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13 Most Unique Hotels in Cantabria, Spain

Updated March 2026 – Discover the most unique hotels in Cantabria, Spain, handpicked retreats surrounded by nature, perfect for design and slow travel lovers.

I’m from Madrid, but I’ve always had a special love for the north of Spain, Cantabria, Asturias, the Basque Country, and Galicia are simply magical. The landscapes are green and wild, the air feels fresher, and the rhythm of life slows down in the best way.

I try to visit friends up north every time I can, especially in summer, when the coast is lively but never overwhelming. Here are some of my favorite unique hotels in Cantabria, charming stays surrounded by nature and full of character. Keep reading!

🌞For more beautiful hotel guides around Spain make sure to check out my full page about Unique Hotels in Spain!

🌞Planning visits to other cities in Northern Spain or a road trip? You can’t miss my favorite 10 Best Boutique Hotels in San Sebastian Spain and Bilbao.

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Explore my website to learn more about who I help, discover the most unique places to stay, the best travel guides and inspiring travel stories! Thank you for being here!

An indoor pool room with large floor-to-ceiling windows, two white armchairs by a lit fireplace, and a chandelier hanging from the beamed ceiling. Sunlight streams in, creating a relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of top hotels in Cantabria.

Getting to and Around Cantabria, Spain

Getting to Cantabria is easiest by flying into Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport, which has connections to several Spanish and European cities, or into nearby hubs like Bilbao or Madrid and then driving.

Once you’re there, renting a car is definitely the best way to explore, it gives you total freedom to move between the coast, villages, and mountains like Picos de Europa.

There are trains and buses, but they’re slower and less flexible, so for a proper road trip and discovering hidden spots, having your own car makes all the difference.

best car rentals in cantabria

🚕 Private Transfer: If you are coming from other cities in Spain and prefer a private transfer I understand too and I usually use this company. 🙂

Getting to Cantabria by Ferry

Can you get to Cantabria by ferry?

YES! You can take the ferry from the UK directly to Santander with Brittany Ferries, usually departing from Portsmouth or Plymouth. It takes around 20–24 hours, but it’s a really relaxed way to travel and the best part is you can bring your car, which makes exploring Cantabria and the surrounding regions so much easier once you arrive.

  • A large historic building with a Spanish flag on top stands under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The foreground features an open plaza with a few trees and people walking, reminiscent of the grand hotels in Cantabria.
  • A marina filled with numerous docked boats and yachts under a partly cloudy blue sky, with apartment buildings and hotels in Cantabria visible on the left, overlooking calm turquoise water in the harbor.

Preview Map of the Most Unique Hotels in Cantabria, Spain

List of the Most Unique Hotels in Cantabria, Spain

Unique Hotels in Santander, Cantabria

1. Eurostars Hotel Real

Santander, Cantabria
From 140€/night, 1-3 pax

  • A grand white hotel with ornate balconies and a turret stands behind a lush garden filled with pink and white flowers, manicured hedges, and a narrow reflecting pool—one of the most elegant hotels in Cantabria under a bright blue sky.
  • A balcony with a decorative black railing overlooks a scenic coastal town, a church, and the sea—evoking the charm of hotels in Cantabria. On the table are two glasses of red wine and an open book, with lush greenery and hills in the distance.
  • View from a high vantage point overlooking a tropical coastline with palm trees, sandy beach, blue ocean water, distant boats, and a town across the bay—reminiscent of scenic vistas near the best hotels in Cantabria under clear skies. Also one of the most unique hotels in Spain.
  • A round table with two vintage upholstered chairs sits by tall windows, overlooking palm trees and a body of water—an inviting scene reminiscent of charming hotels in Cantabria. Patterned curtains frame the cozy seating area, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Hotel Real is one of those iconic hotels in Santander you just have to experience at least once when visiting. I’ve stayed here several times over the years for work, weddings, and long weekends. It’s a true classic in Santander, with that old-school elegance, beautiful rooms overlooking the bay, and a royal atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and enjoy it. The location is amazing, the breakfast is great, and the whole place has this timeless charm that’s so fun!

