tour explores charming villages along the western coast of Cantabria, including San Vicente de la Barquera, Comillas, and Santillana del Mar.
• Highlights of the tour include visiting Oyambre Natural Park, admiring Modernist architecture in Comillas, and exploring the Altamira Museum’s Neocave.
• The tour is priced from $92.25 per person, with a maximum of 8 participants, and is available in both Spanish and English.
• No upfront payment is required for reservation, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Visitors can experience the picturesque port, coastal landscapes, traditional Cantabrian culture, and historic architecture during the 9.5-hour tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Santander: Western Coast of Cantabria Villages Day Trip" is a 9.5-hour guided tour that takes visitors to explore the charming villages along the western coast of Cantabria.

Priced from $92.25 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and available in Spanish and English.

Travelers can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour covers highlights like San Vicente de la Barquera, Comillas, Santillana del Mar, and the Altamira Museum, providing an immersive experience in the region’s culture and natural beauty.

Itinerary Highlights

San Vicente de la Barquera is a fishing village known for its port and stunning views. Visitors can explore Oyambre Natural Park, featuring estuaries, beaches, dunes, and cliffs.

Nestled along the coast, San Vicente de la Barquera is a quaint fishing village renowned for its picturesque port and breathtaking natural landscapes.

In Comillas, travelers discover the only Modernist village in Cantabria. They can visit Gaudí’s Capricho and other architectural sites like the Palace and Chapel of Sobrellano, and the Pontifical University.

Santillana del Mar offers a tour of the medieval town with cobbled streets and historic buildings, including the collegiate church of Santa Juliana.

The Altamira Museum features a Neocave, a reconstruction of prehistoric paintings from the original cave.

San Vicente De La Barquera

As a fishing village known for its port and stunning views, San Vicente de la Barquera captivates visitors with its natural beauty. The tour takes guests to Oyambre Natural Park, where they can explore the estuaries, beaches, dunes, and cliffs that characterize this coastal region. A highlight of the visit is the opportunity to wander through the charming streets and admire the harbor, providing a glimpse into the daily life of this traditional Cantabrian town.

| Highlights | Experiences | Attractions |

|————|————-|————-|

| Port | Fishing | Oyambre Natural Park |

| Stunning Views | Wandering Streets | Harbor |

| Coastal Landscape | Admiring Architecture | Traditional Lifestyle |

| Estuaries | Observing Daily Life | Charming Village |

| Beaches, Dunes, Cliffs | Taking in Local Culture | Picturesque Scenes |

Comillas

One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to Comillas, the only Modernist village in the Cantabrian region.

Visitors will discover:

1. Gaudí’s Capricho, a unique Modernist building designed by the celebrated architect.

2. The Palace and Chapel of Sobrellano, showcasing impressive Neogothic and Neoclassical architecture.

3. The Pontifical University, a 19th-century complex featuring a mix of architectural styles.

4. An optional visit to Gaudí’s Capricho, with an entrance fee of €7/adult, €5/reduced, €3/child 7-12, and free for under 7.

Comillas offers a captivating blend of Modernist and historic structures, providing a distinct cultural experience for visitors.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Santillana Del Mar

After exploring the Modernist buildings in Comillas, the tour continues to the medieval town of Santillana del Mar.

Visitors will tour the cobbled streets and historic buildings, including the collegiate church of Santa Juliana, a Romanesque architectural gem.

The tour provides a lunch break, allowing guests to explore the town at their own pace and find a local restaurant for a meal.

Santillana del Mar is known for its well-preserved medieval character, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.

The tour then moves on to the Altamira Museum to complete the day’s activities.

Altamira Museum

The tour then moves on to the Altamira Museum, where visitors can explore the Neocave – a reconstruction of the prehistoric paintings from the original Altamira cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Neocave provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to witness the stunning cave art without damaging the original site.

The museum offers:

1. Detailed information about the history and significance of the Altamira cave paintings.

2. Interactive exhibits that bring the ancient artwork to life.

3. Guided tours led by knowledgeable staff.

4. The opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Paleolithic culture and artistic expression.

Transportation and Meeting Points

For this tour, transport is provided via a van or minibus, depending on the season and group size.

The tour departs from multiple meeting points in Santander and Torrelavega, including several hotels and landmarks. Guests should specify their hotel location when booking to coordinate the pick-up.

Departure times range from 8:30 AM to 9:20 AM, depending on the selected meeting point. This ensures efficient transportation and a timely start to the day’s activities exploring the Western Coast of Cantabria‘s charming villages.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised this Santander day trip, with the tour boasting an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 25 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the expertise of the guides, Rafa and Pepe, who provided informative and engaging commentary throughout the tour.

The tour’s highlights, such as the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera, the Modernist architecture in Comillas, and the Altamira Museum, were also widely praised.

Key highlights from traveler reviews include:

1. "Amazing day with Rafa our guide. Lots of information and interesting facts."

2. "Pepe did an amazing job showing us around and telling interesting stories."

3. "Fun, beautiful places with enough information."

4. "Learned a lot about the area’s history and culture."

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. Pets are not mentioned in the tour information, and the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, suggesting pets would not be permitted.

What Is the Refund Policy for Cancellations?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing a full refund. This provides flexible booking options without upfront payment, giving travelers the freedom to plan their trip with confidence.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch Break?

The tour does not include lunch, so there are no dietary restrictions. Participants can choose their own dining options during the scheduled lunch break based on their individual preferences and dietary needs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no information provided about extending the tour duration. The overview states the tour is 9.5 hours long, and there’s no mention of an option to lengthen it. Customers should plan accordingly based on the stated itinerary and timeline.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Locations?

Yes, travelers can customize the itinerary to visit specific locations. The tour operator is typically flexible and open to adjusting the itinerary based on the group’s interests, subject to logistical constraints and availability.

The Sum Up

Discover the captivating charm of Santander’s western coast on this guided day trip. Explore picturesque villages, stunning landscapes, and rich history, including Gaudí’s Capricho and the Altamira Museum. With personalized attention and breathtaking views, this tour offers an enchanting glimpse into the Cantabrian coastline. Whether you’re interested in Spanish or English, this small-group experience is a must-do for those seeking an immersive cultural adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: