Camping in Cantabria

17 campsites in Spain, Cantabria

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Camping Oyambre
Spain, Cantabria, San Vicente de la Barquera

This exceptionally well-managed site is ideally positioned to use as a base to visit the spectacular Picos de Europa or one of the many sandy beaches along this northern coast. Despite its name, it is a kilometre from the beach on foot.

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El Molino de Cabuérniga
Spain, Cantabria, Cabuérniga

Located in a peaceful valley with magnificent views of the mountains beside the Saja River and only a short walk from the picturesque and unspoiled village of Sopeña, this gem of a site is on an open, level, grassy meadow with trees. Wonderful stone buildings and artefacts are a feature of this unique site.

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Camping Playa Joyel
Spain, Cantabria, Noja

This very attractive holiday and touring site is some 40 kilometres from Santander and 80 kilometres from Bilbao. It is a busy, high-quality, comprehensively equipped site with a superb beach providing 800 well-shaded, marked and numbered pitches with 6A electricity available. These include 80 large pitches of 100 sq.m. Tour operators and seasonal units occupy some 250 pitches. This well-managed site has a lot to offer for family holidays, with much going on in the high season when it gets crowded. The swimming pool complex (with a lifeguard) is free to campers, and the superb beaches are cleaned daily from mid-June to mid-September.

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Camping El Helguero
Spain, Cantabria, Ruiloba

This site, in a peaceful location surrounded by tall trees and impressive towering rock formations, caters for 240 units (of which 100 are seasonal) on slightly sloping ground. There are many marked pitches on different levels, all with access to electricity (6A), but with varying amounts of shade. There are also attractive tent and small camper sections set close in to the rocks and 22 site owned chalets. The site gets very crowded in high season, so it is best to arrive early if you have not booked. The reasonably sized swimming pool and children’s pool have access lifts for disabled campers.

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Camping Cabo Mayor
Spain, Cantabria, Santander

This 2.5ha camping was created in 1981 by the Quintanilla family overseen for the past 25 years by Jaime. A pleasant location and at 8km from the port ideal for those utilizing the Santander ferry as an initial stop on arrival in Spain or a rest point pre departure. It is important to note this site only accepts cash.

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Camping Los Molinos de Cantabria
Spain, Cantabria, Bareyo

Camping Los Molinos at Bareyo is an ideal site for families who wish to enjoy a tranquil setting with excellent views after or before the trials of a sea crossing, or for touring the local area. There is a large Spanish contingent on site and therefore, although the situation is peaceful, expect the normal Spanish exuberance at weekends and on their special days. The site is divided into two main areas, the lower established area with a large number of permanent units on a gentle slope. The newer, upper areas are terraced and planted with young trees which will eventually offer some shade. There are 500 average sized touring pitches here with some shade, and electricity connections.

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Camping Virgen del Mar
Spain, Cantabria, Santander

Just a stone's throw from the pristine beaches of Cantabria, Spain, Camping Virgen del Mar offers a tranquil retreat for families seeking a seaside adventure. The site has 240 grass pitches, 200 of which are for touring units and have a 10-amp hook-up point. There are also 40 lodges or cabins available to hire. This well-maintained campsite boasts a serene atmosphere, with carefully tended gardens and lawns providing a peaceful ambience.

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Camping Playa de Isla
Spain, Cantabria, Isla

This well maintained site is set on a headland, overlooking the sea on one side and the village of Quejo on the other. The 200 well defined small pitches (100 for touring), with little shade, are on two levels. All have 6A electricity and some have sea views. Large units may experience difficulty accessing some pitches. There is direct access via a short flight of steps to the superb beach with its golden sand and rocky pools. The site has an illuminated 500 m. footpath to the village where there are restaurants, shops and bars. Since its opening in 1979 this site has undergone continuous improvement and the owners are justifiably proud of the results.

