Northern Spain’s Cantabria packs incredible touring opportunities into a compact region. The standout experiences include artisanal liquor tastings at family-run distilleries, where passionate producers share generations-old techniques. The region’s fascinating mining heritage comes alive through guided underground tours of former zinc mines – these tours are particularly memorable for combining industrial history with natural cave formations.
I especially love the El Soplao Cave tour for its remarkable value and otherworldly crystal structures. The charming village tours are another favorite, offering an authentic taste of Cantabrian life complete with local cheese and wine sampling stops.
Let’s explore the very best tours this region has to offer.
Key Points
- Explore Cantabria’s artisanal distilling heritage through immersive wine and liquor tasting tours with guided tastings and local delicacies.
- Discover the region’s mining history with guided tours of historic zinc and lead mines, including entry to a natural cave.
- Witness the stunning geological formations and preserved mining galleries during the El Soplao Cave Tour, with 90% wheelchair accessibility.
- Explore the cultural and culinary treasures of Cantabria with a private tour showcasing Gaudí architecture, historic towns, and regional specialties.
- Enjoy personalized attention and flexibility with small group sizes, complimentary wine, and free cancellation options for many of the top tours in Cantabria.
Wine Tour and Tasting With a Lot of Flavour
For those seeking an immersive experience into Cantabria’s artisanal distilling heritage, the Wine Tour and Tasting With a Lot of Flavour is an enticing option.
This tour allows visitors to explore a small distillery, learn about the distillation of hard liquors like “aguardiente de Orujo” and whiskey, and sample a variety of wines, hard liquors, and local delicacies.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the experience promises personalized attention. The tasting menu includes 3 wines, 6 hard liquors, malt liquor, and 2 gins, accompanied by cheese, chorizo, and jams.
Conveniently located near public transportation, the tour starts and ends at the meeting point in Poblado Cabariezo, Cantabria.
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Cantabria: Wine and Liquor Tasting Guided Tour With Snacks
Visitors to Cantabria seeking an immersive experience into the region’s artisanal distilling heritage can embark on the Cantabria: Wine and Liquor Tasting Guided Tour With Snacks.
This 1-hour tour takes guests through a guided tasting of 3 wines, 6 hard liquors, and a malt hard liquor, accompanied by local delicacies.
Visitors will explore the distillery’s Alquitara distillation method and learn about the award-winning gins and upcoming whisky.
The tour includes a visit to the winery, tasting sessions, and a complimentary bottle of wine.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 4 reviews, this tour is suitable for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families alike.
Read our full review: Cantabria: Wine and Liquor Tasting Guided Tour With Snacks Review
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Udias: Guided Tour in a Mine and Access to a Natural Cave.
Those seeking an immersive experience into Cantabria’s mining heritage can embark on the Udías: Guided Tour in a Mine and Access to a Natural Cave.
The 2-hour private tour offers a van ride to the historic Udías mines, the largest zinc and lead mines in the region. Participants will receive safety gear and explore the mines for 1.5 hours, learning about the area’s mining history and geology.
The tour also provides access to a natural cave. Suitable for most, the experience isn’t recommended for young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
With consistently positive reviews, the tour promises an exciting adventure off the beaten path.
Read our full review: Udias: Guided Tour in a Mine and Access to a Natural Cave. Review
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Cantabria: El Soplao Cave Guided Tour
Exploring the captivating El Soplao Cave in Cantabria is a must-do adventure for those seeking to enjoy the region’s geological and mining heritage.
Priced at just $15.43 per person, the 1-hour guided tour in Spanish takes visitors on a remarkable journey through over 20 km of tunnels and galleries, including a 1,500-meter trek through stunning terrain.
Highlights include marveling at the cave’s spectacular geological formations, preserved mining galleries, and breathtaking views of the Picos de Europa.
With 90% of the route wheelchair accessible and free cancellation up to 3 days in advance, this tour offers an accessible and flexible way to uncover Cantabria’s rich underground wonders.
Read our full review: Cantabria: El Soplao Cave Guided Tour Review
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From Bilbao: Villages of Cantabria Private Tour With Lunch
For those seeking a deeper immersion into Cantabria’s charming villages and local culinary delights, the From Bilbao: Villages of Cantabria Private Tour With Lunch offers a comprehensive 9-hour experience.
Priced at £208.57 per person, this private guided tour takes visitors to Santillana del Mar, Comillas, and Castro Urdiales, allowing them to explore historic cobblestone streets, iconic Gaudí architecture, and sample regional specialties like sobaos pasiegos and Cocido Montañes.
With a live guide in Spanish and English, transportation, lunch, and all fees included, the tour provides a seamless and immersive way to discover the highlights of Cantabria.
Travelers can also appreciate the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: From Bilbao: Villages of Cantabria Private Tour With Lunch Review
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The Sum Up
Cantabria offers a diverse range of tours that cater to various interests. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tasting sessions and guided tours, while adventure-seekers can explore underground caves and mines. Those interested in cultural experiences can discover picturesque villages. With a variety of options available, visitors to Cantabria can find activities that align with their preferences and create memorable experiences.