[In-Depth 7-Day Northern Spain Tour] Cantabria + Asturias | Bay Fishing Villages + Cultural Cities + Spectacular Mountains and Coast

Santoña

Santoña is one of Cantabria’s most representative fishing ports, with a long tradition of fishing and curing anchovies. Here, visitors will tour the distinctive local “Anchovy Art Gallery” (Galería del Arte de la Anchoa), an exhibition venue combining historical displays with interactive experiences. Through audiovisual presentations and artifacts, it tells the story of fishermen’s daily work and the anchovy processing process. From ancient fishing tools to modern production lines, visitors can gain insight into the development of this fishing town and its maritime culture.

Magdalena Peninsula (Peninsula de la Magdalena)

The Magdalena Peninsula lies east of the city of Santander, a coastal headland combining natural beauty with royal history. Once the site of King Alfonso XIII’s summer residence, it is now open to the public and has become a popular leisure park for locals and visitors alike. It features expansive lawns, woodland, rocky shores, and coves, as well as a small zoo, a sailing school, and a beach. Visitors can stroll around the Magdalena Palace, take in views of the Atlantic, and experience the relaxed lifestyle once enjoyed by royalty.

Santillana del Mar

This town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval old quarter and is considered one of “Spain’s most beautiful towns.” Santillana features cobbled streets, stone houses, ancient churches and aristocratic mansions, creating a vivid picture of the past. Free of the bustle of modern buildings, the whole town feels like a peaceful, elegant museum. Visitors can explore important landmarks such as the Monastery of Santa Juliana with a guide and learn about the town’s religious and cultural traditions.

Comillas

Comillas is a small seaside town renowned for its distinctive Modernist architecture. Its most famous attraction is El Capricho, designed by the celebrated architect Antoni Gaudí and one of his few works outside Catalonia. The building combines Oriental decoration, naturalistic elements and distinctive geometric forms, and is regarded as a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture. Alongside Gaudí’s work, Comillas boasts an elegant coastline and distinctive palaces and churches, making it an important stop for discovering the diversity of Spanish architecture.

Altamira Museum Replica (Museo de Altamira – Réplica)

The original Altamira Cave paintings are closed to the public for conservation reasons. The museum features a complete replica of the cave, allowing visitors to see firsthand the artistic expression of people in the Paleolithic era. Dating back more than 14,000 years, these cave paintings mainly depict animals such as bison and deer. Hailed as the “Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art,” they reveal the reverence ancient people had for nature and their highly developed painting skills. With the museum’s exhibits and commentary, visitors can journey back in time to prehistoric Spain in just a short while.

Castro Urdiales - Laredo (Castro Urdiales - Laredo)

These two coastal towns draw visitors with their distinctive architecture and relaxed pace of life. Arnuero features a characteristic Gothic church, an old lighthouse and a harbor district, reflecting the beauty of the meeting point between Mediterranean and Atlantic cultures. Laredo, meanwhile, is a popular beach resort. Its miles of golden sand and tranquil harbor attract locals and visitors alike, making it a great place for a short stop and some free time.

Picos de Europa National Park

As one of Spain’s most important nature reserves, the Picos de Europa are renowned for their towering snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and lush green pastures. Weather permitting, the itinerary includes a cable car ride to the high-altitude Covadonga Lakes (Lagos de Covadonga), where you can admire the breathtaking sight of glacial lakes reflecting the sky and experience the freshness and vastness of the northern mountains. This is also an ideal place for wildlife watching and nature hikes.

Covadonga

One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Asturias, Covadonga is remembered in legend as the place where the Visigothic Kingdom fought its first battle in the “Reconquest of Spain.” The Holy Cave of Our Lady of Covadonga (Santa Cueva) is set into the cliffs and holds profound religious significance. The waterfall and chapel below create a striking blend of nature and heritage, while the nearby Neo-Gothic basilica is a majestic and important pilgrimage site.

Gijón

Located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, Gijón is one of Asturias' largest cities. It preserves Roman-era remains while also showcasing the openness and vitality of a modern coastal city. Stroll through the old streets in the city center, visit the town hall and Roman baths, or soak up the everyday atmosphere of the northern coast between the port and the beach.

Oviedo

The capital of the Principality of Asturias combines medieval religious traditions with modern cultural life. Oviedo Cathedral (Catedral de San Salvador) is an important stop on the pilgrimage route, and the city is also home to a well-preserved ensemble of pre-Romanesque buildings, a university campus and art museums. Its clean streets, peaceful squares and elegant architecture give the city a distinctive cultural character.