Top Cantabria Cultural Tours

Discover a history older than the United States—by tens of thousands of years. On this private tour, your local guide brings you to the Altamira Museum, home to a breathtaking replica of the UNESCO‑listed cave. Gaze upon ancient bison and deer painted over 20,000 years ago, and learn the secrets of Ice Age artists. Then step into Santillana del Mar, a medieval Old Town where Romanesque churches and noble palaces line cobblestone lanes. Every stone speaks of architectural mastery and deep cultural heritage. From prehistoric hunters to medieval pilgrims, this journey reveals the layers of human civilization. Inspiring, respectful, and immersive—experience the timeless legacy of northern Spain.

This visit begins next to the monument to Juan de la Cosa and will take us to know the Santoña sailor and fishing. We will begin with the exploits of Juan de la Cosa and his role in the discovery of the Americas with Christopher Columbus. Then we will approach the monument to the Carnival where we will know the Northern Carnival and the unique history of the "Judgment at the bottom of the Sea" The promenade, "the passage" will also be part of our tour in which we will talk about Santoña as a strong square, in addition to knowing places linked to the Santoña seafaring tradition such as the "Aguada", the "Drying", the "Tintero", the "Machina". The marina and the promenade of the Italian salt shakers will allow us to know the origin of the famous anchovy steak. One of our last stages is the fishing port, and the auction room, where we know the mechanism of the sale of the fish. Finally we will try an anchovy of New Libe Canned, winners of the best anchovy 2025.

Laredo’s compact old quarter still resembles the medieval Castilian port that protected merchants and sailors from pirates raiding the northern coast. On this walking tour, you’ll follow streets that once connected the walled centre with the working port below, and discover how this strategic harbor town evolved from a fortified enclosure into a seaside destination. This circular tour starts and ends at Pisuco Salvé guesthouse on Calle Ruamayor, the medieval main street where carts were loaded with wool, iron, and wine bound for Flanders. You’ll pass through sections of the outer wall, now integrated into modern buildings, and descend through the Puerta de San Lorenzo, where the walled town gave way to expansion and growth.

On this visit your guide will be the French emperor himself who will guide you through the fortifications of what was the impregnable square of the French troops in the War of Independence. Such was its strategic importance that it came to be called "The French Gibraltar" or the "Gibraltar of the North". Dare to have a fun and different time while learning about the history and culture of the place.

Enjoy the wonderful places that Santillana del Mar offers, with a guide just for you and your family or friends. Here you will see an itinerary of the walking tour, which can be modified at your convenience. We will start at Plaza Mayor, one of the most interesting places in Santillana where some of the most emblematic buildings are located, such as the City Hall, the Torre del Merino, the Parador Gil Blas and the Torre de Don Borja. We will continue with the visit of the town and its most unique streets, passing places like the house of the Marquis of Santillana, Los Hombrones, etc. and ending with the exterior and interior visit of the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, where we will not only visit the church itself, a real jewel of the Romanesque, but also its Romanesque cloister, undoubtedly one of the best in Cantabria.

Enjoy the most with your family and friends in one of the most beautiful towns in Cantabria, exclusively, with an official tourist and heritage guide at your disposal. The fame of Comillas is fully deserved: it is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain and this is due not only to its old town, which we will visit, including the exterior of the Church of San Cristobal, its two town halls and the palaces of the nineteenth century built, by some of the best Catalan modernist artists, who gathered here and whose works will be thriving throughout the visit. We will approach the Palacio de Sobrellano by Joan Martorell, see the Pontifical University on the hill and end up getting to know the famous Caprice of Antonio Gaudí and its interiors.

A unique visit! Discover this magnificent 19th century mansion, unique in Comillas, as it is one of the few that remain in the hands of the original family and, in addition, it is inhabited, as its owners spend their summer vacations there. The construction is inspired by English rustic architecture, in stone, brick and wood. During the guided tour we will know the rooms of the main floor: the hall, the living room, the dining room, among others and a fantastic staircase of modernist style. After the visit you can combine it with a tour of the main squares and streets of Comillas, the largest exponent of Modernist art in Cantabria. In addition, you can include the famous Capricho de Gaudí, a modernist building designed by the celebrated architect, at the request of the Indian Maximo Díaz de Quijano, noted for its ceramic decoration, its striking minaret and the prominence of vegetation and music.

Make the most of your visit to El Capricho de Gaudí with a carefully designed experience that goes beyond a standard ticket. Unlike a self-guided visit, this tour is led by expert guides who bring the vision of Antoni Gaudí to life through engaging stories, architectural insights, and historical context—helping you truly understand one of his earliest and most imaginative works. Located in a quieter setting than Gaudí’s more famous sites, this experience offers a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, allowing you to fully appreciate the details, colors, and natural inspiration behind the design—without the overwhelming crowds. Ideal for architecture lovers, culture seekers, and curious travelers alike, this tour offers a richer, more meaningful way to discover one of the few Gaudí masterpieces outside Catalonia.

Enjoy the wonderful places that Ligueganes offers with a guide just for you and your family or friends. Here you will see a possible itinerary of the walking tour, which can be modified at your convenience. Discover the history, customs and traditions of the town of Pasiega, walking along the Miera River and crossing the Roman Bridge, where we will discover the famous statue of Man-Fish. Legend has it that, after throwing himself into the river, he disappeared in the Cantabrian and appeared years later in the Bay of Cadiz. The visit will also take us through the squares and streets of the town, discovering its beautiful regionalist architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries. Some of these buildings were built thanks to the economic boom of the first gun factory with blast furnaces in Spain. We will admire the noble houses while learning the meaning of their shields. After an hour and a half, we will finish the tour of Liérganes on the Paseo del Hombre-Pez.

Discover the history and medieval charm of Castro Urdiales exclusively with this private tour. You will have a guide just for you and your family, partner or friends. Castro Urdiales has an important medieval past, which we will meet on this visit while walking. Castro Urdiales’ Castle-Lighthouse, the Town Hall Square, the Santa Ana Hermitage and, of course, the Church of Santa Maria de la Asunción, an example of Gothic architecture. Castro Urdiales is full of amazing places! In addition, since it is a private tour you will be the ones who will decide which of these places you want to visit. Surely this small fishing village surprises you!

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide through one of Spain’s most celebrated Historic Old Town gems — a living UNESCO Heritage treasure with roots far older than the United States itself. Step into the medieval soul of Santillana del Mar, where each cobblestone carries centuries of civilization. Admire the Renaissance architectural grandeur of the House of Archduchess Margaret of Austria, and the classical civic elegance of the Ayuntamiento. The noble Casa del Marqués and Palacio de Los Velarde whisper stories of heritage and aristocratic legacy, while the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana stands as one of Spain’s most sacred archaeological and architectural jewels. Wander the ancient Historic center — a cobblestoned tapestry of cultural depth and timeless stories that no photograph can fully capture. Please note: The availability of attractions may vary based on time of day and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

This private customizable tour lets you explore Santillana del Mar at your own pace. You choose the attractions that match your interests while a private guide brings local history to life. Begin near the Collegiate Church where Romanesque art and medieval stories await. Continue through noble squares and historic residences that reveal centuries of aristocratic influence. Wander along famous stone streets and discover towers linked to royal authority. Select religious landmarks or preserved mansions to complete your experience. Entrance fees to selected attractions are included in the tour price which adds convenience and value. Your guide adapts the route to your preferences while sharing fascinating local legends and historical insights. This flexible experience is ideal for travelers seeking culture and personal attention. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.