Travelling by motorhome through Cantabria lets you discover endless beaches, charming villages, mountain landscapes and a cuisine that hooks you from the first bite. Here are 7 unmissable plans to make your route unforgettable, with recommended activities and the best areas to rest in total comfort.
Table of contents
The Gateway: Tinamayor Camper Park.
Although technically located in the Ribadedeva council (Asturias), Tinamayor Camper Park is the strategic key to starting your Cantabria route. Situated right on the border between both regions, it is an extremely practical base thanks to its proximity to the main entry roads from the west and its privileged natural setting overlooking the Tina Mayor Estuary.
Strategic location: Northern gateway to the Desfiladero de la Hermida gorge and the Picos de Europa.
- 500m away (7 min on foot): Centre of Unquera (Cantabria), birthplace of the famous Corbatas sweets.
- 1 km away (15 min on foot): Village of Bustio (Asturias).
- 2 km away (30 min on foot): Colombres and its incredible indianos mansions.
- River Deva: Kayaking or canoeing (the slow, stress-free alternative to the Sella).
Comillas by Motorhome
Comillas is a must-stop in Cantabria. This picturesque village combines history, architecture and the sea. Start with a visit to El Capricho de Gaudí, continue to the Sobrellano Palace or the Pontifical University, and finish by wandering through its old town full of noble manor houses.
El Capricho de Gaudí: an absolute must
Designed in 1883, El Capricho is one of the few works by Gaudí outside Catalonia. Its cylindrical tower decorated with ceramic sunflowers and the intricate details on ceilings and windows make it a must for lovers of art and architecture.
Where to stay
The best option near Comillas is Cogiendo Aire, an area with views over the Cantabrian Sea, where you can book and pay directly through TripStop.
Already on your way to the next destination? Don’t miss Las Hazas area in Cóbreces, a quiet village between the sea and the mountains, just 1 km from the beach.
Santillana del Mar: a Journey to the Middle Ages
Santillana del Mar is one of the most famous medieval villages in Spain, with cobblestone streets and manor houses that seem frozen in time. Nearby, the Neocueva de Altamira lets you admire replicas of the world’s most famous cave paintings.
🚐 Santillana has the Área Santillana del Mar — perfect for parking, spending the night and waking up surrounded by history, with the old town just a few steps away.
Neocueva de Altamira
Visiting the Neocueva de Altamira means travelling back more than 15,000 years into the heart of the Palaeolithic. This museum faithfully reproduces the original cave, allowing you to admire the world’s most iconic cave paintings: bison, deer and horses that seem to come alive on the famous polychrome ceiling.
The centre also offers educational activities ideal for families, where you can experience how our ancestors painted with natural pigments, lit fire or carved tools.
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Santoña and Berria Beach
If you’re looking for the perfect balance of sea, nature, adventure and gastronomy, Santoña and Berria Beach are essential stops on your Cantabria motorhome route. This corner of the Cantabrian coast uniquely combines maritime charm with wild landscapes and plans for all tastes.
What you can’t miss
- Climb to the Caballo Lighthouse — The star plan: head into Monte Buciero and descend more than 700 steps to this lighthouse hanging between cliffs, with unique views of the Cantabrian Sea.
- Surf or stroll at Berria — Berria beach is a surfer’s paradise. Rent a board or simply walk its 2 km of fine sand, feeling the wind and the sound of the waves.
- Discover the marshes — Explore the Santoña Marshes Natural Park, ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the ever-changing tidal landscape.
- Taste the anchovies — Visit a canning factory to see how the famous anchovies are made and enjoy a serving with txakolí or vermouth at the harbour.
- Walk the forts and the port — Explore the Fort of San Martín and get lost around the harbour, always full of boats and maritime character.
Where to stay
The best option is El Paraíso de la Berria, an area right next to Berria beach, where you can book and pay directly through TripStop.
Laredo and Castro Urdiales
On the eastern coast of Cantabria, Laredo and Castro Urdiales are two stops that can’t be missed on your motorhome route.
What you can’t miss
- Laredo: tradition by the sea — Laredo stands out for its spectacular Playa de La Salvé, over 4 km of golden sand and calm waters. In the old town, La Puebla Vieja, you’ll find medieval alleyways, manor houses and the imposing Church of Santa María de la Asunción.