What makes it even more special is the history behind it. Built in the early 20th century during Santander’s golden era as a royal summer destination, it was created to host the elite who followed the Spanish royal family to the coast and you can still feel that grandeur today, from the architecture to the views over the bay.

Book Hotel Real

My experience at Hotel Real.

  • A plate with two folded crepe sandwiches filled with ham and lettuce, served with potato chips in a red napkin—reminiscent of light bites often enjoyed at hotels in Cantabria. Nearby are water, pistachios, and sugar packets on a white tablecloth.
  • Aerial view of a coastal city with clusters of buildings, sandy beaches, green spaces, blue ocean, and several hotels in Cantabria under a partly cloudy sky.

2. Hotel Chiqui

Santander, Cantabria
From 120€/night

  • Two wooden lounge chairs sit on the edge of an infinity pool at one of the tranquil hotels in Cantabria, overlooking a calm, expansive body of water and distant hills beneath a clear sky with scattered clouds.
  • Two neatly made single beds in a bright room with large windows offering a clear view of the sea and sky. Perfect for guests seeking hotels in Cantabria, with a desk by the window and natural light filling the space.
  • A balcony at one of the finest hotels in Cantabria overlooks the ocean, featuring a small table with a red cocktail, a glass of beer, and an open book. Two black chairs face the scenic beach and distant coastline under a clear sky.
  • A modern lounge with cozy sofas, wooden bookshelves filled with books, round coffee tables, and warm lighting—reminiscent of elegant hotels in Cantabria. A large brown ottoman sits at the center of the room on a tan carpet.

Hotel Chiqui is one of those places you book for the location and end up loving for everything else, right on the beach at El Sardinero, with the sound of the waves literally outside your window.

The views are incredible (definitely worth getting a balcony), the vibe is relaxed but lively, and it’s super easy to walk along the promenade or head into the city. It’s also great value for what you get, which makes it a really solid pick among the most unique hotels in Cantabria.

Book Hotel Chiqui

3. Palacio de Pombo

Santander, Cantabria
From 120€/night, 1-3 pax

  • A grand, historic white building with ornate architectural details—typical of elegant hotels in Cantabria—and two towers stands behind a plaza. A decorative blue lamppost and trees frame the scene under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A modern bedroom inspired by hotels in Cantabria, featuring a double bed with blue-gray bedding, a scenic mural, a desk with mirror, kettle, white chair, and a spiral staircase near a window dressed in sheer curtains.
  • A sunlit room with tall windows, ornate trim, two black chairs, and a small round table—echoing the inviting charm of boutique hotels in Cantabria. A decorative console sits in the corner and trees are visible outside the windows.
  • Elegant, ornate room in one of the finest hotels in Cantabria, with green and gold wall moldings, high decorated ceiling, chandeliers, tall windows, round tables, and red velvet chairs neatly arranged as natural light fills the space.

Soho Boutique Palacio de Pombo is such a great little boutique stay right in the center of Santander, perfect if you want everything on your doorstep, from restaurants to the waterfront.

The building has that classic, slightly old-world charm, but the rooms are very cool! It’s one of those easy, no-stress stays with a great breakfast and super friendly staff, a lovely option in Santander among the most unique hotels in Cantabria.

Book Palacio de Pombo

Unique Hotels in Cantabria Region

4. Casona Las Cinco Calderas

Galizano, Cantabria
From 100€/night, 1-3 pax
Hidden gem in Cantabria. Lovely owners. Peaceful surroundings. Delicious food!

