Castro Urdiales, the beautiful capital of eastern Cantabria.
In a privileged spot on the northern coast of Spain, to the east of Cantabria, lies the town of Castro Urdiales.
As early as the Roman Empire, the Roman colony of Flaviobriga was established, and since then it has been a town with a rich history.
Not only does its history make Castro Urdiales (or Castro as it is colloquially known) a unique city, but also its proximity to the Basque Country and the major city of Bilbao, along with its privileged geography, make Castro a very popular vacation spot.
This popularity means that during the peak summer season, Castro Urdiales doubles or even triples its population.
At times, a stroll through Castro Urdiales can remind one of other northern cities like San Sebastian, with an equally interesting gastronomic offer.
Now that we know a bit more about Castro Urdiales, let’s look at five reasons to visit this city:
5 Reasons to visit Castro Urdiales in Cantabria...
1 - Its Historic Heritage
2 - Its Fishermen Town Vibe
3 - Its Parks and Beaches
Castro is an ideal place if you enjoy walking, strolling, and enjoying the sea.
One of the reasons is its parks, such as Amestoy Park (which includes a huge underground parking, recommended if you come by car). Adjacent to the fascinating Brazomar Beach, you have Cotolino Park, highly recommended for those traveling with pets!
If you’re a beach person, we recommend Ostende Beach, also located right in the city center. The Pedregal is also an interesting spot if you’re passing through.
Before continuing with the information, here are some activities we recommend for you in Castro Urdiales (You can click for more information):
At HiCantabria, we have decided to partner with Civitatis because they are the leader in tours and excursions in Spain. It’s the easiest way to book a tour organized by locals with complete security and in your own language. Below, you can click to find out all the details, such as the detailed description, price, and availability! There are also many more activities!
4 - Its Variety of Architecture Styles
We have talked about the history of Castro Urdiales, and that has a great impact on Castro Urdiales itself.
In Castro, you will see many similarities with cities like San Sebastian, especially in the area around Amestoy Park. We also have to highlight the Baroque architecture of the church, as well as the intriguing building of the town hall.
There are many examples of 20th-century modernist architecture, such as the aforementioned Ocharan Palace, the market, or the Plaza de Toros (bullring).
5 - Its Unique Cultural Style
Geographically, the city is very close to the Basque Country, and the fact that many Basques have their second homes in Castro Urdiales (many!) gives the town a very special atmosphere.
From a love for gastronomy and the famous pintxos to simply going from bar to bar, culturally the city has a strong identity that can be quite exotic even for people from outside of Spain.
It’s not uncommon to enjoy a coffee while listening to a local music band during their festivals, or to see boats decorated with flowers in preparation for their big event, the Coso Blanco!
How to get from Bilbao to Castro Urdiales?
Due to its proximity to Bilbao, Castro Urdiales can be a great starting point for your visit to Cantabria from the Basque Country. Also, if you are in Bilbao, you can take advantage of the opportunity for a day trip.
The best way to get from Bilbao to Castro is by bus. There is a direct bus from Bilbao (Termibus) to Castro (Plaza de Toros) every 15-30 minutes.
You can find more information on this website (In Spanish) and timetable.
Do you need more information about Santander or Cantabria?
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