Cantabria is one of those places that steal your heart. At The Indian Face we are nature lovers and are always looking for any excuse to take a rural getaway. You don’t have to go far; in Spain we have all kinds of landscapes: green and lush, dry and hot, mountains, sea… If you like nature, and even more the contrast of the green forests with the deep blue sea, you have to visit northern Spain. Today we want you to travel to Cantabria, where you will enjoy discovering routes, see animals in their most natural habitat, get lost on wild beaches… and since we love feeling the deepest nature, we are going to show you the 5 best campings right in the heart of Cantabria. You will fall in love with this land, its beaches, its storybook villages, its cliffs, its valleys…
In 2022, staying at a camping is no longer what it used to be. Are you more urban and think that camping is not for you? We’ll see if after reading this post you still think the same. Far from the mythical night in a tent, we propose 5 great plans so you have the best stay. There are options for all tastes, keep reading…
1. CAMPING PLAYA JOYEL
The crown jewel. It’s no coincidence that Playa Joyel was awarded by the Spanish Federation of Campings with the Best Beach Camping Award 2017. And not only that, in 2014 TripAdvisor also gave it the Certificate of Excellence and it received the Tourism Quality Commitment seal. It has 4 stars and is located right on Ris beach, in the town of Noja, inside the Trasmiera Ecopark Natural Reserve. It offers the best services: pools, jacuzzi, tennis and paddle courts, playgrounds, WiFi access, green areas, ice cream stands, bars… and of course, direct access to the beach. From the camping you can reach the city of Santander in just 40 minutes by car. It’s perfect for large groups or with little ones. It is open from April to September and we recommend booking in advance.
2. CAMPING LA VIORNA
If you want to spend a few days in the greenest Cantabria, this is your camping. The La Viorna camping is just 1 kilometer from Potes, right on the road that leads to the Santo Toribo de Liébana Monastery. Needless to say, the views are stunning. From here you can immerse yourself in the Cantabrian heart and visit many natural parks. Just 14 km to the west is the Picos de Europa National Park; to the north, the Hermida Gorge; to the east, the Peña Sagra mountain range and the Upper Nansa and Saja Valleys; and to the south, the Fuentes Carrionas and Fuente Cobre Natural Park. In short, you are surrounded by pure green. It’s the perfect option if you like hiking, mountain running, outdoor walks… It is one of the best rated, and for good reason. You can stay in an apartment or sleep in your caravan or tent by renting a plot. It offers all kinds of services: two outdoor pools, children’s area, green spaces… and even a bowling alley. It also has hot water, washers, dryer, WiFi… The little ones will have a great time! It is only open in spring and summer, from April to October. The plot price is very cheap: 13.80 euros in low season and 15.90 in high season (July 15 - August 25) and it covers car and tent, car and caravan or motorhome.
3. CAMPING LAS ARENAS
Western Cantabria is a true paradise you can’t miss. Its mountains, its estuaries… There is an estuary that is a real spectacle for the eyes, the Tina Mayor. It marks the border between Cantabria and its neighbor Asturias. A fishing enclave, where you can relax and stroll through its villages, get on one of its boats… soak up that sea flavor. There is a hidden beach, Playa de las Arenas, where our third recommendation is located. Its location is unbeatable and its landscapes look like they came out of a movie. If you are a sea and fishing lover, look no further. You can practice your favorite hobby and catch the best sea bass, salmon… But it’s not only the favorite of fishermen, the variety of holm oaks, oaks, pines and other specimens make this camping the ideal place for those who want to relax in a remote place and disconnect from noise, rush, and traffic jams. And if you want to do sports, you can enjoy activities like rafting, surfing, canoeing, golf, diving… there are options for all tastes. From here you can take a 1.5 km walk along the Cantabrian coast to the little village of Pechón, the unknown Cantabrian Eden, or visit Santillana del Mar, Llanes, the Covadonga Lakes… The camping has a restaurant, cafeteria, pool, showers, laundry… It is very well connected, just 2 km from the Cantabrian Highway and the service will make you feel at home.
4. CARAVANING OYAMBRE
Have you been to San Vicente de la Barquera or Comillas? If the answer is no, it’s a sin. San Vicente de la Barquera and Comillas are probably two of the most charming villages in Spain. Two treasures to get lost in beautiful Cantabria. Right halfway between the two is Oyambre beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Two kilometers of golden sand, away from crowds and with incredible waves make it a paradise for surfers and windsurfers. The best part? You can stay at its own camping: Caravaning Oyambre. It has different areas, from plots to bungalows or cabins, so you can choose the one that suits you best. It also offers areas like sports courts, indoor pools, children’s areas… It’s the best option for surfers, but it doesn’t only attract sea lovers. At Caravaning you can try activities like hiking, golf or mountain biking… You will have a great time!
5. CAMPING EL ROSAL
Our fifth and last recommendation is also located in the Oyambre Natural Park. It is such a beautiful area that if you have the chance to travel to Cantabria, it must be a mandatory stop. The El Rosal camping is located opposite San Vicente de la Barquera, so it is ideal for wandering through this charming fishing village and visiting historic places like the Church of Santa María de los Ángeles, the Old Convent of San Luis or the Castle. The camping has an area for tents and caravans, as well as 25 fully equipped bungalows. It is between the beaches of El Tostadero and Merón, so you can cross barefoot to the sand with your board under your arm. Also, you can visit the Cabárceno Nature Park, where you will discover animals of all species; explore the deep caves of El Soplao and Altamira or climb the Picos de Europa.
We know the idea of disconnecting for a few days in the middle of nature has excited you and we hope it will be one of your plans for this summer 2022. We want you to take care of yourself and your loved ones. We already know the damage the sun can cause, so we remind you not to be exposed for too many hours and always be well prepared. For your next adventure, pack your luggage efficiently and neatly with our backpacks and luggage, designed for the most demanding explorers. The sun is strong, but with the sunglasses that suit you, you will enjoy nature without worries. And to complement your look, don’t forget to wear one of our caps, the ideal accessory to protect yourself and keep your essence.
What are you waiting for to go with your loved ones? You will live an unforgettable experience and won’t want to come back. Start packing your backpack. The north awaits you, fall in love with Cantabria.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- WHAT ARE THE BEST CAMPINGS IN CANTABRIA?
It’s hard to choose the best campings in Cantabria, but we stick with Playa Joyel in Noja, La Viorna in Potes, Las Arenas on the border with Asturias, and Caravaning and El Rosal in Oyambre.
- WHEN TO GO CAMPING IN CANTABRIA?
The best is to go when temperatures are more pleasant. In Cantabria, the best time is in summer or the spring months, like May.
- WHAT IS THE BEST CAMPING FOR SURFING IN CANTABRIA?
If you want to make a surf trip and feel like camping, at The Indian Face we recommend El Rosal camping, right between the beaches of El Tostadero and Merón.
- IS THERE CAMPING IN OYAMBRE?
Oyambre is an area with a wide variety of campings. Our two favorites are Caravaning Oyambre and El Rosal.
- WHAT TO BRING TO A CAMPING?
Besides the necessary clothes and documents, you must never forget to always bring sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses.
- IS THERE BUNGALOW CAMPING IN CANTABRIA?
Of course! All the campings on our list offer bungalows to stay in if you want a more comfortable experience.
- HOW MUCH DOES A PLOT COST AT CAMPING LA VIORNA?
It’s really cheap. The price of the plot is 13.80 euros in low season and 15.90 in high season (July 15 - August 25) and it covers car and tent, car and caravan or motorhome.
