Free walking tours in Suances and what to see

Must-sees

Suances is a seafaring town on the central coast of Cantabria, at the mouth of the San Martín de la Arena estuary. It is known for its beaches and for surfing. La Concha is the main beach, beside the promenade, and Los Locos, more open with good waves, is the surfers’ favourite. La Ribera, inside the estuary, has calmer water.

In the upper part of the village is the lighthouse, with a viewpoint over the cliffs and the coast. The path linking the beaches along the sea’s edge is pleasant at any time. A few kilometres away are Santillana del Mar, with its medieval centre, and the Altamira Museum, which reproduces the cave and its rock art.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free tours in Suances. Most people get around on their own and book guided visits in nearby towns. Santillana del Mar has guided walks of the old town and the collegiate church, and at the Altamira Museum visits to the cave replica come with an explanation. Other popular activities are surf lessons at Los Locos, kayak trips on the estuary and outings to Comillas, with Gaudí’s El Capricho, or Cabárceno Nature Park. Santander does have free tours of the centre.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the village and its beaches. With two or three days you can combine beach mornings with visits to Santillana del Mar and Altamira, which fit well into a single day, and a trip to Comillas or Santander. If you are learning to surf, allow at least three or four sessions to notice progress.

Where to stay

The most practical area to stay is near La Concha and the promenade, with restaurants and services on foot. The upper part, by the lighthouse, is quieter with sea views, although it means climbing up and down slopes. If you are coming to surf, look for a place near Los Locos. Suances is a good base for exploring central Cantabria by car.