Cantabria is a community in the north of Spain that offers us all kinds of landscapes, from wild beaches to beautiful mountain areas. Beyond cities like Santander, there are many beautiful towns that can become quite a discovery. In this community there are many towns with a quiet lifestyle where you can enjoy old streets, monuments and natural areas.
The most beautiful towns in Cantabria They will offer us all kinds of landscapes, and all of them have something special to make a weekend getaway. If you want to know Cantabria in detail, the best thing is to visit these towns to enjoy the authentic.
Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Cantabria, hence its first place. Its historic center has a large number of noble houses or palaces that tell us about its importance. The Casa de los Alonso or the Casa de los Villa are examples of this noble architecture. In Plaza Ramón Pelayo are the Don Borja and Merino towers. These are the most important medieval buildings in the town. On the other hand, you should not miss the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, which replaced the monastery with the same name in the XNUMXth century. The best of it is inside, where you can see the beautiful Romanesque cloister.
If we talk about Santillana del Mar we must also mention the caves of Altamira, since it is in this town where they are located. The famous cave is located within the grounds of the Altamira National Museum and Research Center.
Quotation marks
Near Santillana del Mar is this town, which has an interesting architectural heritage. Authentic artists of modernist architecture such as Gaudí have worked in this town. In the town you have to visit the Sobrellano Palace, which is a neo-Gothic building that offers guided tours. The chapel of the Marquis of Comillas also has a beautiful neo-Gothic style. But without a doubt almost everyone comes to this town to see the well-known Gaudí's whim. This house was designed by Gaudí to be the residence of a musician of the time. This palace can be visited from the inside, both on your own and with a guided tour to discover all the corners and details.
Jars
Potes belongs to the Liébana region, near the Picos de Europa. In its surroundings you can visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana or even take routes through the Picos de Europa. In the town you can see the church of San Vicente with baroque altarpieces. The Infantado Tower It is another of its most important buildings, which today serves as a town hall and as a room for exhibitions. But if there is something to do in Potes, it is to let yourself go and stroll through its old town. The stone bridges, the narrow streets and that traditional air make it essential among the most beautiful towns in Cantabria.
Castro Urdiales
Castro Urdiales is another one of those places that you have to visit, with beautiful beaches and areas of interest. The XNUMXth century church of Santa María de la Asunción is one of the must-see places, as it was one of the first Gothic constructions in the community. The Palace or Castle of Ocharan It is another must-see, which offers a mix of styles, from Neo-Gothic to Neo-Mudejar.
San Vicente de la Barquera
San Vicente de la Barquera is a destination on the coast that offers beautiful natural landscapes. It has several beaches, so it is a good idea to visit it in summer to fully enjoy its attractions. Beaches such as El Rosal, La Maza or El Tostadero are great examples. The Maza Bridge It is a beautiful passage that belongs to medieval architecture and that crosses the estuary, offering an idyllic picture of the town. In the town you must visit the Convent of San Luis built in a beautiful Gothic style. The Provost tower is a XNUMXth century tower where there are temporary exhibitions, although there was a time when it was a prison. The church of Santa María de los Ángeles is a very beautiful religious building. El Castillo del Rey is another of its important points, a defensive structure at the top of the town.
Laredo
Laredo was an important defensive population, hence the remains of the old wall are still preserved in its historic center. In this area you have to visit the church of Our Lady of the Assumption, a Gothic style temple with beautiful altarpieces such as the Virgin of Bethlehem. In the old area, called Puebla Vieja, you can see places such as the Palacio de Arzauz or the Convent of San Francisco.