Skip to main content
Cantabria

Cantabria travel guide

Autonomous community and province of Spain

Things to do11 experiences
Best time to visitApril to November
Nearest airportSDR · 11 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+1
Population591,563

About Cantabria

Cantabria is an autonomous community and province in northern Spain with Santander as its capital city. It is called a comunidad histórica, a historic community, in its current statute of autonomy.

Things to do in Cantabria by type

11 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 3-6 hours 5
  • Over 6 hours 2
Ways to go
  • Small group 7
Browse all things to do in Cantabria

Top experiences in Cantabria

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.

See all things to do in Cantabria

Where to stay in Cantabria

Popular hotels in Cantabria, out of 382 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Cantabria

Best time to visit Cantabria

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cantabria is April to November, when average daytime highs are around 63–76°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 41° – 57° 16
Feb 43° – 59° 13
Mar 44° – 58° 18
Apr 47° – 64° 16
May 49° – 64° 19
Jun 58° – 71° 15
Jul 60° – 73° 13
Aug 61° – 76° 13
Sep 55° – 70° 16
Oct 52° – 69° 14
Nov 49° – 63° 13
Dec 43° – 56° 16

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Know before you go

Currency
Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
Language
Spanish
Calling code
+34
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Europe/MadridUTC+1
Capital
Madrid

Upcoming public holidays in Spain

  • Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
  • Immaculate ConceptionInmaculada Concepción
  • Christmas DayNavidad
  • New Year's DayAño Nuevo
  • EpiphanyDía de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor
  • Good FridayViernes Santo

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Cantabria

These are the airports closest to central Cantabria. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • SDR Santander Airport11 mi (18 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Cantabria

Getting around Cantabria

Public transport connects the towns but for many out-of-the-way places you need a car. The gradients in the hilly south are daunting for cyclists.

Cantabria travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Cantabria?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cantabria is April to November, when average daytime highs are around 63–76°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.

What is the weather like in Cantabria?

August is usually the warmest month in Cantabria, with average highs of 76°F (25°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 43°F (6°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 127 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Cantabria?

Santander Airport (SDR) is the closest airport, about 11 miles (18 km) from the centre of Cantabria.

What currency is used in Cantabria?

Cantabria uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.

What time zone is Cantabria in?

Cantabria uses the Europe/Madrid time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Cantabria?

Public transport connects the towns but for many out-of-the-way places you need a car. The gradients in the hilly south are daunting for cyclists.

What are the top things to do in Cantabria?

Popular experiences you can book in Cantabria include Cabarceno Natural Park - Ticket, Altamira & Santillana del Mar - Small Group and Santoña: Anchovy Factory and Boat Trip. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Cantabria?

The most popular types of experiences in Cantabria are day trips & excursions (4), tour & activities (4), zoo, aquarium & nature (2) and gastronomy & nightlife (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Cantabria?

Popular areas for hotels in Cantabria include Santander. Well-reviewed options include NH Ciudad de Santander and Vincci Puertochico.

How many hotels can I book in Cantabria?

Destina Holidays currently lists 382 properties in and around Cantabria, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.