Meet the Founders: Ríona “Why I Moved to Cantabria—and Why You Should Too”
At Move to Cantabria, we’re two Irish women who have made Northern Spain our home. As relocation agents, we spend our days helping others take the leap to start a new life here. What we’ve learned is that behind every move there’s a story—a personal journey that shapes the decision and makes it meaningful.
So today, I’d like to share mine: how I ended up relocating to Cantabria, what convinced me to stay, and why I believe this region is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets.
First Impressions: Why I Didn’t Choose Cantabria (At First)
For years, I resisted Cantabria’s lush green landscape. Living in Valladolid, in the heart of Castilla y León, I had grown used to hot summers and cold winters. By comparison, Cantabria’s mild, humid climate reminded me too much of home in Ireland.
Back then, I wanted my Spanish life to be all about dry heat, blazing sun, and long evenings outside. I thought Cantabria was too green, too damp, too familiar. To be completely honest, I didn’t feel it was “Spanish enough.”
But as with all relocation journeys, life had other plans.
The Move: School as the Catalyst
The primary reason we moved to Cantabria was for our children. We wanted them to attend the wonderful Escuela Waldorf Cantabria, which offered something special we couldn’t find where we were living.
Fast forward to today—we’re starting our fourth year at the school, with all three children now enrolled. They absolutely love it. Seeing their enthusiasm each morning is a joy.
For me, the school community has been life-changing. It has become “my village”—a network of friendships, support, and belonging that has helped me feel truly at home in Cantabria.
Falling in Love with Cantabria
That old belief that Cantabria wasn’t authentically Spanish? It couldn’t be further from the truth. Life here feels more Spanish than in many other regions, precisely because there’s so little mass tourism. I speak Spanish daily and feel connected to the culture in a genuine way.
And that sense of Cantabria being “too much like Ireland”? I now embrace it. I love going for walks with my children and recognising the same trees, flowers, and birds that I grew up with. Nature has become my anchor here—the sea, the mountains, and the lush greenery give me a constant sense of peace and connection.
Living in Cantabria allows you to combine the best of both worlds: authentic Spanish culture with a landscape that feels both familiar and inspiring.
Everyday Practicalities That Make Relocating Easier
Beyond lifestyle and community, Cantabria is also incredibly practical for family life and relocation:
I live in a small village, but Santander city centre is just 15 minutes away.
Bilbao, with its cosmopolitan culture and big-city feel, is under an hour’s drive.
Santander Airport is 10 minutes away, with direct flights to Dublin three times a week.
Ferries from Bilbao to Rosslare make it easy to travel back to Ireland—with the car (and the kitchen sink!) in tow.
For anyone considering moving to Northern Spain, Cantabria offers the perfect balance of rural charm, city convenience, and international connections.
Why Moving to Cantabria Was the Best Decision We Made
For me, moving to Cantabria has been one of the best decisions of my life. It has given me community, balance, and a lifestyle I truly love.
And I’m not alone. Both of us at Move to Cantabria have made this place our home, and together we now dedicate our work to helping others make the same move—supporting them through every step of the relocation process, from finding the right school to navigating paperwork, housing, and settling into a new life.
If you’re considering a move to Northern Spain, we can confidently say: living in Cantabria is worth it.
👉 Thinking about relocating to Cantabria? At Move to Cantabria, we’d love to help you make the transition smooth and stress-free. Get in touch with us and book a free meet and greet call today.
