Villar de Campoo is a small Cantabrian village in the heart of the Campoo valley, 12 km from Reinosa, set above the River Híjar and on the first slopes of Pico Liguardi. It belongs to the municipality of Hermandad de Campoo de Suso and, throughout July, it serves as the home of Natuaventura’s Multi-Adventure Camp. This guide covers what the place holds for parents and guardians curious to know where their children will be spending a fortnight.
Exactly Where It Is
Villar is a small village in inland Cantabria. Its location is quite self-explanatory: situated on the first slopes of Pico Liguardi, above the course of the River Híjar, 12 kilometres from the town of Reinosa — the local centre. It belongs administratively to the municipality of Hermandad de Campoo de Suso, made up of several villages spread across the upper Ebro valley.
This position — inland mountain, headwater rivers, proximity to Reinosa — defines everything else: the climate, the landscape, the places that can be visited and the general sense of Campoo tranquillity that fills its streets.
Nearby Places to Discover
Villar works as the perfect base for discovering several points of interest in the Campoo valley and inland Cantabria. These are the verified sites surrounding the village that, in many cases, are visited as part of the camp’s multi-adventure routes:
Las Cervalizas
Natural pools formed by the river as it descends — one of the favourite swimming spots in the area and a regular stop on the summer hiking routes.
Source of the Ebro
The longest river on the Spanish Mediterranean side begins very close to Villar. Visiting it is a way of understanding how all the water in the area eventually spreads across the Peninsula.
Argüeso Castle
A medieval fortress rising above a rocky outcrop a few kilometres away. A visual landmark in the valley and a regular stop on cultural excursions.
River Híjar
The river runs through the village itself and shapes much of the surrounding landscape: pools, waterfalls and trails that follow it upstream.
Alto Campoo
The local ski resort, set in the nearby peaks. In summer its slopes are walking and viewpoint territory; in winter, a skiing destination — and the reason the local hostel stays busy all year round.
Reinosa
12 km away, capital of the Campoo district. The closest urban reference and the valley’s services hub, with its historic town centre and traditional market.
The Natural Landscape
Villar’s surroundings are quintessentially Campurriano: grazing meadows stretching between villages, oak and beech forests covering the hillsides, rivers with natural pools and waterfalls tumbling down from the peaks. It is a green, fresh landscape in July mornings, with vegetation very different from what one typically associates with summer in inland Spain.
That natural environment is what makes the area ideal for multi-adventure activity: trails for every level, rivers for swimming, open spaces for games and team activities, and the calm of a village where neither traffic nor city noise competes with the sound of children’s voices.
Mountains and Coast: the Combination That Makes Villar Unique
One of the particularities of Villar as a destination is that, despite not being on the coast, it is within reasonable travelling distance of it. 80 kilometres separate the village from Somo beach — less than an hour by coach across the mountains to the Bay of Biscay. This allows a single destination to combine the inland mountain experience — hiking, climbing, rivers, forests — with coastal days of surfing and beach Olympics during the camp.
For a family looking at the map, this detail explains a great deal: Villar is the Cantabrian village that offers «both worlds» without making the journey feel like an ordeal.
Why It Is Ideal for a Summer Camp
Genuine tranquillity: the village is small, traffic is minimal and open spaces are right at hand. A safe environment for groups of children and young people.
Varied nature: forests, rivers, meadows and mountains within a few kilometres allow for a different activity every day without repeating scenery.
Inland-coast balance: 80 km to Somo gives access to the Bay of Biscay for coastal days without the camp losing its mountain identity.
A welcoming village: the streets lined with traditional Campurriano houses, the village court and the squares lend themselves to games, treasure hunts and evening events. The village itself becomes the stage.
Proximity to Reinosa: having the district capital 12 km away ensures swift access to health, retail and transport services when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Villar de Campoo
Where exactly is Villar de Campoo?
In inland Cantabria, 12 km from Reinosa, on the first slopes of Pico Liguardi and above the River Híjar. It belongs to the municipality of Hermandad de Campoo de Suso, in the upper Ebro valley.
Can the village be visited outside the camp?
Yes. Villar is an open village and Albergue Las Indianas operates as tourist accommodation throughout the year, so it can be visited at any time. The area is a popular destination for rural tourism and hiking.
What can be seen and done nearby?
Las Cervalizas (natural pools), the River Híjar through the village, the source of the Ebro, Argüeso Castle and Alto Campoo ski resort. 80 km away, Somo beach. Reinosa, 12 km, offers services and a historic centre.
What is the weather like in July?
Fresher and less hot than inland Spain: the Campoo summer is pleasant, with cool nights, humid mornings and mild afternoons. The vegetation stays green throughout the summer thanks to this climate.
How do you get to Villar de Campoo?
The most useful reference is Reinosa, 12 km from the village. A local road leads from Reinosa to Villar. For camp participants, Natuaventura organises coach transport from the usual departure points.
Discover the Villar Multi-Adventure Camp
If the location appeals to you, see the full programme of the summer camp held in the village each July.
We organise trips for primary, secondary and high school
School Trips
across Spain
alicante madrid barcelona more destinationsCamps from 6 to 17 years old, in different regions of Spain: Alicante, Madrid, Ávila, Cantabria and Cuenca.
summer camps
2026
multiadventure surf english immersion