Travel Budget for Cantabria Visit Cantabria on a Budget or Travel in Style

Cantabria, Spain
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Cantabria is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Cantabria?

A typical traveler spends $9,784 (€8,340) per day on a trip to Cantabria. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Cantabria based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $2,080 (€1,773) on meals
  • $1,074 (€915) on local transportation
  • $9,774 (€8,332) on hotels

A one-week trip to Cantabria for two people costs, on average, $136,978 (€116,760). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $9,784
    €8,340
  • One Week Per person
    $68,489
    €58,380
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $136,978
    €116,760
  • One Month Per person
    $293,525
    €250,200
  • One Week For a couple
    $136,978
    €116,760
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $273,956
    €233,520
  • One Month For a couple
    $587,049
    €500,400
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cantabria cost?

A one week trip to Cantabria usually costs around $68,489 (€58,380) for one person and $136,978 (€116,760) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Cantabria on average costs around $136,978 (€116,760) for one person and $273,956 (€233,520) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cantabria will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Cantabria on average costs around $293,525 (€250,200) for one person and $587,049 (€500,400) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Cantabria expensive to visit?

In Cantabria, budget travelers spend $2,827 (€2,410) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $9,784 (€8,340) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $39,869 (€33,985) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Cantabria.

Cantabria is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.

While Cantabria can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Cantabria is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Europe for its travel costs. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Cantabria.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cantabria Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Cantabria?

The average Cantabria trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cantabria travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cantabria cost?

Cantabria on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$1,281
(€1,092) 		$4,887
(€4,166) 		$21,826
(€18,604)
Local Transportation1 $264
(€225) 		$1,074
(€915) 		$5,049
(€4,303)
Food2 $657
(€560) 		$2,080
(€1,773) 		$7,661
(€6,530)
Entertainment1 $578
(€492) 		$2,185
(€1,863) 		$9,690
(€8,259)
Alcohol2 $64-191
(€54-163) 		$202-607
(€173-518) 		$749-2,246
(€638-1,915)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Cantabria on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.

Cantabria on a Shoestring Budget?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $2,827 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?

Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Cantabria, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $9,784 per person, per day.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $39,869 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the destination will require a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Guided Walking Tour in Liérganes - offered by Viator.



Accommodation Budget in Cantabria

The cost of hotels in Cantabria can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $. Budget hotels range from $ to $, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Cantabria for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $9,774 (€8,332). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $4,887 (€4,166) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $4,887
    €4,166
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $9,774
    €8,332

Hotels in Cantabria

Looking for a hotel in Cantabria? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Cantabria

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.



Transportation Budget in Cantabria

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $1,074 (€915) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cantabria. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cantabria is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $1,074
    €915

The only airport in Cantabria is Santander Airport near Santander. It operates domestic flights, primarily from Madrid, and international flights with Ryanair from London, Dublin, Brussels, Rome, Milan, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam, plus other international flights to Bilbao.

There is also a ferry terminal in Santander if you wish to arrive by ferry from the UK.

By car from Bilbao, travel the A8 Freeway.

Navigating within the region is best done by rental car if you wish to see some of the smaller villages. Public buses are also available to the larger towns as well as between Santander and Bilbao.

Transportation Tips

Make sure your hotel provides easy parking options if you're driving.



Flights to Cantabria
How much does it cost to go to Cantabria? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Cantabria
The price of renting a car in Cantabria will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Cantabria

For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Cantabria can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cantabria is $2,080 (€1,773) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $2,080
    €1,773

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cantabria is around $2080 (€1773) per person, with previous travelers spending from $657 to $7661. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Cantabria are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $208 to $624
  • Lunch: $312 to $832
  • Dinner: $624 to $1456
  • Coffee: $166
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $312

The northwest of Spain is an area bordered by coastline, making seafood and fish a common staple for dishes throughout the region. The Spanish word for seafood is "marisco," and fresh catches include things like clams, mussels, pod razors, cockles, crabs, barnacles, crayfish, snails, lobster, squid, sea bass, hake, scorpion fish, anchovies, sardines, and tuna. Pulpo a feira is a common seafood dish of octopus prepared with oil, salt, and hot paprika. Then there are empanadas-pies made with a traditional dough, filled with onion, pepper, and some meat, usually tuna, veal, or seafood. Being close to the mountains as well, Cantabrian cuisine also features cattle and game like deer and wild boar. And some popular beverages include cider, wine, and orujo which is a type of pomace brandy. A great selection of dining options can be found in the city of Santander.

