Santander: Western Coast of Cantabria Villages Day Trip

Discover the picturesque charm of Cantabria’s western coast on this comprehensive day trip. Explore three quaint villages, from the fishing town of San Vicente de la Barquera to the architectural wonders of Comillas and Santillana del Mar. With guided commentary and time for independent exploration, this tour promises an immersive experience of the region’s rich history and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the area’s cultural heritage or its coastal landscapes, this day trip offers a multifaceted glimpse into the captivating essence of Cantabria.

Key Points

• A day trip from Santander exploring three charming villages in Cantabria, including Gaudí’s Capricho in Comillas and the UNESCO World Heritage Altamira Museum.
• Highlights include the picturesque fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera, the modernist architecture of Comillas, and the historic center of Santillana del Mar.
• The tour offers optional activities such as a guided tour of Gaudí’s Capricho and free time for personal exploration in Comillas.
• Transportation is provided by van or minibus, with multiple meeting points in Santander and Torrelavega for convenient access.
• The tour has received excellent customer feedback, with high ratings for the knowledgeable guide, transportation, and overall value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This day trip from Santander takes visitors to three charming villages in the Cantabria region.

The 9.5-hour excursion covers San Vicente de la Barquera, Comillas, and Santillana del Mar. It’s a small-group experience limited to 8 participants and offered in English and Spanish.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now, pay later option is available.

Highlights include seeing Gaudí’s Capricho in Comillas and the Neocave at the Altamira Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore Gaudí’s Capricho in Comillas and the Neocave at the Altamira Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelers can also enjoy free time to shop or explore Comillas further.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour starts with a visit to San Vicente de la Barquera, a picturesque fishing village nestled within the stunning Oyambre Natural Park.

Next, guests explore Comillas, the only modernist village in Cantabria, featuring Gaudí’s Capricho and other architectural gems.

The final stop is the medieval town of Santillana del Mar, known for its historic center and the collegiate church of Santa Juliana.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Altamira Museum to see the Neocave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reconstructs prehistoric paintings.

Optional Activities

Aside from the core tour itinerary, the experience offers several optional activities for guests to enhance their visit.

Visitors can opt to tour Gaudí’s Capricho, the iconic modernist building in Comillas. Entrance fees are €7 for adults, €5 for reduced tickets, and €3 for children aged 7-12, with free admission for kids under 7.

Plus, the tour provides free time in Comillas, allowing guests to explore the town further, visit shops, or simply enjoy the charming atmosphere at their own pace.

These optional experiences allow travelers to customize their day and delve deeper into the region’s cultural offerings.

Transportation and Meeting Points

To get to the tour destinations, transportation is provided by van or minibus, depending on the time of year.

The tour has several meeting points around Santander, including Hotel Chiqui, Hotel Palacio del Mar, Gran Casino, Castelar 29, and Calle Cádiz.

For those coming from Torrelavega, the meeting point is at Pabellón Habana Vieja.

The tour departs at 8:30 AM from the first meeting point and 9:20 AM from the Torrelavega location.

This ensures participants can conveniently join the tour from various locations in the Santander area.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback

How does the tour fare in customer reviews?

Based on 25 reviews, the tour receives an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers praise the knowledgeable guide, Pepe, who provides "amazing" commentary, as well as the "fun, beautiful places" and "interesting facts" shared throughout the tour.

The transportation also earns high marks at 5 out of 5. Reviewers from Poland, the United States, and the Netherlands agree the tour offers great value for money, scoring 4.8 out of 5.

With these overwhelmingly positive testimonials, the Santander Villages Day Trip seems to deliver an exceptional sightseeing experience.

The Fishing Village of San Vicente De La Barquera

Although the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera is the first stop on the day trip, its stunning natural setting and charming atmosphere captivate visitors from the moment they arrive.

Nestled along the Oyambre Natural Park, the village boasts a picturesque coastline, with a dramatic medieval bridge spanning the estuary. Visitors can explore the quaint streets, browse local shops, and savor fresh seafood at the charming restaurants.

The village’s rich maritime heritage and scenic landscapes make it a highlight of the day trip, setting the tone for the exploration of Cantabria’s western coast.

The Modernist Charm of Comillas and Santillana Del Mar

After exploring the captivating fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera, the day trip continues to the charming towns of Comillas and Santillana del Mar, each offering a distinct architectural and cultural experience.

Comillas, the only modernist village in Cantabria, showcases Gaudí’s whimsical Capricho and other notable modernist structures. Visitors can wander the town’s quaint streets and browse local shops.

The medieval town of Santillana del Mar charms with its historic center and the collegiate church of Santa Juliana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Exploring these two villages provides a glimpse into Cantabria’s architectural heritage and vibrant culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lunch Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price does not include lunch. Participants are free to have lunch at their own expense during the free time in Comillas or at any other stop along the tour.

Can We Take Photos Inside the Altamira Museum?

Yes, visitors can take photos inside the Altamira Museum, but only in the Neocave – a reconstruction of the prehistoric paintings, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photography is not allowed in the main museum exhibits.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour overview doesn’t mention an option to extend the tour duration. The standard tour lasts 9.5 hours, and there’s no indication it can be lengthened. The focus seems to be on the set itinerary and schedule.

Are There Any Restrictions on Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a limited group size of 8 participants. This small group size allows for a more personalized experience and ensures enough attention from the guide.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Our Preferences?

The group size is limited to 8 participants. While the standard itinerary is fixed, travelers can inquire about customizing the tour to their preferences, such as adding or removing certain stops, within the allotted 9.5-hour duration.

The Sum Up

This day trip through the picturesque villages of Cantabria’s western coast offers an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can explore the quaint fishing town of San Vicente de la Barquera, marvel at Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece in Comillas, and wander the historic streets of Santillana del Mar. With knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and the opportunity to visit the Altamira Museum, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the charm and history of this stunning region.

You can check availability for your dates here: