Best Camps in Cantabria: 3 Natuaventura Options for Summer

mejores campamentos en cantabria

Cantabria is probably the region with the greatest summer camp tradition in Spain. Sea and mountains within less than an hour, small villages, home-cooked food and a pleasant climate in July. Natuaventura offers three camps in Cantabria, each with its own character: the classic multi-adventure camp at Villar, the fortnight surf camp in Santander, and the ten-day surf format for teenagers.

Three camps in Cantabria, three different experiences

Villar Multi-Adventure

Albergue Las Indianas in the village of Villar (inland Cantabria, Campoo area). Classic multi-adventure with a full day of surfing at Somo and beach Olympics alongside the Santander camp. The Villar spirit: around 80% of the group are returning participants.

View Villar

Santander Surf Quincena

Albergue Montecorona, Monte neighbourhood (Santander). Ages 7–17. 5-day surf course with an official surf school, plus multi-adventure, ropes garden, visits to Santillana del Mar and Santoña, and beach Olympics. Two fortnights in July (€938 / €898).

View Santander Quincena

Santander Surf 10 Days

Same Albergue Montecorona, ten-day format for ages 13–17. 4-day surf course plus multi-adventure, Spartan Race, and a visit to Santillana del Mar. Three sessions in July (€698 / €678 / €678).

View Surf 10 Days

Quick comparison

Camp Ages Sessions Price Focus
Villar Multi-Adventure All ages July On request Inland multi-adventure + surf day + beach Olympics
Santander Surf Quincena 7–17 1–14 Jul, 16–29 Jul €938 / €898 5-day surf + multi-adventure + cultural visits
Santander Surf 10 Days 13–17 1–10, 11–20, 21–30 Jul €698 / €678 / €678 4-day surf + teenage multi-adventure

Why Cantabria

  • Sea and mountains close together: in less than an hour you move from an inland village to an Atlantic beach.
  • Pleasant climate: July in Cantabria avoids the extreme heat of central and southern Spain.
  • Camp tradition: Cantabria has been a favourite camp destination in Spain for decades, with well-established facilities.
  • Connection between our camps: Villar and Santander Surf Quincena share a day of beach Olympics at Somo, creating a meeting point between the two groups.

What all three have in common

  • Ratio of 1 activity leader per 8 participants, groups of 40–50 children divided by age.
  • Four meals a day with an on-site kitchen and menus adapted for allergies.
  • Mobiles collected on arrival; calls home every 3–4 days.
  • Daily photo diary on social media and SMS confirmation of arrival.
  • Recommended pocket money: €20–30.
  • Coach transport from Madrid (Civitas Metropolitano at 09:00) and Las Rozas (Navalcarbón at 10:00). For the Santander camps, the coach also stops in Burgos (Parque Fuentes Blancas, 14:00).

How to choose

If you want a classic multi-adventure camp

Villar is the option. A Cantabrian village, a well-established hostel, a large group with many returning participants, and a full day of surfing at Somo plus beach Olympics. For those who want «the traditional camp experience».

If surfing is the priority

Santander Surf Quincena (5-day course) or Santander Surf 10 Days for teenagers (4-day course). Both at Albergue Montecorona, with La Maruca beach just 10 minutes away.

If you want an introductory surf experience

There is also a 4-day surf element included within the teenage ten-day format: a serious but not exclusive introduction, with days for other multi-adventure activities between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need to know how to surf to join the Santander camp?

No. Classes are run with an official surf school and start from scratch: theory on the sand, first waves with an instructor alongside. The board and wetsuit are provided by the organisation.

Villar is inland. Do they ever go to the sea?

Yes. Villar includes a full day of surfing at Somo and a full day of beach Olympics at Somo alongside the Santander Quincena camp. It is one of the most memorable moments of the camp.

Which is most suitable for a 14-year-old?

Any of the three would work, but the Santander Surf 10 Days format is designed specifically for ages 13–17. It is the natural choice if the teenager prefers a group of the same age range and a shorter camp.

How long are they exactly?

Villar and Santander Surf Quincena are 13–14 days. Santander Surf 10 Days lasts 10 days. The fortnight formats allow the group dynamic to settle more deeply; the ten-day format is a better option for a first camp or for combining with other summer plans.

Is there a coach from Madrid?

Yes, for all three. Departure from Madrid (Civitas Metropolitano) and Las Rozas (Navalcarbón). The Santander camps also include a stop in Burgos (Parque Fuentes Blancas) on the outward and return journey.

Choose your camp in Cantabria

Three formats, three age ranges, three experiences. Sea, mountains or both.

Villar
Santander Quincena
Santander 10 Days

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