- Castro Urdiales: maritime essence — Castro Urdiales captivates with its monumental seafront ensemble: the Gothic Church of Santa María, the Castle-Lighthouse and the Medieval Bridge. Stroll the harbour, try the fresh fish and head to the breakwater for an unforgettable view of the Cantabrian Sea.
Where to stay
The best option in this area is BidaiVan Camper Park, a quiet and well-equipped area between Laredo and Castro Urdiales. Perfect for enjoying the surroundings in comfort, with all necessary services and easy access to both towns.
To do this route without your own vehicle, you can rent a campervan in Cantabria through platforms like Van & Camp, which also include itinerary suggestions.
Cabárceno: a Safari at Your Own Pace on Wheels
Exploring Cabárceno Nature Park with your motorhome is like living a real safari in the heart of Cantabria. This former mining site transformed into a natural sanctuary lets you drive freely and stop at each viewpoint to watch animals roaming in semi-freedom.
What you can’t miss
- Observe a wide variety of animals such as giraffes, elephants, tigers and rhinos in large enclosures that recreate their natural habitat.
- Take the cable car and admire from above the landscape, with lakes and mountains stretching as far as the eye can see.
- Attend the birds of prey and sea lion shows, perfect for rounding off the day with a touch of excitement and learning.
🚐 At the park entrance you’ll find the Parking Cabárceno, a free area ideal for parking your motorhome.
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Santander
Santander, the capital of Cantabria, is an open, elegant city with one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Its urban beaches, clifftop gardens and spaces like the Centro Botín make it an ideal place to combine culture, scenery and relaxation.
Travelling by motorhome through Cantabria gives you total freedom to discover unique places, and Santander is one of those destinations that can’t be left off your route. You can park comfortably in designated areas near the centre or on the outskirts, and get around easily on foot or by public transport to explore everything this seaside city has to offer.
Boat trip around the bay
One of the best ways to get to know Santander is from the water, on a boat trip around its impressive bay. From the Los Reginas jetty, routes depart with unique views of the Palacio de la Magdalena, El Sardinero and the coastal islets. Some excursions even reach Pedreña or Somo, and allow you to bring a bicycle to continue the journey on land.
Potes and the Picos de Europa
Potes, capital of the Liébana valley, is one of those places where time seems to move more slowly. Its cobblestone streets, stone bridges and mountain manor houses create a unique atmosphere, perfect for wandering aimlessly, discovering the Torre del Infantado or sitting on a terrace to savour a hearty cocido lebaniego, some artisan quesucos or a shot of orujo.
🚐 Potes has specific motorhome areas, such as the Área de Autocaravanas Potes, a short walk from the centre, or Vanventure Camperpark, closer to Fuente Dé, ideal for staying overnight and heading to the cable car first thing in the morning.
Where to stay
To make the most of Liébana, El Picón Camping Park is the ideal base. Located in the Liébana region, just a few minutes from Potes and the Fuente Dé cable car. For more information visit their website.
- Electricity included in the rate. Spacious pitches in a quiet natural setting.
- Water service: Full grey and black water disposal and fresh water supply.
- Pets welcome under the area’s regulations.
Fuente Dé Cable Car
But without a doubt, the highlight if you make it this far in your motorhome is riding the Fuente Dé cable car. In just 4 minutes it lifts you to over 1,800 metres above sea level, rewarding you with a breathtaking panorama of the glacial cirque and the imposing peaks that give the national park its name. At the top you’ll find easy walking trails through alpine meadows and natural viewpoints that will make you feel tiny in the face of the grandeur of the landscape.
Flavours of Cantabria
Cantabria is much more than landscapes. Here, the journey also passes through the table.
- From the sea come the Santoña anchovies, the northern tuna and the unmissable rabas with lemon, perfect to enjoy facing the Cantabrian Sea.
- Inland, the star is the cocido lebaniego, hearty and traditional, accompanied by quesucos de Liébana, many of them smoked.
- To finish, nothing beats a sobao pasiego or a quesada, rounded off with a shot of orujo — the liqueur that best sums up the character of this land.
Conclusion
Cantabria is a perfect destination to explore by motorhome: varied, accessible and full of special corners. From Gaudí in Comillas to the summit of Fuente Dé, every stop offers nature, history and flavour. Travel at your own pace, sleep by the sea or deep in the mountains, and organise your getaway easily with TripStop.
Ready for the adventure? Dive into the TripStop motorhome park network and start planning your next escape.