  • This historic stone building, resembling the charming hotels in Cantabria, features arched windows and doorways, lush leafy plants, and climbing greenery under a clear blue sky. A decorative crest is proudly displayed above the entrance.
  • living room with nature view at casona las cinco calderas, one of the most unique hotels in cantabria spain
  • A turquoise vase with yellow and purple flowers and a matching fruit bowl filled with apples, grapes, and bananas sit on a marble table—evoking the inviting ambiance of hotels in Cantabria—with a kitchen and breakfast items in the background.
  • View through an open doorway into a cozy bedroom at one of the charming hotels in Cantabria, featuring a neatly made double bed, four pillows, a small wall lamp, a bedside table with a note, and a decorative alcove above with art and a vase.

Casona Las Cinco Calderas is one of those places you go to relax! Set in the countryside surrounded by green fields, but still really close to some of the best beaches in the area. It’s a small, family-run hotel with so much charm, beautifully decorated spaces, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes you feel instantly at home (also dog-friendly!).

Breakfast is honestly amazing, and the whole atmosphere is calm and cozy, easily one of my favorites unique hotels in Cantabria.

Book Casona Las Cinco Calderas

5. Helguera Palacio Boutique & Antique

17 miles from Santander Port, Torrelavega, Cantabria
From 400€/night
Beautiful converted hotel in an old palace–excellent value for old-world luxury.

  • A cozy bedroom in the style of charming hotels in Cantabria, with floral wallpaper and matching ceiling, a bed with white pillows, green checkered headboard and bench, pink checkered throw, bedside tables, a chandelier, and patterned curtains.
  • An indoor pool room with large floor-to-ceiling windows, two white armchairs by a lit fireplace, and a chandelier hanging from the beamed ceiling. Sunlight streams in, creating a relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of top hotels in Cantabria.
  • An infinity pool at one of the hotels in Cantabria overlooks a lush green landscape with rolling hills and trees under a bright blue sky dotted with scattered clouds.
  • A stone mansion with arched windows and decorative carvings stands behind a patio with neatly trimmed bushes and two symmetrical trees—reminiscent of the elegance found at luxury hotels in Cantabria—set under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Helguera Palace is honestly one of the unique hotels in Cantabria that just stays with you! Set in a beautiful historic palace in the hills, with incredible gardens, incredible views, and such a peaceful atmosphere. It has that old-world Spanish charm too with antique details everywhere, but still feels comfortable.

The rooms are stunning, the food is amazing, and the staff really go above and beyond to make your stay special. The pool is amazing too! If you’re looking for something unique and a bit magical, stay here!

Book Helguera Palace

6. Casa Pepin

Polientes, Cantabria
From 300€/night, 1-8 pax

  • A cozy bedroom with a wooden ceiling, a white chair by a window overlooking green hills, a large mirror on a vanity, and sunlight streaming in—reflecting the charm found in many boutique hotels in Cantabria.
  • A dining room in the style of fine hotels in Cantabria, featuring a dark wooden table, eight wooden chairs, a black-and-white lion portrait on a stone wall, a potted plant, and a decorative bowl on the table.
  • A cozy bathroom reminiscent of boutique hotels in Cantabria, with a freestanding white tub, crystal chandelier, window seats with cushions, a fireplace, wood-beamed ceiling, contemporary art on the wall, and sunlight filtering through the windows.
  • A cozy bedroom reminiscent of boutique hotels in Cantabria, with exposed wooden beams, a canopy bed draped in white fabric, fur blanket, black-and-white pillows, bedside lamps, a framed elephant print, and a brown chair with a pink blanket.

Casa Pepin is a really cool and special rural stay in Cantabria. A beautifully restored old house with so much character, cozy interiors, and those amazing bathtubs right in the rooms. Everything is super spacious and the whole place has that warm, homey feel that makes it hard to leave.

It’s perfect if you are traveling as a big group or family and want something more local and authentic, surrounded by nature! Such a unique find among the beautiful hotels in Cantabria.

Book Casa Pepin

7. Molino Tejada

Polientes, Cantabria
From 130€/night, 1-6 pax
Special place to disconnect and spend time with your loved ones. Great staff!

