Camping in Cantabria

Spanish Switzerland - that's probably how you could describe the northern Spanish region of Cantabria. With green meadows, rugged mountains and rustic stone houses, the region is the perfect destination for adventurous campers. PiNCAMP presents the best campsites in Cantabria and provides you with all the important information for your next camping holiday on the Spanish Atlantic coast.

Camping in Cantabria: All important information at a glance

Cantabria is the evergreen north of Spain and doesn't look like what you would typically imagine Spain to look like. With its lush green landscapes and mountain ranges, the region is sometimes more reminiscent of Switzerland or Austria. Although there are also beaches on the coast, the green cliffs look almost like Ireland.

In between, there are always small farming villages where time seems to have stood still. Caves, thermal springs and many authentic restaurants. And best of all: the region is still an insider tip and not necessarily the first destination in Spain for many campers.

The simple but beautiful campsites in Cantabria are particularly impressive due to their fantastic location. Far away from the urban centres, they are surrounded by wide plains, perched on cliffs above the sea or located directly on one of the wide, unspoilt sandy beaches. Walks along the beach are tempting before breakfast and campers can marvel at picture-book sunsets in the evening.

For motorhome and campervan drivers, a holiday in Cantabria means above all: plenty of space, freedom and peace and quiet. Families with children, single travellers and couples particularly appreciate these spacious holiday facilities.

The facilities on the campsites are mostly functional but solid. Some campsites offer pools, fitness and sports facilities. Anyone who likes to get in shape on holiday, loves a changeable sea climate and at the same time enjoys jetting along country roads and green hills in a motorhome is in good hands in Cantabria.

The 5 best campsites in Cantabria

Below we present 5 recommended campsites in Cantabria. These sites are characterised by their beautiful location, good service and excellent value for money.

Camping La Viorna

Very well-kept campsite about 1 kilometre outside the village of Potes. The pitches are laid out in terraces and offer a wonderful view of the Picos de Europa limestone massif. In addition to the restaurant, there is also a kiosk, swimming pool, playground and bar on the site.

Camping Playa Regatón

Family-friendly campsite right on the beach in Laredo. The town centre is about 15 minutes' walk away. The extensive facilities on the site include a playground, table tennis courts and a children's entertainment programme. There is also a mini market and a restaurant. WLAN is available throughout the campsite.

Camping El Helguero

This attractive terraced campsite with 240 pitches is located around 4 kilometres from the coastal town of Comillas in a slightly hilly landscape. There are also 26 mobile homes and a restaurant on the site, which caters for guests' culinary needs. The park-like site is mainly visited by Spanish campers.

Camping Cabo Mayor

Well-kept campsite above Santander and directly adjacent to a recreational park. Just a few minutes away is the Cabo Mayor lighthouse, a beautiful excursion destination. The beach and promenade can be reached quickly by car. The pitches for tents are sometimes a little tight.

Camping Las Arenas

Large and beautiful campsite right on the Atlantic Ocean. The pitches are in a great location on terraces on the cliffs, with a short path leading to the beautiful pebble beach. In addition to a swimming pool, the campsite also has a children's playground. There is also a supermarket and a small restaurant.

Is camping with dogs allowed in Cantabria?

You can bring your dog to many campsites in Cantabria. It is best to enquire in advance whether there are any special regulations at the campsite. Spain is generally considered to be a dog-unfriendly country. Large dogs are not welcome, especially in tourist areas, and dogs are also often unwelcome in restaurants.

Please also note the entry regulations for dogs and carry a pet passport that is valid in the EU. The dog must also be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. There is at least one consolation: Cantabria is much cooler in summer, which also makes it more pleasant for your dog than in other regions of Europe.

How to get to Cantabria

20 hours pure travelling time - the 2,170 km from Berlin to Cantabria cannot be covered any faster. It is therefore advisable to plan a few stopovers or an overnight stay, especially as you will pass through charming countries such as Belgium and France on the way. A stopover in Cologne, Paris, Bordeaux or Bilbao is ideal for cultural travellers. Nature lovers among the campers prefer to travel overland.

Please note: high tolls are charged for motorway journeys in France. The speed limit is 130 kilometres per hour on motorways and 90 kilometres per hour on motorways.

You should avoid the greater Paris area outside of rush hour traffic. In the south-west of France, just before the border with Spain, you will pass through the Landes de Gascogne nature park. With its 315,000 hectares, the national park comprises the largest forest massif in Europe: an ideal place to treat yourself to a break in nature at a small campsite. The last section of the route leads between the Atlantic Ocean and the foothills of the Pyrenees in the north of Spain.

The most beautiful destinations in Cantabria

Cantabria offers endless beaches, green hills, rugged mountains and some beautiful seaside resorts such as the capital Santander. However, only one place in this small region in northern Spain is world-famous: the Altamira Cave.

