Issue #16: Cantabria Road Trip: Cliffs, Caves & Queens

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS ISSUE:

• A 4-day road trip loop through northern Spain’s wild coast

• Beaches, cave art, cider, and sleepy mountain towns

• LGBTQ+ friendly insights

• Quick Campfire Questions with guest Andrew

• A quick poll to tell me what you think

Start in the capital Santander

From there, you’ll hop between seaside towns, ancient cave sites, and forested peaks.

No pressure of fixed timetables or shouting guides.

The best time to hit the road in Cantabria is late spring through early autumn (May to September).

That’s when the coast comes alive, the mountain roads are clear, and you’ve got the best shot at sunshine between seaside towns and misty hills.

 And speaking of caves, Cantabria has over 6,500 of them, including the world-famous Altamira and the otherworldly El Soplao.

Is Cantabria safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

Yes, with a bit of awareness. Spain has strong legal protections and Cantabria is politically moderate.

While you won’t see rainbows painted across town squares, same-sex couples are welcome in most hotels and restaurants.

PDA’s (public displays of affection) are safe in most places, especially among younger crowds or in Santander. That said, discretion in more rural mountain villages is advised.

Who this trip is for (and who it’s not for)

Best for:

• Road trippers who like a bit of spontaneity and scenic detours

• Couples or friends who love the combo of beach mornings and culture stops

• Those who want an authentic Spanish experience without the party crowds

Probably not for you if:

• You’re allergic to roundabouts, winding roads or cliff-edge views

• You get twitchy without English menus

4-Day Suggested Cantabria Itinerary

Day 1: Santander to Comillas (via Santillana del Mar)

• Breakfast by the beach in Santander

• Explore Santillana del Mar (a medieval village so picturesque it feels fake)

• Visit Altamira Museum, home to one of the world’s oldest cave art replicas

• Overnight in Comillas to stay at a boutique guesthouse and visit Gaudí’s Capricho

Day 2: Coastal stops + San Vicente de la Barquera

• Drive the coast, stopping for secret coves and coastal walks

• Lunch in San Vicente, a chilled surf town with mountain views

• Optional paddle-boarding or beach picnic

• Overnight in a nearby agroturismo with views

Day 3: Into the mountains – Picos de Europa

• Drive inland toward Potes, a charming mountain town

• Take a short hike or ride the Fuente Dé cable car (breathtaking views)

• Try local cheese and cider

• Stay in a stone inn tucked into the hills

Day 4: Back to Santander

• Return via scenic route through Valle de Cabuérniga

• Coffee and gallery hop in Santander before your flight/train

Final Takeaway

That’s a wrap! The takeaway is that Cantabria is effing beautiful. If you’ve got time to spare (and the hire car), extend the loop west to Asturias or head east into the Basque Country in buzzy, queer-friendly San Sebastián.

Quick Campfire Questions

This week, we’re lighting up the campfire with Andrew Wallace (He/Him), founder of About BPD, a mental health blog offering practical tips for people living with BPD.

In this mini-feature, he answers 5 quick questions about travel, identity, and what keeps him coming back for more. Grab a cup of something warm, and join us by the fire.

Q1. Where in the world are you right now, Andrew?

I'm currently at home in Cheshire, UK!

Q2. What’s your go-to travel vibe? (e.g., slow & scenic, thrill-seeking)

I love cultural trips, so for me it's about immersing myself in the culture, the people, the history. Whether it's the ruins of Rome or the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam, I am all about learning about what makes us, well, us!

Q3. One place you’d go back to in a heartbeat, and why

Rome! I went earlier this year and it was such an amazing city - rich with dramatic history, exquisite food and friendly people. I really fell in love with the city during my visit and I'd love to go back again soon. The Colosseum and the Roman Forum were definitely highlights for me!

Q4. What’s your dream adventure, no budget, no limits?

All across Asia! I lived in Beijing as a child, but I'm really keen to visit Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. In fact, with my 40th coming up in a couple years' time, there's a chance this could be how I celebrate...

 Q5. What’s one myth about LGBTQ+ travel you’d love to bust?

That travelling is expensive! So many of my LGBTQ+ friends spend a fortune when they go away, but the reality is that you can save if you do your research. My tip? Instead of eating at restaurants all the time, use the Too Good To Go app to save on meals. You'll be surprised what hidden treasures you'll find!

 Anything else you'd like to add? 

I'm the founder of About BPD, a mental health blog offering practical tips for people living with BPD. I just published an article on travel that might be of interest https://aboutbpd.co.uk/tips-for-managing-your-bpd-while-travelling