  • A cozy bedroom inspired by hotels in Cantabria, with a wooden canopy bed, draped white curtains, fur throw, and decorative pillows. Exposed wood beam ceiling, white walls, and black-and-white horse photos complete the serene retreat.
  • A large yellow tent is set up on a wooden platform among tall, leafy trees in a green forest clearing, offering a unique glamping experience reminiscent of the nature retreats found at hotels in Cantabria.
  • A cozy black wooden cabin with a thatched roof sits above a narrow stream, surrounded by lush green trees—like the charming escapes found in hotels in Cantabria—featuring a hanging chair on its porch.
  • A black motorcycle with a sidecar is parked on grass before a rustic stone house with red roof tiles—similar to charming hotels in Cantabria—and a glowing peace sign on the wall, all surrounded by trees and lush greenery.

Molino Tejada is such a cool retreat, a beautifully restored old mill set right by the river, where all you hear is the water flowing and nothing else. It has this super peaceful, almost magical atmosphere, with lovely gardens and little thoughtful touches everywhere (there’s even a private cinema and spaces to just relax).

The hosts makes you feel completely at home, and between the homemade breakfasts and cozy evenings with food and wine, it’s the kind of place you leave feeling fully recharged, a really special find among the coolest hotels in Cantabria.

Book Molino Tejada

8. Posada Semilla

Santa María de Cayón, Cantabria
From 85€/night
Authentic family-run hotel. Beautifully furnished. Food is superb and prepared with care by the owner. Country house feeling.

  • Bright bedroom with wooden floors, a large bed with white bedding, two nightstands with lamps, a chandelier, and a window overlooking greenery—perfect for those seeking hotels in Cantabria with serene views. A desk and chair sit by the window with a small plant.
  • A large, elegant, three-story house with tan walls, white trim, and multiple windows—reminiscent of boutique hotels in Cantabria—surrounded by a well-maintained lawn, trees, shrubs, and a garden, with hills and greenery in the background.
  • Balcony with two modern chairs and a small table overlooks a garden and trees, attached to a beige building—similar to stylish hotels in Cantabria—with large windows and white trim on a cloudy day.
  • A small room with a blue wardrobe, a white desk, a matching chair, and a lit table lamp—evoking the cozy ambiance often found in boutique hotels in Cantabria. The light-colored walls and wooden floor complete the inviting setting.

Posada Semilla is a small family-run hotel with a super cozy, peaceful vibe and the kind of hospitality that feels genuinely caring. The rooms are beautiful, everything is spotless, and the food is honestly a highlight.

It’s one of those stays where you feel looked after in the best way and a special spot among the most charming hotels in Cantabria.

Book POSADA SEMILLA

9. Apartamentos Luarna

Mogrovejo, Cantabria
From 140€/night, 1-4 pax
A feel-good place for architecture and design lovers and a good starting point for outdoor activities.

  • stone building of luarna apartments with sheep outside, one of the most unique hotels in cantabria Spain
  • A modern kitchen with a green-tiled island, three wooden bar stools, pendant lights, wood ceiling beams, and large skylights—reminiscent of boutique hotels in Cantabria. An adjacent bedroom is visible through an open doorway on the left.
  • A cozy bedroom in the style of hotels in Cantabria, with a wooden ceiling and beams, beige bedding, and a large glass wall with vertical wooden slats overlooking a bright, rustic living area with stone walls.
  • A rustic stone building typical of charming hotels in Cantabria, with a wooden door, large windows, and a cozy patio featuring two chairs, a table, and potted plants. Tree shadows dance across the wall beneath the clear blue sky.

Apartamentos Luarna is one of those places that makes you fall in love with the mountains. Set right at the foot of the Picos de Europa with the most insane views in every direction. The apartments are great for architecture and design lovers, but still cozy, and perfect if you want to stay a few days and still feel at home.

It’s peaceful, surrounded by nature, and an amazing base for hiking or exploring nearby spots like Potes. Definitely a special option among the most unique hotels in Cantabria!

