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.
Cantabria is served by Santander Airport (SDR) with domestic and European connections, Renfe Alvia trains from Madrid, and ALSA long-distance buses. Within the region, a hire car is essential for reaching the Picos de Europa, rural valleys, and most beaches. Santander city has a good local bus network. FEVE narrow-gauge trains link the coastal towns.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Fuente Dé cable car has no bus service — hire car or taxi (€80 ~$86 one-way from Santander) is required
Cueva del Soplao is also only reachable by car; consider combining with a visit to San Vicente de la Barquera on the same day
Brittany Ferries sails Plymouth–Santander twice weekly in summer; an excellent option if travelling from the UK with a car
Book hire cars in advance for July–August; fleet runs short at the airport during peak season