West Coast. Cantabrian Icons

From Suances to San Vicente de la Barquera | Approx. distance: 36 km

Setting off from La Casona de los Güelitos towards Santillana del Mar, take the CA-136 to reach Suances, where this coastal route begins. From here, you’ll discover iconic villages such as Ubiarco, Santillana del Mar, Cóbreces, Comillas, Oyambre, and San Vicente de la Barquera.

This stretch of coastline perfectly reflects Cantabria’s unique blend of countryside and sea, with green pastures and rolling hills interspersed with coves, beaches, and fishing ports. While a motorway connects these destinations quickly, the well-maintained secondary roads bring you closer to stunning cliffs and hidden corners.

The journey begins in the seaside town of Suances, known for its beautiful beaches. Passing through Tagle, you’ll arrive at Ubiarco, home to the picturesque Santa Justa Beach, where a small hermitage is built into the cliffs. On the way to Santillana del Mar, a scenic road climbs through meadows to a viewpoint with breathtaking coastal views.

The medieval town of Santillana del Mar, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, is one of Cantabria’s cultural highlights. Don’t miss its cobbled streets, the Plaza de las Arenas with the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, the Merino Tower and Don Borja Tower, and the convents of Regina Coeli and San Ildefonso. Nearby, you can also visit the Altamira National Museum.

Continuing to Cóbreces, a charming coastal village, you’ll find the lovely Luaña Beach, traditional mountain houses, and notable religious buildings such as the Cistercian Abbey of Santa María de Viaceli, built in 1908.

Next is Comillas, another Historic-Artistic Site and former royal summer destination. Its architectural gems include the Sobrellano Palace, the Pontifical University, and Gaudí’s El Capricho. Its small harbor, lined with traditional taverns, still preserves its fishing heritage.

To reach the final destination, you’ll cross the Oyambre Natural Park, one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Cantabria. Covering over 5,000 hectares across San Vicente de la Barquera, Valdáliga, and Comillas, it features diverse ecosystems including estuaries like the San Vicente Estuary and La Rabia Estuary, as well as beaches, dunes, cliffs, and rural landscapes.

Finally, you’ll arrive at San Vicente de la Barquera, a traditional fishing town with stunning beaches such as El Merón, as well as smaller coves like Gerra, Santillán, and El Sable. Its historic upper town (Puebla Alta), also a Historic-Artistic Site, is home to landmarks like the 14th-century castle and the Church of Santa María de los Ángeles, a fine example of Gothic architecture.

A coastal route full of history, landscapes, and authentic Cantabrian charm.