Cantabria, Spain: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Cantabria, Spain? If you're planning to go to Cantabria, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Cantabria, Spain

Based on the climate and weather in Cantabria, Spain, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Cantabria, Spain

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cantabria, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Cantabria, Spain by month

January

January in Cantabria can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

February

February in Cantabria is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

March

March is chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

April

If you vacation in Cantabria during April, you will probably see that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

May

May in Cantabria is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

If you vacation in Cantabria during June, you will probably see that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the right kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

July

If you visit Cantabria during July, you may find that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you vacation in Cantabria during August, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

September

September in Cantabria is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

October

In October, Cantabria is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Cantabria, with several of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in Cantabria is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

December

December in Cantabria is chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Spain has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cantabria. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the correct type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

What to do in Cantabria, Spain

Cantabria is a beautiful region located on the northern coast of Spain. It is known for its rugged coastline, picturesque towns, and stunning landscape. The region is a popular destination for tourists who are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy cities. In this article, we have compiled a list of top tourist attractions in Cantabria.

1. Altamira Cave

Located in the town of Santillana del Mar, the Altamira Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave is famous for its cave paintings, which date back to the Paleolithic period. The paintings depict animals such as bisons, horses, and deer. Unfortunately, due to its sensitivity, the Altamira Cave is closed to the public. However, a replica of the cave, the Altamira Museum, is open year-round for tourists.

2. Picos de Europa

The Picos de Europa is a mountain range that is shared between Cantabria, Asturias, and León. The region is a paradise for outdoors enthusiasts. The Picos de Europa offers numerous hiking, rock climbing, and mountaineering opportunities. The scenery in this region is truly breathtaking, with rugged mountains, green valleys, and pristine lakes.

3. Cabárceno Natural Park

The Cabárceno Natural Park is a unique zoo located in the town of Cabárceno. The park is located in an old mining area, which has been converted into a wildlife reserve. The park is home to over 100 species of animals from all over the world. Visitors can take a safari-style tour of the park, where they can observe animals such as elephants, giraffes, and lions.

4. Comillas

Comillas is a small town located on the northern coast of Cantabria. The town is known for its stunning architecture, which includes several buildings designed by the famous architect, Antoni Gaudí. One of the most famous buildings in Comillas is the El Capricho, a whimsical villa designed by Gaudí. The town is also home to a beautiful beach, Playa de Comillas.

5. Santander

Santander is the capital city of Cantabria. The city is located on the Bay of Biscay and offers stunning views of the sea. One of the most popular attractions in Santander is the Magdalena Palace, a beautiful building that was once the summer residence of the Spanish royal family. The city is also home to a beautiful promenade, the Paseo de Pereda, which is lined with historic buildings.

6. Los Valles Pasiegos

The Valles Pasiegos is a picturesque region located in the interior of Cantabria. The region is known for its lush green valleys, traditional villages, and unique cuisine. The area is also perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking.

In conclusion, Cantabria offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, historic towns, and outdoor activities. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, there is something for everyone in this region. The above-mentioned tourist attractions are just a few of the many reasons to visit this gem on the northern coast of Spain.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Mkhaya Game Reserve, Swaziland, Jönköping, Sweden, Gambier Islands, French Polynesia, Schaffhausen, Switzerland, Newark, England, United Kingdom, Isili, Italy, Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States of America, Dahab, Egypt, Petralia Sottana, Italy, Brookhaven, Mississippi, United States of America, and Pleumeur-Bodou, France.