Free walking tours in Laredo and what to see

Must-sees

Laredo is a seafaring town in eastern Cantabria, halfway between Santander and Bilbao, with two sides to it. On one hand is La Salvé beach, several kilometres of sand with a long promenade. On the other is the Puebla Vieja, the medieval quarter on the hillside, with narrow streets, houses with coats of arms and the church of Santa María de la Asunción at the top.

From the Puebla Vieja you can walk through the La Atalaya tunnel, cut through the rock, which leads to the port and the Rastrillar fort, with sea views. The port also has a fishing atmosphere and good places to eat. Emperor Charles V landed here on his last journey to Spain. At the end of August the town holds its Battle of Flowers.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours are common in Laredo in summer, covering the Puebla Vieja, the church of Santa María and the tunnel. The rest of the year it is easier to find guided visits run by the town on set dates. Among day trips, it is worth taking the boat across to Santoña in season, walking Monte Buciero to the Caballo lighthouse, birdwatching in the Santoña marshes or visiting Castro Urdiales.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the town and the beach: the morning for the Puebla Vieja, the tunnel and the port, and the afternoon for a walk along La Salvé. If you want to add Santoña, Buciero or Castro Urdiales, allow two or three days, with mornings for each trip and afternoons on the beach.

Where to stay

For sightseeing, the best place to stay is the Puebla Vieja or the centre, near the port, where the restaurants are. If you are coming for the beach, the La Salvé promenade is the most convenient, with apartments and hotels facing the sea. In summer, book well ahead.