Cantabria, with a twist

Look up Comillas in a map and guess. The tiny fishing port? Yes. A lush green grassy scenery? Sure. A rugged coastline with a few secluded beaches? Check. The rural, winding Saint James Way by the sea, towards Picos de Europa? That’s right. A wonderful cuisine? Of course! It couldn’t be any other way. But here comes the twist.

In 1881, mogul Antonio López managed to persuade King Alphonse XII over to his villa for the summer, his whole Cabinet followed, and the tiny, typical fishermen and farmers village became the in-vogue vacationing town for the years to follow.

Influential families, ministers and courtiers rushed to find their own chance the new hotspot for politics, influence and business. Summer hotels and villas were erected by the trendiest architects. Even Gaudí was hired for the finest of them all, El Capricho. Not Madrid, nor Barcelona, but Comillas was the first Spanish town to ever enjoy electric lighting, and the smallest in the world to have its own University.

And so, Comillas would never be the same again.

Comillas still is just a little town in outstanding surroundings, yet it is like no other you will ever find.

How to get there

Fly directly to Seve Ballesteros International (Santander) from several different European airports. Then follow highways A-67 and A-8 and enjoy one of the most beautiful 40 minute drives you’ve ever had. (more)

Touring Comillas

Follow the route of Modernist Architecture, through gardens and villas, visiting the Palacio de Sobrellano, the Universidad Pontificia and Gaudí’s El Capricho. Intermingled with the then-in-vogue summer retreats of the Spanish high society, you will find gorgeous examples of traditional Cantabrian constructions. Stone, steep streets and are the rule, so choose your shoes accordingly. (more)

Go for a walk

The rugged coast, the grassy hills, the woods and marshes nearby Comillas make for beautiful short routes for all ages. You can also choose to walk along the Saint James Way, with the summits of Picos de Europa in plain sight, in one of its most beautiful stages. (more)

Cuisine

Fish or meat? That is the question. Traditional fishing and farming are a characteristic trait, so the best of both worlds will be on offer. Or veggie, maybe? Locally grown, fished or bred, you will hardly find a better place to savour the famed Cantabrian cuisine. (more)