Finding the Right School in Cantabria – And What to Do During Summer Break
Making Education and Transition Easier for Families Moving to Spain
At Move to Cantabria, we understand that relocating to a new country isn’t just about finding a place to live—it’s about building a new life, and for families, that starts with education.
One of the most common questions we get from families moving to the region is: “What school options are available for my children?”
Spain offers a range of choices, and Cantabria is no different. From public schools (free and community-oriented), to semi-private (concertados) that blend public support with private management, and fully private institutions, the options are varied and can feel overwhelming.
We recently had the chance to explore this topic in more depth on the Move to Spain Podcast. We covered everything from how to choose the right school for your child’s needs to timelines for enrollment. It’s a great resource if you’re navigating the education system here for the first time.
Don’t Forget About Summer!
In Spain, the school year wraps up at the end of June and doesn’t start again until early September—that’s nearly 10 weeks of summer holidays! While it’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to enjoy the sunshine and freedom, it can be tricky for working parents.
That’s why we also help families find summer camps and local activities to keep children engaged, active, and social while parents balance work or settle in.
We Are More Than a Service — We’re Your Local Anchor
At Move to Cantabria, we’re not just here to tick boxes—we’re here to walk with you through the big decisions, the small moments, and everything in between. We help you make this transition with clarity, confidence, and the connection that makes a new place feel like home.
Ready to start your new life in Cantabria?
Let us help you navigate it—school choices, summer plans, and beyond.
Relocation to Cantabria: Your One-Stop Moving and Integration Agency in Northern Spain
Thinking of moving to Northern Spain? Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, lifestyle, or adventure, Move to Cantabria is your trusted partner for a smooth and successful transition. Based in the stunning region of Cantabria, our relocation agency offers a full suite of services to help individuals, families, and professionals settle into life in Spain with confidence and ease.
Why Move to Cantabria?
Cantabria, located on Spain’s northern coast, offers a unique blend of lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and high quality of life. Whether you're drawn by the coastline, the mountains, or the charming towns, relocating to Cantabria is an opportunity to start fresh in one of Spain’s most beautiful regions.
But moving abroad involves more than packing your bags. That’s where Move to Cantabria comes in — your local relocation expert in Northern Spain.
Comprehensive Relocation Services in Cantabria
At Move to Cantabria, we offer everything you need for a successful move to Spain, covering both logistical and emotional aspects of relocation:
Immigration & Legal Paperwork
We handle visa applications, residence permits, NIE/TIE numbers, and more to ensure you’re legally settled in Spain.
Tax & Financial Guidance
Our financial consultants provide tailored advice on Spanish taxes for expats, international taxation, and local financial planning.
Healthcare Assistance
We help you navigate Spain’s public and private healthcare systems and choose the right health insurance in Spain.
Housing & Property Support
Find your ideal home with our property rental and purchasing support, including contract negotiation and utility setup.
Education & Childcare
We assist with school enrollment in Spain, childcare options, and bilingual education choices.
Banking & Insurance Setup
Open a bank account, arrange local or international insurance, and get your financial life in Spain on track.
Utilities & Administration
From electricity and internet to mobile phone plans and local registrations — we take care of the setup for you.
Translation & Interpreting
We provide language support for expats — ensuring you’re understood at every appointment or in any document.
Local Orientation
Our neighborhood tours and local knowledge help you understand transportation, shopping, services, and more.
Spanish Language Courses
We offer group and individual Spanish lessons for expats, tailored to your goals and fluency level.
Cultural Coaching
Adapt to Spanish life through our cultural integration workshops and personal coaching sessions.
Emotional & Mental Support
Moving abroad can be overwhelming. We offer guidance and emotional support throughout your transition.
Community Integration
We connect you with expat groups in Cantabria, social clubs, and local events to build your new support network.
More Than a Relocation Service — We’re Your Anchor in Cantabria
At Move to Cantabria, we combine professional relocation services with personal support, ensuring you don’t just move — you thrive. Our bilingual, locally rooted team understands both the bureaucratic and emotional complexities of starting over in a new country.
We’re here to help you build a fulfilling life in Cantabria — with clarity, confidence, and community.
Ready to Start Your Move to Cantabria?
Let’s make your dream of living in Northern Spain a reality. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help with your relocation to Cantabria.
Relocating to Cantabria: How One Family Found Support and a Fresh Start Moving from Off-Grid Life
How One Family Found Home in Cantabria After 15 Years Off-Grid in Portugal
After spending 15 years living deep in Portugal’s forests, immersed in nature and far from the noise of modern life, one family made a radical change. They weren’t running from something — they were moving towards a life that could hold space for both freedom and connection, for nature and community.
“We weren’t looking for a city. We were looking for a life.”
Raising a child changed everything.
What once felt like paradise — off-grid living, self-sufficiency, isolation — began to feel like a risk. Climate change brought longer droughts, more intense wildfires, and a sense of urgency they could no longer ignore. Living remotely with a young daughter also meant sacrificing access to education, healthcare, and community.
It was time for a new dream.
What They Were Searching For:
🌊 Proximity to wild nature, but with the safety net of better infrastructure
👧 A vibrant, welcoming community to grow roots in
📚 Quality education and cultural opportunities
🌿 A slower lifestyle, without the stress of isolation
Enter: Cantabria
Nestled between the mountains and the sea in northern Spain, Cantabria offered a blend of everything they had longed for. But relocating wasn’t just a matter of packing boxes and booking flights. They needed help navigating bureaucracy, finding housing, choosing schools, and settling into a place they’d never lived before.
That’s where our relocation support came in.
“It felt like falling into a soft, ready-made bed of friendship and support.”
Today, this family lives just minutes from the ocean, their daughter is growing up trilingual and thriving, and their days are filled with the kind of simple, grounded joy they always dreamed of.
Relocation isn’t always easy. It’s full of hard decisions, cultural shifts, and paperwork. But with the right support, it can also be transformative.
Your New Life Starts Here
If you’re dreaming of a life like this — one rooted in balance, beauty, and belonging — we’re here to help.
Whether you’re coming from within Europe or across the globe, our team of relocation experts is here to guide you every step of the way — from the first questions to your first cup of coffee in your new home.
🌿 Who is Move to Cantabria?
Meet Grace Kiernan & Ríona Kelly — two Irish women who grew up just 30km apart but didn’t meet until they both moved to Cantabria, Northern Spain. ✨
After years of navigating life abroad, co-founding an English-speaking mums' community, and countless chats about the ups and downs of relocating, they created Move to Cantabria — a service born from lived experience and real need.
As the region sees a wave of new arrivals, Grace and Ríona recognised a common struggle: how hard it is to settle in when you’re off the usual expat track. From language barriers to bureaucratic hurdles, moving can be overwhelming. That’s where they come in.
💬 Move to Cantabria is more than relocation — it’s community, culture, and connection. With services like admin support, cultural orientation, and language classes, Grace and Ríona help you not just move, but truly belong.
They're here to guide you every step of the way — because settling in shouldn’t feel like a solo mission.
📍Your new life in Cantabria starts here.