Cantabria

What to do in Cantabria

Plans, activities and things to see in Cantabria

192 Plans and activities · 78 What to see · 11 Destinations & areas

Cantabria

Discover Cantabria

Cantabria packs 112 activities into a region where the Picos de Europa descend to the sea in under 50 kilometres. The central massif, with Naranjo de Bulnes at 2,519 m, defines the southern approach to one of Spain's most-visited national parks. The Asón river runs 84 kilometres before meeting the Cantabrian Sea, and its upper gorges hold canyons with drops of up to 40 metres and pools of clear water touching 12 °C in July. The coastline stretches 284 kilometres with fine-sand beaches and Atlantic-formed surf. Somo and Liencres host surf schools operating year-round thanks to consistent 1–2 metre swells: in winter, waves reach 3 metres and draw advanced surfers from across Europe. Cueva del Soplao, known as the 'Cathedral of Stalactites', has 17 kilometres of explored gallery with eccentric speleothems over 200 million years old. Saja-Besaya, at 254,564 hectares, is the largest natural park in the region and the area with the highest density of Cantabrian brown bears. Its beech forests at 900–1,200 m support multi-day hiking routes with mountain refuges every 15–20 kilometres.

Highlights

  • • Canyoning in the Asón river gorges with drops up to 40 metres
  • • Surfing and kitesurfing at Somo and Liencres year-round
  • • Caving in Cueva del Soplao, 17 km of gallery with eccentric stalactites
  • • Hiking in Picos de Europa from the southern Cantabrian access
  • • Brown bear watching in Saja-Besaya natural park

Best time to visit

June to September offers the widest range of outdoor activities at 18–24 °C. For advanced surf, November to February. Canyoning season peaks between May and September.

Practical tips

In Picos de Europa, book Cares gorge access in advance during peak season. For Liencres beaches, car parks fill before 10:00 in August. In Cueva del Soplao, bring a warm layer even in summer: the interior stays at 10 °C.

Plans and activities en Cantabria

Las mejores experiencias y planes disponibles en Cantabria

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Find more thematic pages

Family plans in Cantabria: activities for childrenAlpine Skiing in Cantabria: Snow and Mountains in the Heart of the NorthCanoeing in Cantabria: Explore Rivers and Coasts with PicucoVia Ferrata Cantabria: Vertical Adventure in the Heart of the NorthHorse Riding Trails in Cantabria: Explore NatureRock Climbing in Cantabria: Vertical Adventure in Northern SpainHiking in Cantabria: Magical Routes Through NatureSurfing in Cantabria: Perfect Waves for All LevelsKayaking in Cantabria: Explore the Coast and Rivers with PicucoCaving in Cantabria: caves, grottos & underground adventure

What to see en Cantabria

Rincones, lugares y puntos de interés que no te puedes perder

Destinations & areas

Zonas y destinos turísticos en Cantabria

Localidades de Cantabria

Descubre qué hacer en cada localidad de Cantabria

Frequently asked questions sobre Cantabria

Asón canyons are offered at beginner and intermediate levels. For sections with rappels over 20 metres, guides require at least one prior simple canyon experience or an introductory course.
Autumn and winter deliver the best swells, with consistent 1.5–3 metre waves. Summer conditions are gentler and suitable for beginners; schools operate year-round.
There are three options: tourist (mine car + walk), adventure (light caving with helmet and overalls) and advanced speleology. The tourist visit needs no reservation; the other two require booking.
The Cares Route is also accessible from the Cantabrian side. The Bejes–Tresviso–Urdón traverse is the most highly rated: 12 km with 900 m of ascent and views into the Hermida gorge.

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