Book Luarna Apartments

10. Hotel Palacio La Casona de Cerrazo

Cerrazo, Cantabria
From 80€/night

  • A scenic view from a window at hotels in Cantabria shows green hills, morning mist, and distant mountains under a clear sky. Patio furniture, plants, and a small cactus are visible in the foreground.
  • A doorway opens from a hallway with floral wallpaper into a cozy bedroom reminiscent of charming hotels in Cantabria, featuring a bed, vintage lamp, armchair, and wooden floors. A carved wooden chair sits near the doorway, adding to the warm, classic decor.
  • A warmly lit bathroom with an oval mirror above a marble counter, often found in elegant hotels in Cantabria. Two wall lamps flank the mirror, reflecting a chandelier and large windows with lush greenery outside.
  • A vintage wooden chair with a patterned cushion sits in sunlight streaming through a window, casting strong shadows on the wall and floor—evoking the charm of boutique hotels in Cantabria—beside a small round wooden table.

This cozy 19th century palace is located just 1.2 mi from the famous Altamira caves and just 10 minutes from the medieval town of Santillana del Mar. Located in the center of Cantabria, it makes its location a privilege for those who want to get to know our coasts, valleys and mountains.

I love family-run hotels that just feels really special. The owners are incredibly kind and make you feel right at home, which makes it one of my favorite choices among the unique hotels in Cantabria. You can’t miss the homemade breakfasts!

Book Palacio Casona de Cerrazo

11. Molino de Yera

Vega de Pas, Cantabria
From 80€/night, 1-4 pax
Lovely hosts. Beautiful surroundings. Relaxing river sounds. Peaceful and charming! Lots of outdoor activities around. 

  • Cozy rustic living room with stone walls, a white-covered sofa, wooden ceiling beams, floral curtains, and warm lamp lighting—evoking the inviting charm found in boutique hotels in Cantabria. Green trees are visible outside the main window.
  • A potted pink flower sits on a windowsill, with the window open to reveal a green, sunlit countryside reminiscent of views from hotels in Cantabria—trees, grassy fields, and a distant farmhouse beyond the tiled wall and window frame.
  • A rustic stone house with a wooden roof sits surrounded by greenery, trees, and wildflowers on a grassy hillside—reminiscent of charming hotels in Cantabria. The peaceful rural setting features gardens and terraced stone walls under an overcast sky.
  • A sunlit, rustic dining area with wooden windows, a table set for two with wooden chairs, stone walls, white curtains, and a potted plant on the windowsill—just like those charming hotels in Cantabria. Warm natural light fills the cozy space.

Molino de Yera is one of those places you go to fully switch off. Set right by the river with beautiful gardens, old Pasiego-style cabins, and the most peaceful surroundings. Everything feels super well taken care of, from the cozy interiors to the little details, and falling asleep to the sound of the water is honestly the best part.

Stay here if you really want to disconnect and connect with nature, such a special escape among the most unique hotels in Cantabria!

Book Molino de Yera

12. Hotel Palacio de Caranceja

Reocín, Cantabria
From 130€/night, 1-8 pax

  • A historic stone building with arched doorways, wrought iron balcony, and red roof tiles, this charming spot is reminiscent of the elegant hotels in Cantabria. Red vines climb the walls as palm tree leaves sway above neat trimmed bushes.
  • A cozy bedroom reminiscent of boutique hotels in Cantabria, featuring a wooden bed, white bedding, two beige pillows, a wooden nightstand with a lamp, an open wooden window, and a woven pendant light on the ceiling.
  • A cozy living room, reminiscent of charming hotels in Cantabria, with a beige sofa, white and brown pillows, a wooden dresser topped by a round mirror, exposed beams, and natural light streaming through nearby doors.
  • A small outdoor table with two chairs is set on grass, surrounded by lush greenery. Reminiscent of garden dining at charming hotels in Cantabria, the table holds drinks, plates of food, and cups, creating a peaceful scene.

