Why Cantabria? Discovering a Different Side of Spain

When most people picture Spain, their minds drift to the arid landscapes of Andalusia, the flamenco bars of Seville, or sun-soaked beaches of the Costa del Sol. But head north, and you’ll find something entirely different — a lush, green, and culturally rich region tucked between the mountains and the sea. Welcome to Cantabria, a hidden gem of what’s often called “Green Spain.” Here are three big questions people ask — and why the answers might make you want to pack your bags.

How is Cantabria different from other parts of Spain?

Cantabria belongs to Green Spain — the northern strip that includes Asturias, Galicia, and the Basque Country — and it looks nothing like the Spain many people imagine. This region offers a wildly different landscape: cliff-topped beaches, green rolling hills, and towering mountains. It’s a place where you can surf in the morning and hike in the snow-dusted Picos de Europa by afternoon.

Culturally, Cantabria leans more Celtic than Roman. The Celts left behind a deep mythological legacy, and the traditional music here echoes that of Ireland or Scotland — a world away from flamenco rhythms. You won’t find tapas bars overflowing with sevillanas or flamenco dancers, but you might stumble across a local festival with bagpipes and tambourines.

The region is steeped in rural traditions, especially in the Pasiego Valleys, where dairy farming has flourished for centuries. Local specialties like sobaos and quesadas are the pride of Cantabrian kitchens. Even Santander, the regional capital, despite its bullring and summer festival, feels more Atlantic than Andalusian in spirit.

Why move to Cantabria?

One big reason: it’s still flying under the radar. While the popularity of the Camino de Santiago has brought more attention to Green Spain, Cantabria remains refreshingly “off the beaten path.” It’s never felt overrun, and with a population of under 600,000, there's space to breathe.

Living here means enjoying a temperate oceanic climate — mild summers, gentle winters — that invites you outside all year round. Whether you’re into surfing, hiking, mountain biking, or simply watching the clouds drift over green hills, nature is a part of everyday life.

The lifestyle is peaceful, relaxed, and deeply connected to the landscape. It’s long been a quiet summer escape for Spanish royalty and Madrileños looking to avoid the stifling southern heat. And while tourists are beginning to discover the charm, locals still outnumber them — especially once you venture beyond Santander.

Why is living here so great?

Let’s start with quality of life. Cantabria is safe — especially compared to the buzz and bustle of Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia. Santander, for example, feels calm and secure, the kind of place where kids walk to school and neighbors still chat in the street.

You’ve got variety, too. You can live in a quiet mountain village, a seaside town, or a green valley — and still be within a short drive of the city. The region’s well-developed network of motorways means you can get to Bilbao in about an hour, or zip down to Madrid or across Europe via Santander’s airport and train connections.

Education and healthcare are solid, and while buying a home is still relatively affordable, rental options can be a bit tight — something to keep in mind if you’re planning a move.

But perhaps the biggest draw is how *livable* Cantabria feels. It’s not just a postcard-perfect landscape — it’s a place where people raise families, start businesses, and build lives. With its mix of nature, culture, and connection, Cantabria quietly offers everything you didn’t know you were looking for.