Cantabria is an autonomous community in northern Spain bordering the Cantabrian Sea (Bay of Biscay), celebrated for its rugged Atlantic coastline, prehistoric cave art at Altamira, soaring Picos de Europa peaks, and a cuisine centred on fresh seafood and aged cheeses.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Conservas de anchoa de Santoña (tinned Santoña anchovies)
Price: €8–25 (~$8.65–27) per tin; buy brands Ortiz, Real Conservera, or Pepe Leal at Mercado de la Esperanza
Sobaos pasiegos y quesada pasiega
Price: €4–8 (~$4.33–8.65) per box; available in any bakery, best from the Pas valley producers
Queso Picón Bejes-Tresviso (blue cheese)
Price: €4–7 (~$4.33–7.56) per 100g; sold in Potes market and deli counters in Santander
Orujo de Liébana (mountain herbal spirit)
Price: €12–20 (~$13–22) per 50 cl bottle; find at shops in Potes and Santander off-licences
Cantabrian ceramics
Price: €15–60 (~$16–65); traditional green and terracotta pieces from artisan shops in Santillana del Mar
Miel de Liébana (Liébana valley honey)
Price: €5–12 (~$5.40–13) per jar; sold in Potes and natural food shops in Santander
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mercado de la Esperanza
Seafood, anchovies, cheeses, fresh produce
Hours: Mon–Sat 08:00–14:00
Mercadillo de los Martes (Santander Tuesday Market)
Clothes, homeware, second-hand goods, seasonal produce
Hours: Tuesdays 09:00–14:00
Feria de Artesanía de Cantabria
Handmade crafts, pottery, leather, natural cosmetics, traditional Cantabrian products
Hours: July–August; check cantabriajoven.es for dates