Food & Dining Tips

Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.

Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cantabria

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cantabria typically cost an average of $2,185 (€1,863) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $2,185
    €1,863

Bordered by mountains and sea, Cantabria is a region of natural beauty. Picos de Europa National Park, for example, is home to a stark mountain landscape on the inland side with rare species like the Cantabrian brown bear, wolves, and lynxes. This is the region for adventurous explorers and nature lovers looking to experience some of Spain's untouched environments. Cabárceno Nature Park and Zoo is another unique setting where you can see a variety of species including tigers, elephants, and reptiles.

With a history dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, Cantabria is also well-known for its caves. The most significant site for cave paintings is that in the cave of Altamira, dating from about 37,000 BC. It has been declared, along with nine other Cantabrian caves, as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Some of the others include the Monte el Castillo Caves, the Covalanas Caves, El Pendo Caves, Hornos de la Peña Caves, and El Soplao Caves.

In Cantabria's cities, like Santander, architecture and museums occupy much of the sight-seeing. The most emblematic sight of Santander is the Magdalena Palace which was once a summer residence for the Spanish king. Located on a peninsula of the same name, the palace stands in beautiful stone masonry overlooking the sea. Other architectural sights include a handful of churches and public buildings, historic streets and squares, and a number of peaceful parks.



If it is outdoor adventure you seek, Cantabria has a full range of activities from hiking or skiing in the mountains to swimming and watersports along the beaches of the coastline. The Primera de El Sardinero is the most famous beach of Santander, while Somo Beach just outside of Santander is more secluded and less crowded than beaches in Santander. Some others include Playa de El Puntal, Playa de Bikinis, Playa de Covachos, and many more.

If you prefer to get lost in the history of the region, spend your days wandering city streets and villages, exploring museums, or hopping on a tour for a more guided experience.

And then there are the local festivals, fairs, and celebrations held in different cities and villages throughout the region. All over the region, cattle and typical products fairs are celebrated regularly. Some of these include La Vijanera or Winter Carnival celebrated during the first Sunday of the year in Silio, Carnaval marinero or Sailor Carnival in February in Santoña where townsfolk dress up as fish, and La Folía in April in San Vicente de la Barquera where a parade of local fishing boats follows one with a statue of the Virgin. Then there is also Cantabria Day held on the second Sunday of August in Cabezon de la Sal. Festivities include traditional Cantabrian music, ceramics fair, local foods, bolo palma championships, ox dragging contests, and public speeches. These and many more make up the local celebrations.

A nice way to explore destinations in Cantabria is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Santillana del Mar for $217 details
  • Private Walking Tour of Altamira and Neocave Museum for $241 details
  • From Bilbao: Villages of Cantabria Private Tour with Lunch for $292 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Cantabria

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $405 (€345) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cantabria per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $405
    €345
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.



Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Cantabria

  • By taking a slower approach to travel, you can enjoy the local beauty while saving money. When you jam-pack your schedule with activities, your expenses can skyrocket. But if you allow yourself to relax and take in the sights, you might find you're spending less overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Cantabria offers limited public transit options. Renting a car or having a pre-arranged ride, such as a tour, could be a wise choice. Just remember, this might take a toll on your budget in other areas.
  • There aren't a lot of hostel options in Cantabria, so if you're thinking of saving money in a dorm, you might need to adjust your travel plans. A cheap hotel or apartment rental may be a better choice.
Traveling in Cantabria
Cantabria Cantabria Coastline, Spain

Occupying Spain's northern coast, the region of Cantabria is known for its mountains, cave paintings, and the capital city of Santander. Its diverse landscape allows for locals and visitors alike to hit the beach in the summer and go on mountain adventures in the winter. While these natural features alone are breathtaking, there is also much to say for Cantabria's quaint seaside towns, fresh cuisine, and rich history.



Regions

In Cantabria, the hotspot is the city of Santander. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand. Santander is the region's capital. Its most famous tourist attraction is the Magdalena Palace which was used as a summer getaway of Spanish royalty. The city is also known for its fishing harbor. Other cities in Cantabria include Torrelavega and Castro Urdiales, plus a handful of seaside villages.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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