The most beautiful towns in Cantabria to discover on the Camino de Santiago

Cantabria is an authentic treasure that for many pilgrims is discovered once they walk the Camino de Santiago. We are talking about a land of green landscapes and steep cliffs, where the Cantabrian Sea meets majestic mountains, offering hikers a unique combination of nature, history, and culture.

As the Camino de Santiago winds its way through Cantabria , pilgrims have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a perhaps lesser-known Spain, far from the classic tourist destinations and discover towns that preserve the essence and charm of the old world. We invite you on a journey in which you will discover some of the most beautiful towns in Cantabria that, without a doubt, will enrich the experience of those who decide to venture on the Camino de Santiago. 

San Vicente de la Barquera | Wikicommons. Autor: GWansorra

San Vicente de la Barquera

• Stage of the Camino Lebaniego: Comillas - San Vicente de la Barquera
• Inhabitants: 4,158

San Vicente de la Barquera is one of the most outstanding emblems of Cantabria. A true coastal enclave that accurately reflects the charm of northern Spain. Its strategic position, on a small peninsula bathed by the waters of the Cantabrian Sea, has endowed it with a rich history marked by fishing, maritime trade and defense. One of the most outstanding points is the old town of San Vicente, with its cobbled streets and old buildings, it preserves a medieval legacy that is reflected in monuments such as its impressive castle and the Church of Santa María de the Angels, both silent watchmen of a vibrant past. 

In addition to its historical heritage, San Vicente de la Barquera has other impressive elements that attract locals and pilgrims. On the one hand nature, playing a crucial and fundamental role in the attractiveness of the municipality. Also noteworthy are its extensive fine sand beaches, such as Oyambre or Meron , becoming a refuge for those seeking the sound of the waves and the breeze. marina. 

Cabanes

• Stage of the Camino Lebaniego: Cades - Cabañes 
• Inhabitants: 44 

Cabañes is one of those magical places that you will find during your journey on the Camino de Santiago. With just over a few dozen inhabitants (yes, you read that right) we are talking about one of the most picturesque municipalities in Cantabria. It is estimated that the population of Cabañes reaches only 44 inhabitants, but its location and stunning views make it one of the must-see destinations. And it is that this town is located nothing more and nothing less than in the Picos de Europa, running between it and Lebeña the spectacular Robejo gorge. Although we may not find the comforts or services of other towns, Cabañes deserves a must visit for its impressive views from almost any point in the town. 

Laredo | Wikicommons. Autor: Haresgod

Laredo

• Stage of the Northern Way: Laredo - Güemes
• Inhabitants: 11,148 

Laredo is one of the most fascinating destinations for those seeking to combine history, culture, and natural beauty. A clear example is La Salvé beach, with more than 5 km of fine sand, it is one of the greatest attractions of this fishing village, but it is only the beginning of what this charming place has to offer. Its old town is another marvel, where narrow, cobbled streets tell stories of bygone times and buildings with coats of arms evoke the importance and prosperity that this town enjoyed in the past. in the Middle Ages.

Laredo has a lot to offer to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in nature.  The Atalaya, a mountain that rises right next to the villa, offers unparalleled panoramic views of the bay, and is the perfect place to contemplate the magnitude of La Salvé . The festivities and traditions of Laredo, such as the famous Batalla de Flores, bring a special color to this town, making it an unmissable destination for those who travel through Cantabria, either by the Camino de Santiago or for the simple pleasure of discovering the most beautiful corners of this region.

Comillas | Wikicommons. Autor: Luis Fermín TURIEL PEREDO

Comillas

• Stage of the Northern Way: Comillas - Colombres
• Inhabitants: 2,156

Comillas is a town that will not leave any of its visitors indifferent. Located on the western coast of the region, this town is famous not only for its scenic beauty, with its beaches bordered by green meadows and its picturesque port, but also for its rich architectural heritage. Lovers of modernism find a true paradise in Comillas, being the Capricho de Gaudí, a villa designed by the famous Catalan architect, one of its most outstanding exponents. . With its bright colors and shapes inspired by nature, this building is a testament to the creative avant-garde of the late 19th century. 

Comillas is also much more than Gaudí. Walking through the streets of the municipality is, in many ways, taking a trip back in time, where each corner, each square, has a story to tell. Without a doubt, Comillas is essential for any traveler who wants to immerse themselves in the purest and most artistic essence of Cantabria. 

Langre | Wikicommons. Autor: SamuPR

Langre

• Stage of the Northern Way: Guemes - Santander
• Inhabitants: 129 

Of all the municipalities mentioned, Langre may be without a doubt the most unknown to many; but as usually happens, we are also talking about one of the most captivating destinations in Cantabria. Langre is a place that will delight any visitor. This will appeal to the pilgrim, and of course to any of its visitors, who are looking for an authentic experience with breathtaking landscapes. 

Located on the coast, this small town stands out, above all, for its impressive cliffs and the idyllic beaches that hide at its feet. The Langre Beach, surrounded by high green cliffs and with its intense blue waters, is a sanctuary for surf lovers and for those who seek a space of tranquility and disconnection. And it is that Langre perfectly transmits the sensation of being in a place almost unchanged in time, making this small town a perfect refuge for those who want to get closer to the purest essence of Cantabria.  ;