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Camping Playa Arenillas
Spain, Cantabria, Islares

Camping Playa Arenillas is a coastal gem in the Cantabria region of Spain, just a short 30-minute drive from the vibrant city of Bilbao. A unique feature of this campsite is its tide-dependent beach: at low tide, a sandy expanse emerges at the foot of a towering mountain, while a traditional sandy beach lies approximately one kilometre away. When the tide rises, the area transforms into a surfer's paradise, with board rentals available on-site.

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Camping la Viorna
Spain, Cantabria, Potes

The wonderful views of the valley below from the open terraces, with its spectacular backdrop of mountains, make this smart and sophisticated site an attractive base from which to tour this region or to relax by the excellent swimming pool. It is very popular with both families and couples. There are beds of flowers everywhere and the trees provide shade on many pitches. Access is good for all sizes of unit to the 110 pitches of around 70 sq.m, all of which have electricity (6A). In high season, however, tents may be placed on less accessible, steeply sloping areas. The cosy bar/restaurant (fixed menu and snacks) has a terrace overlooking the pools.

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Camping la Isla Picos de Europa
Spain, Cantabria, Potes

La Isla is beside the road from Potes to Fuente Dé, with many mature trees giving good shade and glimpses of the mountains above. Established for over 25 years, a warm welcome awaits you from the owners (who speak good English) and a most relaxed and peaceful atmosphere exists here. All the campers we spoke to were delighted with the family feeling of the site. The 106 unmarked pitches are arranged around an oval gravel track under a variety of fruit and ornamental trees. Electricity (6A) is available to all pitches, although some need long leads. A brilliant small bar and restaurant are located under dense trees where you can enjoy the relaxing sound of the river which runs through the site.

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Camping Los Molinos (Noja)
Spain, Cantabria, Noja

Camping Los Molinos is a large site with 1000 pitches close to the village of Noja, a seaside resort that gets very busy in high season. It is on the coast of Cantabria, a ten minute walk from the Playa del Ris beach which has fine sand and clear water. The site is divided into two main areas either side of a central fenced-off roadway. Both areas have a large number of permanent units, some of which look a little run down. There are 100 (60 sq.m) touring pitches for caravans and motorhomes on level ground at the far end of the site, but with little shade; 50 have 5A electricity. A separate large area without electricity is used for tents. All touring pitches are at the end of the site furthest from the entrance, amenities and the sea!

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Camping Ramales
Spain, Cantabria, Ramales de la Victoria

Located in a rural setting on the outskirts of the small Spanish town of Ramales de la Victoria, this small site provides an opportunity to sample traditional Spanish life. Access to the town is via an easy 1 km. walk. There are 70 small pitches with 50 for touring, all with 3/6A electricity. Some pitches have shade, whilst others enjoy views of the nearby Sierra del Hornijo mountains. Facilities are minimal but the site is well maintained and you are sure of a comfortable stay. Advance booking in high season is recommended. Be sure to sample the on-site Periguena restaurant which serves a variety of cuisine, popular with the locals.

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Camping Cantabria
Spain, Cantabria, Polientes

Camping Cantabria is a flat, easily accessible campsite in the Valderredible valley, close to the Ebro river. With an attractive, recently renovated pool and an entertainment program available in July and August, there is something to keep the whole family entertained.

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Camping Playa del Regaton
Spain, Cantabria, Laredo

Situated a short distance from the bustling seaside town of Laredo and easily accessible from Santander and Bilbao, Camping Playa del Regaton is an ideal stopover for those en route to the ferries. The site has direct access to the beach and the estuary of the Ria del Ason and is an important marsh area for migrating birds.

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Camping Las Arenas-Pechón
Spain, Cantabria, Pechón

This spacious and attractive coastal site is in a very quiet and spectacular location bordering the sea and the Tina Mayor estuary. Most pitches have stunning sea and mountain views and there is access down to two small, sandy beaches. Otherwise, enjoy the pleasant kidney-shaped pool that also shares the fine views. With a capacity for 350 units, the site has many large, grassy pitches in bays or on terraces, all with 5A electricity available and connected by asphalted roads. There are some quite steep slopes to tackle – reception is at the top, as are the bar and restaurant; the latter has a terrace with fantastic views of the estuary and of the mountains beyond.

