Why Cantabria? Discovering a Different Side of Spain
It all begins with an idea.
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.
Moving to Spain with Kids? Here’s What You Need to Know About Schools! 🇪🇸🎒
Education is one of the biggest concerns for families relocating to Spain, and this week, Ríona Kelly, co-founder of Move to Cantabria, offered some expert insights on Move to Spain: The Podcast, 🎙️✨
Here are some key takeaways about the Spanish school system:
📚 Education is mandatory from age 6, and homeschooling is not currently legal. If you live in Spain with school-age kids, they must be enrolled in a school.
🏫 Public vs. Private Schools: Spain has both public (free) and private (fee-paying) schools. All are regulated by the same education authority and follow the national school calendar.
📍 School placement: Public school admission is usually based on proximity and sibling attendance. Unlike the UK and Ireland, competition for places isn’t as intense, and most children can secure a spot in a local school.
⏰ School hours: Primary schools: 9AM–2/2:30PM, with optional after-school programs until 4–6PM.Secondary schools: 8AM–2PM, with a short mid-morning break.
🙏 Religious vs. Non-religious Schools: Public schools are secular, while many private schools (often Catholic) integrate religious values and require uniforms. Schools can vary widely in curriculum, teaching style, and extracurricular options, so finding the right fit is crucial!
That’s where we, Move to Cantabria, come in—we offer expert local guidance to help you choose the best school for your child.
🎧 You can find the full podcast episode here for more details!
🍀 Why Are More Irish People Moving to Spain? 🇪🇸
People have long seen Spain as a holiday destination but it´s becoming increasingly popular as a permanent base for more than just the retired. With more people working remotely and enjoying the flexibility that brings, younger people are choosing Spain for the lifestyle that is so easy to enjoy here.
It’s not only about the lower cost of living, and yes, you may end up earning far less than you would in other European countries if you work here, but the quality of life outstrips this time and again for all those choosing to make Spain their home.
Sunshine, beautiful coastlines, being able to eat out and go on holidays within the diverse country at affordable prices make it very attractive for singles, young families and retirees. What’s more, it offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new language and culture which is both an exciting challenge and an eye opening opportunity at any age.
Theory aside, the reality of moving, especially with a family, is a huge transition. Lean on us to guide you through the process. Book a discovery call with us today and let’s get you here and happy!
Retirees: lower cost of living is enticing for a better quality of life and for longer
Families: the lifestyle the outdoor living, lower cost of living, good schools
Digital nomads: The flexibility and the lifestyle
High earners: to avail of the tax incentives such as Beckham Law
Salaries might be lower than Ireland but the cost of living is a lot lower ⬇️ and the quality of life is much higher! ⬆️
Learning a new language is a small price to pay for this exchange, we think!
We are both from Ireland and chose to make Cantabria our home.
Moving to a new country especially with a family is a huge transition. Lean on us to guide you through the process.
Book a discovery call with us today and let’s get you here and happy!
🌊 “I feel like everyone I know is on a permanent holiday” 🌟
Santander city
A close friend made this comment to me last week about how she saw living in Cantabria and in a way it does sometimes feel like that.
I’m part of a vibrant international community here in Cantabria and many people within that community have flexible working hours. There are lots of remote workers, entrepreneurs, and people engaged in jobs that don’t tie them to a desk 9-5.
The beauty of flexible working hours in a place like Cantabria is that it allows you to make the most of your surroundings. Working remotely? You can do so from a beach café after a surf. Or maybe pop into the city and use the beautiful co-working space in the old Banco Santander building after meeting a friend for a café con leche on a terraza. Time off in the afternoon is easily spent on a picnic with your children and their friends running around a park and expending energy or having a leisurely cycle on one of the many greenways that crisscross the region. Or head to the beach, the forest, the mountains; there are so many options!
Leisure time aside, Cantabria is an easy place to live. It may be slightly more expensive than neighbouring Castilla y León but it is still cheaper than regions along the Mediterranean like Barcelona and Valencia and has a lower cost of living than the neighbouring Basque region. There is a vibrant international community both in Santander and beyond the city which is easy to connect into whether you are single or moving with a family.