La Gándara

Santander

La Gándara
La Gándara
Monumento a Los Raqueros which includes a statue or sculpture, a bay or harbor and outdoor art
La Gándara

Vacation in a northern Spanish town that is set amid spectacular natural landscapes and close to an ancient cave system decorated with Paleolithic art.

With evergreen valleys, ancient forests, waterfalls, green meadows and limestone caves, La Gándara and its surroundings are scenic gems in the heart of Green Spain. Make the town your base for exploring the beautiful Cantabrian countryside in northern Spain.

Go hiking in forests of beech trees and Cantabrian holm oaks in Collados del Asón Natural Park. This protected part of the Cantabrian Mountains is located just west of La Gándara. Enjoy a canoeing expedition on the Asón River, sections of which run through the park. Nearby is the Mirador de La Gándara. From its purpose-built viewing point you can see the waterfalls that are the source of the Gándara River. More hiking opportunities await in the Valley of the Asón and on the walking trails that pass through Astrana.

Drive through Cabárceno Natural Park to see hundreds of free-roaming animals, such as lions, rhinos, jaguars, elephants, Bengal tigers and ostriches. This wildlife area in the mountains covers 1,850 acres (750 hectares) of the Peña Cabarga Nature Reserve.

Discover how ancient peoples adapted to this part of the world when you visit the Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The limestone caves are renowned for well-preserved Paleolithic cave paintings, some of which date back to 35,000 B.C. Although the Altamira Cave is closed to protect the paintings, the adjacent museum has a walk-through replica of the cave and reproductions of the paintings. Study artifacts that depict how Paleolithic people used to live.

If you want to explore inside caves, drive south of La Gándara for about 40 minutes to the Monumento Natural de Ojo Guareña. This is a vast complex of karst caves that has guided tours.

Reach La Gándara by flying into Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, about 220 miles (350 kilometers) away. Make the rest of the journey to the green and mountainous surroundings by bus or rental car.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in La Gándara

Hotel Bahia

Hotel Bahia

4 out of 5
C/ Cádiz, 22, Santander, Cantabria
The price is P12,257 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P12,257
P13,483 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
Great hotel close to ferry
"Lovely hotel very close to the ferry port with a very good restaurant. Parking available but recommend pre-booking if possible"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Hotel Bahia
Hotel Santemar

Hotel Santemar

4 out of 5
C/ Joaquin Costa, 28, Santander, Cantabria
The price is P12,623 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P12,623
P13,885 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (893 reviews)
"Espectacular"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hotel Santemar
Ibis Styles Santander

Ibis Styles Santander

3 out of 5
AVENIDA DE PARAYAS 2A, Santander
The price is P9,147 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P9,147
P10,062 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (344 reviews)
"Basic but very clean. Close to ferry port but located adjacent to busy road. Approx 45min walk to beaches. Good value for basic accommodation with good breakfast"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Ibis Styles Santander
Hotel Chiqui

Hotel Chiqui

3 out of 5
Avda. Manuel García Lago 9, Santander, Cantabria
The price is P16,099 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P16,099
P17,709 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (811 reviews)
"Lovely staff and hotel. Would highly recommend"

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Hotel Chiqui
Eurostars Hotel Real

Eurostars Hotel Real

5 out of 5
Paseo Perez Galdos 28, Santander, Cantabria
The price is P17,013 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P17,013
P18,715 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (562 reviews)
Amazing hotel
"Amazing hotel with an amazing location. The room with an ocean view is worth the extra price. And the breakfast buffet is outstanding."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Eurostars Hotel Real
Hotel Silken Coliseum

Hotel Silken Coliseum

4 out of 5
Plaza de los Remedios, 1, Santander, Cantabria
The price is P10,662 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P10,662
P11,728 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (925 reviews)
"The location was close to many restaurants and shops. Very safe and walkable area. Close to many attractions and historical landmarks. The hotel was very clean, the room spacious and staff friendly."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Hotel Silken Coliseum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around La Gándara

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Puertochico

The beaches and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Puertochico. A stop by Chico Port or Bay of Biscay might round out your trip.

Puertochico
Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

Santander City Centre

Santander City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Jardines de Pereda or Plaza Porticada.

Santander City Centre
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Tetuán

Pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are well-reviewed features of Tetuán. Make a stop by top sights like The Cathedral while you're exploring the area.

Tetuán
Cantabria Maritime Museum which includes interior views and marine life

San Martín

Notable for its beaches, shopping, and waterfront views, San Martín is a sought-after destination for many travelers visiting Santander. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Cantabria Maritime Museum or Chico Port.

San Martín
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Cabildo de Arriba

The pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Cabildo de Arriba. A stop by Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Consolacion or Sotileza Mural might round out your trip.

Cabildo de Arriba
El Sardinero Beach showing a coastal town, heritage elements and general coastal views

El Sardinero

While visiting El Sardinero, you might make a stop by sights like El Sardinero Beach and Jardines de Piquio.

El Sardinero

La Gándara