Cantabria: Nature, Charming Villages & More

Hotel Mirador de Gornazo: your base for discovering Cantabria

Ready to explore Cantabria at your own pace? Hotel Mirador de Gornazo offers a simple, convenient stay in a perfect location for those travelling by car and looking to get around the region with ease.

Located beside the A-67, the hotel offers free car park and easy access to destinations such as Santander and Suances. Santander Airport is also around 17 km away.

The hotel features a restaurant serving local cuisine, a bar, a terrace and a garden, as well as free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception. Rooms include a private bathroom and a TV, with family options available.

Guest reviews particularly highlight the friendly staff, comfortable beds, the spaciousness and cleanliness of some rooms, and the convenient location.

Book your holiday and enjoy the freedom to explore Cantabria!

Gornazo, a small village in the municipality of Miengo, is a perfect choice for those looking to unwind from the pace of the busiest tourist areas, while enjoying an excellent base for exploring the central coast of Cantabria. Surrounded by green, rural scenery, it retains the calm atmosphere so typical of inland Cantabria.

One of its main attractions is precisely its surroundings. From here you can visit the beaches of the Miengo municipality, where you’ll find golden sands such as Cuchía, Los Caballos, Usgo and Usil, ideal for swapping sightseeing for a few hours by the Cantabrian Sea.

And if you fancy some seaside atmosphere, Suances is another top outing in the area. Stroll by the sea, discover La Concha beach or head to Los Locos, especially popular with surfers.

Furthermore, Gornazo is a great starting point for combining nature, charming villages, Cantabrian cuisine and beach days, without needing to stay in the heart of a tourist resort.

Cantabria is one of northern Spain’s most refreshing escapes, where green mountains meet wild beaches and charming villages feel wonderfully untouched. Set between the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa, this region is perfect for families and couples who want nature, culture, great food, and a slower pace of travel.

Make sure you visit:

• Santander, Cantabria’s elegant capital, with its bay, seafront promenades, and the beautiful Magdalena Peninsula.
• Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s prettiest medieval villages, with cobbled streets and traditional stone houses.
• Comillas, famous for its Modernist architecture, including Gaudí’s colourful El Capricho.
• Potes, a mountain village surrounded by spectacular landscapes in the Liébana Valley.
• San Vicente de la Barquera, a postcard-perfect fishing town with sea views and the Picos de Europa in the background.

Beaches we think you’ll like:

• El Sardinero Beach in Santander: wide, elegant, and ideal for a classic seaside day.
• Oyambre Beach: surrounded by natural scenery, perfect for long walks and peaceful views.
• Liencres Beach: great for dramatic coastal landscapes, dunes, and sunsets.
• Somo Beach: a favourite for surfing and family beach days.
• La Arnía Beach: a more rugged and scenic spot, ideal for photos and nature lovers.

Family-friendly activities:

• Spend the day at Cabárceno Nature Park, where animals live in large open spaces in a spectacular former mining landscape.
• Take the Fuente Dé Cable Car for unforgettable views of the Picos de Europa.
• Visit the Altamira Museum, a great way to discover prehistoric cave art in an accessible family-friendly setting.
• Walk along Santander’s seafront and enjoy the Magdalena Peninsula.
• Explore easy coastal paths and viewpoints around the Costa Quebrada.

Make sure you try these local delicacies:

• Rabas: crispy fried squid, a Cantabrian classic often enjoyed as an aperitif.
• Cocido lebaniego: a hearty mountain stew from the Liébana area.
• Anchovies from Santoña: one of the region’s most famous gourmet products.
• Sobao pasiego: a soft, buttery sponge cake from the Pasiego Valleys.
• Quesada pasiega: a traditional sweet dessert with a rich, creamy texture.

Make the most of your visit and go to...

• Picos de Europa National Park: ideal for mountain views, hiking, and scenic drives.
• Santillana del Mar and Altamira: a perfect cultural day trip combining history and heritage.
• Comillas: a beautiful coastal town with beaches, palaces, and unique architecture.
• Liébana Valley and Potes: perfect for rural landscapes, local food, and mountain charm.
• El Soplao Cave: an impressive underground visit full of fascinating rock formations.