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Camping Santillana
Spain, Cantabria, Santillana del Mar

This is an attractive site on a hill above the charming medieval village of Santillana del Mar and five to ten kilometres from some of Costa Verde’s good beaches. Its situation is useful for Santander, but you are much better off if you have your own facilities. There are 200 pitches, all with access to electricity (5A) but no water taps for pitches, some primarily for tents, informally arranged on a slope, with others for caravans and motorhomes on the lower part of the site. Where the pitches are numbered but unmarked some overcrowding may occur in high season, and those alongside the road will experience some noise as this is a busy route. There are 18 chalets and mobile homes for hire.

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Cantabria

On the north coast of Spain you’ll find the Cantabria region, loved by tourists because of its stunning beaches and access to nearby national parks. Spain is a brilliant country to visit throughout the year, thanks to its glorious temperatures and cultural diversity. If the region of Cantabria takes your fancy, why not look through the Alan Rogers’ inspected and selected campsites today and book the perfect escape.

Not only does Cantabria offer an incredible coastline for campers to enjoy. The area is particularly famous for its mountainous landscape, popular with hikers and skiers. The capital, Santander, is an elegant city which extends over a wide bay with views of the Cantabrian Sea. Its historic quarter is situated against a backdrop of sea and mountains, although the town is best known for its beaches; the Playa de la Magdalena, which has a summer windsurfing school, and the popular El Sardinero beach. There is also a Maritime Museum and Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology, plus a small zoo housed in the gardens of the old royal palace.

A short distance from the city is the pretty medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the prehistoric caves of Altamira. The adjacent Altamira Museum houses a replica of these caves and their impressive prehistoric drawings.
Also on the outskirts of the capital is the Cabárceno Nature Park, with more protected areas scattered around the region, including those at Oyambre, Peña Cabarga and Saja-Besaya. The largest is the mountain range of Picos de Europa, a national park which shares its territory with Asturias and Castilla-León. With river gorges, valleys, woodlands and an abundance of wildlife, it is popular with walkers, trekkers and climbers.

Plus, there are some brilliant activities in the area to take advantage of. If you’re searching for a Spanish resort close to golf courses, fishing, sailing or even adrenaline-fueled sports, you’ll find exactly what you need in Cantabria. You’ll also be able to choose a campsite that’s child friendly, or even adult only – giving you the chance to enjoy some much-deserved peace and quiet.

What’s more, whether you’re caravanning or staying in onsite accommodation, you’ll find the ideal pitch in Cantabria. You’ll be able to drive down from the UK through France or even fly to the nearest airport in Santander. Either way, you can choose the perfect vacation, no matter the time of year you’re travelling.

There truly is much on offer in the amazing region of Cantabria, so why not take a look at the campsites Alan Rogers recommends and book today? You can find out more information on each campsite and ensure it’s the right destination for you and your family.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Places of interest

Castro Urdiales: Beaches, Gothic church, Roman bridge, old quarter.

Comillas: Rural town, beaches, Gaudí-designed villa.

Laredo: Lively seaside resort, 13th-century church, 5 km. long sandy beach.

Lienganes: 17th- and 18th-century architecture, spa.

Potes: On the east side of Picos de Europa, mountain bike hire, paragliding available.

San Vicente de la Barquera: Picturesque fishing port.

CUISINE OF THE REGION

Cuisine of the region

Seafood is used a lot, including fresh shellfish, sardines, rabas (fried squid), bocartes rebozados (breaded whitebait). Cheese is produced throughout the region; queso de nata (cream cheese), picón from Treviso Bejes, and smoked cheeses from Áliva and Pido. A typical dish of the region is the Cantabrian stew, which contains haricot beans, cabbage, rice and sausage. Desserts include the traditional cheesecakes of the Pas Valley and pastries. The local tipple is orujo, a strong liquor.

Maganos encebollados: Squid with onion.

Quesada: Cheesecake.

Sobaos pasiegos: Sponge cakes.

Sorropotún: Type of fish stew.