What to do in Castro Urdiales

Castro Urdiales is the easternmost seafaring town in Cantabria, halfway between Santander and Bilbao. Founded as Flaviobriga by the Romans, it preserves a spectacular Gothic ensemble formed by the church of Santa María de la Asunción (13th c.), the castle-lighthouse and the medieval bridge. Its fishing port remains active with the Cantabrian anchovy and bonito canning tradition. The old town mixes medieval lanes with 19th-century indianos mansions. The coast alternates urban beaches like Brazomar with wild cliffs towards Islares and Oriñón. The Castro-Traslaviña greenway follows the old iron mining railway. The gastronomy stands out for artisan anchovies, fried squid rings, marmitako stew and cider. The Semana Grande (July) and the Virgin del Carmen maritime procession are the main festivals.