Cantabria is one of the most popular destinations for summer camps: it combines inland mountains, the Cantabrian coast and surf culture within very short distances. Natuaventura offers three different formats in the region — Villar Multi-Adventure, Santander Surf Fortnight and a four-day Surf Camp — and each suits a different type of child and family. This guide compares all three to help you decide.
Three Camps, Three Ways to Experience Cantabria
A fifteen-day camp based in a rural Cantabrian hostel with two beach days is a very different experience from a full fortnight focused on surfing with a coastal base, or an intensive four-day course designed as a first taste of the surfboard. The choice depends on age, the child’s personality, previous experience and what the family is looking for that summer.
Comparing the Cantabria Camps
| Camp | Duration | Location | Main Focus | Inland / Coast Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villar Multi-Adventure | 15 days (fortnight) | Villar de Campoo (inland, 12 km from Reinosa) | Mountain multi-adventure with two coastal days | Mostly mountain + 2 beach days (surf & beach olympics) |
| Santander Surf Fortnight | 15 days (fortnight) | Santander coast | Surfing and coastal life with complementary multi-adventure | Mostly coast + complementary activities |
| Surf Camp | 4 days (intensive course) | Somo and Sardinero beaches | Surf introduction or improvement | 100% coast |
The four-day Surf Camp includes equipment (board and wetsuit provided by the organisation) and takes place on Somo and Sardinero beaches, two of the region’s leading surf beaches.
Practical information for Villar Multi-Adventure (summer 2026): 1st Fortnight (1–14 July) 886 € · 2nd Fortnight (16–29 July) 856 €. Full board with four meals a day. Departure points from Madrid, Las Rozas and Burgos. Health centre 3 km away and hospital 11 km away. For exact prices and dates of Santander Surf Fortnight and the Surf Camp, consult the official page for each.
Which to Choose by Profile
First-Time Families
If your child has never been to camp before, Villar is a well-balanced option: a stable base in a rural hostel, a welcoming village atmosphere and a mix of mountain and sea. The high proportion of returning campers in the group makes it easier for newcomers to settle in.
The Adventurous Child
If they want mountains, climbing, archery, trails, treasure hunts and outdoor games, Villar Multi-Adventure is the natural choice: the bulk of the programme is adventure activities, with the beach as a complement.
The Sports-Focused Surf Enthusiast
If the main motivation is surfing and they want to make real progress, the right format is Santander Surf Fortnight (fifteen days with a coastal focus) or the four-day Surf Camp for a shorter, more specific course.
The Experienced Teenager
For older campers who have already been to camp, Santander Surf Fortnight is often a natural transition towards a more sport-oriented camp, while keeping the fortnight format they are used to.
When Each Format Fits
Villar Multi-Adventure fits when you are looking for the classic long-running summer camp experience, with a family atmosphere, a varied programme and a rural Cantabrian setting as the base.
Santander Surf Fortnight fits when surfing and coastal life are the main driver of the summer, while keeping the fifteen-day format.
The 4-Day Surf Camp fits when you want to try surfing in a short format: as a first experience, as a complement to another camp or as an intensive course before committing to something longer the following summer.
Possible combinations: in some editions, the shorter formats can be combined with other camps in the catalogue. To combine dates and formats, it is best to contact the organisation directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camps in Cantabria
What is the main difference between Villar and Santander Surf?
Villar is an inland camp based in a rural hostel 12 km from Reinosa: the bulk of the programme is mountain multi-adventure activities and two beach days in Somo are included. Santander Surf Fortnight has a coastal base and surfing is the focus of the programme throughout the stay.
How long is each format?
Villar Multi-Adventure and Santander Surf Fortnight are 15-day camps. The Surf Camp is an intensive course of 4 days on Somo and Sardinero beaches.
What ages does each format accept?
Exact ages and age-band groups for each camp are detailed on the official page for each one. In general, the Natuaventura residential camp catalogue covers from young children through to teenagers, with indicative age divisions that are adjusted to the actual group in each turn.
Is there an organised transfer from Madrid?
Natuaventura offers a transfer service for catalogue camps, with departure points and times confirmed each season. For specific details of the journey to Cantabria, the most reliable option is to ask the organisation directly at the time of enrolment.
On what dates do they take place?
Villar Multi-Adventure runs in July in two turns. Santander Surf Fortnight and the 4-Day Surf Camp have their own dates within the summer season. The exact dates for each edition are published on the official page for each camp.
Discover the Villar Multi-Adventure Camp
If the multi-adventure profile with a Cantabrian village base and two coastal days appeals to you, this is the camp you are looking for.
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