Stone Age cave world

The Altamira Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features Stone Age murals of bison and deer. These hunting scenes have been faithfully reproduced and made accessible to visitors in the museum complex. The famous cave is located just 30 kilometres west of Santander in the immediate vicinity of Santillana del Mar. This town of just under 4,200 inhabitants on the Way of St James is enchanting with its centuries-old facades.

The capital Santander

Santander's fame was initially founded on trade with America. In the 19th century, the city was discovered as a seaside resort thanks to its beautiful beaches. Visitors can still feel the glamour of this period today on the 3 km long promenade with its Belle Époque-style casino. There is also a zoo and the former royal residence Palacio Real.

Spa town with thermal springs and prehistoric art

Just 28 kilometres from the capital is Puente Viesgo with the Stone Age paintings of Monte Castillo and its thermal springs, whose healing properties were already appreciated in the 18th century. The most famous spa centre in northern Spain is surrounded by dense forests. The thermal baths impress both inside and out with numerous wellness oases such as relaxation pools and quiet rooms.

Best time to visit and weather for a camping holiday in Cantabria

Due to its location between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the climate is relatively humid. It can change quickly both on the coast and in the mountains. An all-weather jacket and warm sleeping bags are therefore a must in your caravan or motorhome. The best time to visit Cantabria is in July and August. This is the warmest time and also recommended for beach holidays. The thermometer reaches temperatures of between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and the water temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking. Please note: snow is to be expected above an altitude of 800 metres. It generally rains more in the mountains than on the coast, but there are bubbling streams and green mountain pastures.

You can't miss these 5 sights in Cantabria

• Picos de Europa: This imposing mountain range is one of the most visited national parks in Spain. Even wolves and bears still live here.
• Altamira Cave: World-famous cave with Stone Age rock paintings
• Mogrojevo: Quaint and authentic mountain village that is the starting point for many beautiful hiking tours.
• Sardinero: Popular beach with fine, golden sand and moderate waves in the city of Santander.
• La Magdalena peninsula: An excursion destination with beautiful gardens near Santander. There is a zoo on the island where you can admire seals and penguins.

2 insider tips for clever campers

• Camino Lebaniego: This side route of the famous Way of St James leads from the Cantabrian capital of Santander to the Picos de Europa and is far less crowded.
• Mirador Santa Catalina: Viewpoint with fantastic views of the Desfiladero La Hermida gorge.

Activities and excursions in Cantabria

Cantabria is a true outdoor paradise and just the right region for hikers, mountaineers, mountain bikers and water sports enthusiasts. Here are some tips to make sure you don't get bored on your camping holiday.

Get on the board for a surfing holiday

The coast with its cliffs and wide beaches is perfect for long walks on the beach. The sometimes roaring surf of the Atlantic attracts surfers of all kinds: kitesurfers, wave surfers and windsurfers can let off steam in the Bay of Biscay. Beginners to the wet sport can hire boards from the surf schools. At Playa de Oriñon in the small bay between Laredo and Castro-Urdiales, there is a good beach break with westerly to north-westerly winds.

Cycling tours through the hills of Cantabria

While the coast is fairly flat and offers breathtaking cycle tours over the cliffs, inland Cantabria quickly becomes hilly and mountainous on the horizon. The conditions for mountain bikers are ideal. The Picos de Europa National Park is particularly popular. With 200 mountains over 2,000 metres high, it is located between the coastal towns of Colunga and Santander.

Take to the oars for canoeing and kayaking

Thanks to the humid climate, Cantabria is very green. There are many rivers and streams that are ideal for canoeing, kayaking and canyoning. Tip: Guided kayaking tours can be booked near Ampuero.

Gastronomic highlights for camping gourmets

Even if you prefer to eat from your own camping kitchen, you should definitely try out the local cuisine. The northern Spanish region has some culinary highlights in store, most of which are made from local produce. Hearty stews with beans and bacon are not only popular with winegrowers, farmers and fishermen, but are also served in restaurants and hotels.

The national dish Marmitako is a tasty stew with tuna, potatoes, green peppers, onions and tomatoes. In addition to fish and seafood, the valleys and mountains with their fertile plains and lush meadows characterise the local cuisine. Famous cheeses include Queso de Cantabria, Picón Bejes-Treviso and Quesucos de Liébana. The flavoursome dairy products enrich every menu and are served after the main course and before dessert.

Best time to visit

Due to its location between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the climate is relatively humid. It can change quickly both on the coast and in the mountains. An all-weather jacket and warm sleeping bags are therefore a must in your caravan or motorhome. It rains more in the mountains than on the coast, but there are bubbling streams and green mountain pastures.

July and August are the warmest months and are recommended for beach holidays, when the thermometer reaches temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The water temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking. Snow is to be expected above an altitude of 800 metres.