Must-See Visits on Your School Trip to Cantabria (I)

Cantabria is a region with endless possibilities for making the most of a school trip: unexplored hiking routes, picture-postcard villages, history, culture, traditional gastronomy, protected natural landscapes, unspoilt beaches… If you decide to hold your school trip in Cantabria, you will be spoilt for choice. Here we reveal the most important must-see visits on a school trip to Cantabria.

But as time is precious and a school trip is brief, the smart approach when planning the programme is to prioritise activities and visits that best suit your school group: whether they are in Primary, Secondary, or Sixth Form; whether they prefer the coast or the mountains; whether the trip is more culturally focused or more adventure-oriented… Whatever the case, there are certain unmissable visits you cannot afford to skip if the school trip is to be an unforgettable experience.

Santander

Of course, no school trip would be complete without a visit to the capital of Cantabria. You will be surprised by everything this city has to offer. As well as having one of the most beautiful bays in the world, it boasts wonderful spots such as the Palacio de la Magdalena, the former summer residence of King Alfonso XIII. If you visit the Magdalena Peninsula, be sure not to miss the penguins and seals that live there. You should also take a stroll along El Sardinero — there is nowhere quite like it in the world. Another great attraction in Santander is the Maritime Museum. And, as in every city, get lost in its streets, wander through its squares, and try as many local pintxos and traditional dishes as you can.

Santillana del Mar and the Altamira Cave

There is another unmissable visit on your school trip to Cantabria: the popular village of Santillana del Mar and the historic, extraordinary Altamira Cave. Although it can get rather busy, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Cantabria. It is said to be the village of three lies: for being neither holy (santa), nor flat (llana), nor by the sea (mar). Cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies all year round, traditional Cantabrian manor houses, and the authentic atmosphere of the region make Santillana del Mar an essential visit.

The Altamira Museum is another of the region’s most important tourist attractions. With museum entry you will have access to an exact replica of the Altamira Cave. Ideally you would see the original cave, but it is not open to the public as it is fully protected.

Faro del Caballo Trail

This stunning trail — probably the most beautiful in the region — leads to the Faro del Caballo lighthouse, built in 1863 and active until 1993. To reach it, you must descend (and then climb back up) almost 700 steps. The lighthouse stands on the cliffs of Monte Buciero, at the mouth of the Santoña estuary. The access steps were built by prisoners from the Santoña Prison Barracks, which operated between 1824 and 1924. It is absolutely worth including a bit of hiking in your school trip to Cantabria!

The Sequoia Forest

Another of the most important visits on a school trip to Cantabria is the Sequoia Forest. A rather little-known place with a magical atmosphere. It comprises two and a half hectares of sequoias in an area as unexpected as Cantabria. The sequoia is a species native to the West Coast of the United States. These trees were actually planted in Cantabria for industrial reasons around 1940, during the Francoist era. A total of 848 sequoias were planted in this area owing to how quickly these trees grow, with the aim of using the timber for industry so as to avoid dependence on external raw materials. This forest contains sequoias reaching up to 40 metres in height, with a circumference of around two metres. A stroll through the forest, taking in the reddish tones of the entire area, is sure to be a pleasant and fascinating highlight of your school trip.

Cantabrian Beaches and the Costa Quebrada

The Costa Quebrada is a stretch of coastline of around 10 km, featuring dramatic cliffs and breathtaking beaches. On your school trip, you absolutely must not miss some of the most popular beaches in the area: Playa de la Arnía, Somocuevas, Liencres, Playa de Oyambre, Playa de los Locos in Suances, the beaches of Noja… And these are just a few examples. Take a dip and organise games on the beach — it will be unforgettable!

Guide to organising your school trip to Cantabria

We know that teachers carry the greatest burden when it comes to planning and organising the entire trip. Let us help! Plan your school trip with Natuaventura and you will not regret it. More than 15 years of experience and hundreds of trips with schools across Spain speak for themselves.

Do not miss the guide we have prepared for you:

For more information about the options available for your school trip to Cantabria, you can contact us at info@natuaventura.com or by calling 91 714 06 36.