Cantabria’s Cool Summer Secret - The Guardian

Cantabria has always been a little under the radar. Sure, Madrid families have escaped here for generations, but to live here? Too rural, too quiet… until recently.

Post-2020, more of us started questioning the way we live to work. And here in the North, life moves to a different rhythm—slower, more deliberate, sometimes in directions you don’t expect .

As summers get hotter elsewhere, Cantabria’s climate stands out. Cooler temperatures, greener landscapes, and fresh Atlantic breezes make this a healthier, more outdoor-friendly place to live. Hike in the mountains, surf at Somo, kayak the marshlands, or simply enjoy long lunches by the sea—it’s a lifestyle that’s hard to replicate under scorching skies.

That rhythm is alive and well along the Costa Trasmiera (Cantabria)—30 miles of wild beaches, surf towns, seafood feasts, and fishing villages between Santander and Santoña. Here, summer means salty swims, anchovies fresh from the tin, and sunsets over untouched coastline.

But Cantabria is evolving. House prices are rising, populations are growing, and we hope the DNA that makes it special remains intact.

As two expats who’ve made Cantabria our home, we’re proud to see the region recognised in international press like this great Guardian feature.

Thinking of moving here? We can be your local anchor and guide you through every step of your transition.