Welcome to another blog post from Turismo Cantabria. What better way to begin than by celebrating a recent success: the recognition of Comillas village as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, as part of the Los Pueblos más Bonitos de España network. This recent recognition means 7 charming Cantabrian villages are now on this list. This calls for celebration! And what better way to celebrate than by exploring Comillas together. Are you up for it?

We’re going to start by talking about the Los Pueblos más Bonitos de España Association, where not only do we find our Cantabria Infinita represented by Comillas, but also by other villages such as Carmona, Liérganes, Santillana del Mar, Potes, Bárcena Mayor and Mogrovejo. You might be wondering, what exactly is this association? Well, it’s a national organisation in Spain that currently involves all autonomous regions, and responds to the need to promote the charming villages dotted around our Spanish territory. These are places of exceptional beauty that exude history and culture alike, towns where the tradition is to welcome guests, and mingling with the locals lets you feel like you’re a part of this unique setting, if only for a little while. According to the Association, ‘exploring the most beautiful villages in Spain means discovering the most charming, authentic parts of one of the oldest countries in the world. Our tangible and intangible heritage, our beauty and the meticulous attention to the smallest details make our villages the perfect choice for taking a trip back in time and letting your emotions take over’.

But let’s get back to Cantabria. As we said before, our region already had six villages on this prestigious list and this year, Comillas has joined them. What makes Comillas worthy of recognition as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain?

The answer lies in its undeniable beauty and rich history. Comillas is one of the most stunning, famous treasures of Cantabria, with a magnificent collection of architecture that goes perfectly with the unique natural environment. From its rugged coastline to the serenity of the Ría de la Rabia, Comillas offers a wealth of landscapes, ranging from the powerful ocean to the imposing peaks of the Picos de Europa. Every corner of Comillas is an architectural masterpiece that tells the story of the emigrants who returned from America, and reflects the influence of Catalan modernism in the 19th century.

Would you like to learn the fascinating story behind this charming village?

In the Middle Ages, Comillas was a small community located in western Cantabria, which sustained itself thanks to its fishing port as well as agriculture and livestock farming. But everything changed towards the end of the 19th century thanks to the renowned Don Antonio López López. After emigrating to America and founding successful shipping and tobacco companies in Barcelona, he began to invest in Comillas. His contribution during the Cuban war won him the title of Marquess of Comillas, granted by the King. From that moment onwards, Comillas began to flourish.

In the 19th century, Comillas became a distinguished summer destination, especially for visits from King Alfonso XII. And today, its beaches continue to attract tourists thanks to its crystal-clear waters, hidden coves and beautiful coastal landscapes, making one of the most attractive towns on the Cantabrian coast.

But Comillas is not just about the beaches and summer fun. Its architecture is captivating, with Gothic Revival, Modern Arabic and Moorish Revival styles that intertwine among its buildings. Monuments such as the Universidad Pontificia, designed by Joan Martorell; the Sobrellano Palace by Cristóbal Cascante; and Gaudí’s El Capricho, a modern masterpiece, make this one of the world’s most unique destinations.

Exploring Comillas is like travelling back in time, where a wealth of architecture meets the warmth of the local people. Every street and plaza tells a story waiting to be discovered.

Would you like to visit one of the most beautiful villages in Spain? Visit Cantabria to discover 7 official beauty spots and immerse yourself in the true essence of the region. Comillas, the most recent addition to the list of the most beautiful villages in Spain, awaits you with its secrets, where history and beauty come together at every corner.

The next time you fancy experiencing the true essence of Cantabria, make sure to include these destinations as part of your trip and share your experience on our Facebook and X pages.