If you’re looking to escape the heat in Spain, go north like the locals do. There are many charming villages and stunning landscapes to see along the way. With the warm summer days and cool breezy nights, it’s the perfect location for a summer escape.
There are many ways to see the northern coast. The Transcantabrico Train, for example, is a luxurious sleeper train that allows you to see many of the iconic cities and towns in comfort and style between Santiago de Compostela and Santander. Here are our favorites from east to west:
Santander is an elegant city that perfectly combines mountainous landscapes and sandy beaches with stately homes and avant-garde buildings. And within a half hour we find one of Spain’s most charming medieval villages, Santillana del Mar, for an idyllic visit near the Altamira Museum and other pre-historic caves nearby too.
The small seaside town of Comillas boasts El Capricho, a summer villa designed by Antoni Gaudí, as well as other intricate buildings like the Neo-Gothic Sobrellano Palace and the Casa del Duque de Almodóvar. It’s no wonder the town is a designated historic-artistic site.
San Vicente de la Barquera is a fishing village with beaches and a mountainous backdrop. It may be small but it’s brimming with historical monuments such as a 13th century church, medieval castle, and ancient stone walls.
Continue along the coast to the picturesque town of Lastres and admire the hilltop homes and turquoise waters from the lookout point. Make sure to visit the nearby beach of La Griega to see the fossils of dinosaur footprints from the Jurassic era! For those wanting to learn more about this unique history, the Jurassic Museum is located just 5 minutes away.
Designated as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, Cudillero is a must-see village. This horseshoe-shaped town contains colorful homes built along the mountainside surrounding the small harbor. Enjoy the fresh seafood at one of the taverns or sip on some local cider in the plaza while enjoying the laid-back ambience.
Finally, check out the nearby Playa de las Catedrales, the perfect place to truly appreciate the unique landscape of northern Spain. This landmark beach features an array of unique rock arches and caves which can only be seen at low tide.