Hotel Palacio de Caranceja feels like stepping into a little fairytale: a beautifully preserved palace with so much Northern Spain charm, elegant rooms, and that peaceful, away-from-everything atmosphere. The beds are super comfortable, breakfast is really worth it, and the staff make you feel genuinely welcome, which makes it such a lovely and very romantic escape among my favorite hotels in Cantabria.

Book Palacio de Caranceja

13. Wishome-The Most Special Home in Oyambre, Comillas

San Vicente de la Barquera, Cantabria
From 1.500€/night/full home, 1-7 pax

  • A coastal house with a red-tiled roof sits among lush greenery near a sandy beach—perfect for those seeking tranquil hotels in Cantabria—with gentle waves, green hills, and a charming swing set in the yard.
  • A table covered with a pink gingham cloth sits on a wooden deck overlooking a sandy beach, green hills, and the ocean under a clear blue sky—a scene reminiscent of charming hotels in Cantabria. Four cushioned wooden chairs surround the table.
  • A cozy dining area by large windows overlooking a beach, with a table set for a meal, wooden chairs, and blue and white tablecloth evokes the charm of boutique hotels in Cantabria. Natural light fills the room as flowers decorate the space.
  • A wooden deck with a sofa, table, cushions, and a turquoise surfboard overlooks a sandy beach and the ocean—an inviting scene reminiscent of boutique hotels in Cantabria, surrounded by lush greenery and a winding path in the foreground.

La Gaviota Wishome is not a hotel but a full home rental, and honestly, it’s so stunning it deserves a spot on this list. It’s one of those places that feels made for special trips with family or friends, super spacious, beautifully designed, and with every little detail thought through. You’ve got private beach access, incredible views (on clear days you can even see the Picos de Europa), and its just between the most beautiful sea villages in Cantabria. A very unique place to stay in Cantabria!

Book Wishome

Other Things to Know about Visiting the Most Unique Hotels in Cantabria, Spain

Best Things to Do in Cantabria, Spain

Cantabria is one of those places that has a bit of everything, you can spend your mornings exploring the elegant seaside city of Santander, then head to wild beaches like Playa de Oyambre or Playa de Langre, and finish the day in charming villages like Comillas or Santillana del Mar.

If you love nature, hiking in Picos de Europa is a must, and for something really unique, visit the prehistoric Altamira Cave, it’s the perfect mix of coast, mountains, and culture! Check out my favorite experiences in Cantabria below.

Best Time to Visit Cantabria Region in Spain

The best time to visit Cantabria is from late spring to early autumn (May to late September), when the weather is warmer, the coast is at its best, and you can really enjoy beaches, villages, and the outdoors.

July and August are the sunniest and liveliest months (August is my favorite!), but also the busiest, while May, June, and September are maybe that perfect sweet spot, fewer crowds, green landscapes, and still great weather for exploring places like Picos de Europa or the coastline.

Traveling around Spain and Final Thoughts

Traveling around Spain is one of those trips that just keeps getting better the more you explore, beyond Cantabria, you have the wild beauty of Asturias, the incredible food and coastal towns of the Basque Country, and the raw, untouched landscapes of Galicia (the guide to the most beautiful hotels is incredible!).

And of course, you can’t skip the classics: the energy and culture of Madrid and the design, beaches, and buzz of Barcelona. Spain is one of those countries where every region feels completely different, which is exactly what makes it so special to travel through.

  • A rustic house with a wooden balcony, like those found in boutique hotels in Asturias, overlooks a serene infinity pool, lounge chairs, and lush green mountains under a cloudy sky at sunset.
  • A stone courtyard features a large ornate fountain in the foreground, with a historic building—reminiscent of boutique hotels in Galicia—behind it. Red flowers hang below the windows, and greenery surrounds the scene under a clear blue sky.
  • Infinity pool and hot tub overlook a scenic ocean view with glass barriers, a small tree-covered island, and a distant coastal city—an experience typical of boutique hotels in Galicia under a clear blue sky.
  • View from room from Lasala Plaza Hotel, one of the best Boutique hotels in san sebastian

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