Castro Urdiales, Spain Guide
Castro Urdiales, a charming coastal town in Cantabria, northern Spain, offers a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Its picturesque harbor, dominated by the imposing Santa Ana Castle and the Gothic Church of Santa María de la Asunción, provides a stunning backdrop for leisurely strolls and exploration. The town's rich maritime heritage is evident in its architecture, traditions, and the lively atmosphere of its fishing port. Beyond its historical landmarks, Castro Urdiales boasts beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush green landscapes. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and exploring the surrounding natural parks. The town's friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and relaxed pace of life make it an ideal destination for a relaxing and authentic Spanish experience.
Food & Cuisine
The cuisine of Castro Urdiales is heavily influenced by its coastal location, with fresh seafood playing a starring role. "Marmita," a hearty tuna stew, is a local specialty, as is "bocartes rebozados," fried anchovies. Other popular dishes include grilled octopus, seafood paella, and various preparations of hake and sea bass. The town's harbor area is lined with restaurants and bars offering a wide range of seafood options. For a more authentic experience, visit the local fish market in the morning to see the daily catch. Some well-regarded restaurants include Restaurante Marinero and Mesón La Arboleda, known for their fresh seafood and traditional Cantabrian dishes.
Nightlife
Castro Urdiales offers a relaxed but enjoyable nightlife scene, primarily centered around the harbor area and the streets of the old town. Many bars and pubs stay open late, offering a variety of drinks and tapas. The atmosphere is generally lively and friendly, with locals and tourists mingling together. For a more vibrant atmosphere, head to the bars along Calle de la Ronda, known for its selection of bars and pubs. While Castro Urdiales doesn't have large nightclubs, there are several smaller venues that offer music and dancing.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Castro Urdiales is during the late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer season. The summer months (July-August) can be quite busy, but the weather is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Transportation
Castro Urdiales is primarily served by local and regional bus services. These buses connect the town with other destinations along the Cantabrian coast, including Bilbao and Santander. Within the town itself, walking is the most convenient way to explore the historic center and harbor area. Taxis are also available for shorter trips or for reaching destinations outside the immediate town center. There is no tram or subway/metro system in Castro Urdiales.
Airport
The nearest airport to Castro Urdiales is Bilbao Airport (BIO), located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) away. From the airport, you can reach Castro Urdiales by bus (Bizkaibus A3247 to Bilbao and then a bus to Castro Urdiales), taxi, or rental car. The bus is the most economical option, while a taxi offers the most direct and convenient transfer.
Attractions
Hermitage of Santa Ana
A small, charming hermitage located near the port. It's a peaceful place to reflect and admire the simple architecture. It offers a glimpse into the religious history of the town.
Playa de Ostende
A popular sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Enjoy the clear waters, soft sand, and beautiful views. There are also amenities like beach bars and restaurants nearby, making it a great place to spend a day.
Via Verde Itsaslur
A scenic greenway following an old railway line along the coast. Perfect for walking, cycling, or running, offering stunning views of the sea and surrounding landscape. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere as you explore the natural beauty of the area.
Church of Santa Maria de la Asunción
A magnificent Gothic church dating back to the 13th century. Admire its impressive architecture, intricate details, and stained glass windows. Explore the interior and appreciate the historical and religious significance of this iconic landmark.
Port of Castro Urdiales
A charming harbor filled with fishing boats and yachts. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and watch the boats come and go. There are also restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Roman Bridge
An ancient Roman bridge, a testament to the town's rich history. Admire the architectural marvel and imagine the people who crossed it centuries ago. It's a significant historical landmark and a great photo opportunity.
Castro Urdiales Castle-Lighthouse
A medieval castle transformed into a lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Explore the historic structure, learn about its maritime significance, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. It's a prominent landmark and a great spot for photography.
Parque Amestoy
A green space in the heart of Castro Urdiales, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. Enjoy the shade of the trees, admire the flowers, and watch the world go by. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the town.
Paseo de Ocharan Mazas
A beautiful promenade along the coast, offering stunning views of the sea and the town. Stroll along the path, enjoy the fresh air, and admire the architecture of the surrounding buildings. It's a great place to relax and take in the scenery.
Playa de Brazomar
Another beautiful beach in Castro Urdiales, offering a more relaxed atmosphere than Playa de Ostende. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. It's a great place for families and those looking for a quieter beach experience.
La Barrera Viewpoint
A viewpoint offering panoramic views of the town, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains. It's a great place to take photos and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Enjoy the fresh air and the stunning scenery.
El Canto Saltacaballo
A rugged coastal area with dramatic cliffs and stunning views of the sea. Explore the area on foot, enjoy the fresh air, and admire the natural beauty. It's a great place for hiking and photography.
Day Trips
Comillas is a charming coastal town known for its unique architecture, including the Capricho de Gaudí, a whimsical villa designed by Antoni Gaudí. Explore the historic center, relax on the beach, and enjoy the town's relaxed atmosphere.
Approx. 1 hour by car Laredo is a coastal town known for its long sandy beach, La Salvé. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or strolling along the promenade. Explore the old town, known as Puebla Vieja, with its historic architecture.
Approx. 20 minutes by car Bilbao is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Explore the Casco Viejo (Old Town) with its charming streets and pintxos bars, or stroll along the Nervión River. The city offers a blend of modern art, Basque culture, and delicious cuisine.
Approx. 40 minutes by car Santillana del Mar is a beautifully preserved medieval town, often called "the town of three lies" (neither holy, nor flat, nor has a sea). Wander through its cobblestone streets, admire the historic architecture, and visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana.
Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by car Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country, is a green city with a well-preserved medieval quarter. Explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria, wander through the Florida Park, and discover the city's rich history and culture.
Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by car Santander is a beautiful coastal city with elegant beaches, a historic city center, and stunning views of the Bay of Santander. Visit the Magdalena Peninsula, explore the Sardinero beaches, and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Approx. 1 hour by car Potes is a charming town located in the heart of the Liébana valley, surrounded by the Picos de Europa mountains. It's known for its picturesque bridges, traditional architecture, and delicious orujo liqueur. It's a great base for exploring the mountains.
Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes by car Guernica is a town with a poignant history, known for being bombed during the Spanish Civil War. Visit the Peace Museum, see the replica of Picasso's Guernica, and learn about the town's resilience.
Approx. 1 hour by car Burgos is a historic city with a magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city's medieval streets, visit the Casa del Cordón, and discover its rich history.
Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes by car San Sebastián is a sophisticated coastal city renowned for its beautiful beaches, world-class cuisine, and elegant architecture. Stroll along La Concha beach, explore the Parte Vieja (Old Town) with its pintxos bars, and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes by car Comillas
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Laredo
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Bilbao
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Santillana del Mar
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Vitoria-Gasteiz
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Santander
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Potes
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Guernica
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Burgos
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San Sebastián
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