Indiano Day
A celebration of the town's historical connection with returning wealthy emigrants, with period outfits.
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Comillas
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Comillas
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Book 'El Capricho' tickets in advance, especially during the summer months.
- Walk up to the Pontifical University for a spectacular view of the town and the Cantabrian coast.
- Parking in the center is very limited in summer; use the designated public parking areas on the town's outskirts.
- Visit the Sobrellano Palace and its Pantheon, but check the schedule as access is typically by guided tour only.
- The local beach is beautiful but pay attention to the warning flags, as the Cantabrian tides can be strong.
🍽 Food
🍽
Rabas (fried squid)
Find them in the lively tapas bars around the central Plaza de la Constitución.
🍽
Anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea
A high-quality local delicacy available in most traditional seafood restaurants.
🍽
Sobao pasiego
A buttery, dense sponge cake, first-rate for breakfast from a local traditional bakery.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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Cantabrian preserves
Jars of high-quality tuna and anchovies can be bought at local delicatessens.
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Local ceramics
Small artisan shops in the old town offer unique handmade pottery.
🧘
Parque de Güell y Martos
A quiet, green space offering views over the coastline and the modernist monuments.
🧘
The Gothic Cemetery
Overlooking the sea, this peaceful spot features the striking 'Exterminating Angel' sculpture.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
6
Medieval Market
The streets of Comillas travel back in time with artisan stalls, street theater, and historical reenactments.
Festivities of Santo Cristo del Amparo
The most important local festival, featuring a maritime procession and fireworks.
Feast of St. Peter
Traditional celebrations honoring St. Peter with traditional dances, music, and local festivities.
Folkomillas Folk Festival
A weekend of traditional folk music, dancing, and cultural performances from Cantabria.
Three Kings Parade
An evening parade for children featuring the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
Comillas in Cantabria is an architectural anomaly of extraordinary beauty. Thanks to the influence of the first Marquis of Comillas, the town became a hub for modernist experiments in the late 19th century. The most famous landmark is 'El Capricho', a colorful summer house designed by Antoni Gaudí, decorated with ceramic sunflowers. Right next to it stands the neo-Gothic Sobrellano Palace with its accompanying chapel-pantheon. Dominating the town from a hill is the monumental red brick building of the former Pontifical University. The town's old cemetery is also a must-see, featuring the imposing 'Angel of the Abyss' sculpture guarding the graves against the backdrop of the Cantabrian Sea. Surrounded by the Oyambre Natural Park, Comillas combines high culture with a memorable natural environment.
- Location: Spain
- Top sights: El Capricho de Gaudí · Sobrellano Palace · Pontifical University
- Nearby: San Vicente de la Barquera (8 km)
- Population: ~2.300
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 123 | 103 | 94 | 77 | 62 | 53 | 34 | 37 | 50 | 100 | 137 | 118 |
Live webcam – Comillas
See what it looks like near Comillas right now.
Comillas › North-east · 0.8 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- El Capricho: One of the few Gaudí works outside Catalonia
- El Capricho construction: 1883-1885
- Marquis of Comillas: First Spanish town with electric street lighting
- Pontifical University: Founded in 1890
- Sobrellano Palace: First neo-Gothic palace in Spain
- Cemetery sculpture: The 'Angel of the Abyss' by Josep Llimona
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→14:161.9 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 15–21 €Entries 18€ · Transport 0€
Discover the architectural wealth of Comillas on foot. We start at the lively main square and visit Gaudí's colorful 'Capricho'. Next, we explore the magnificent Sobrellano Palace and its chapel. We end the afternoon relaxing at the beach.
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09:00→14:161.9 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 15–21 €Entries 18€ · Transport 0€
Start your walk at the arcaded Plaza de la Constitución, perfect for rainy mornings. Gaudí's El Capricho looks vibrant as the rain enhances its ceramic colors. The Sobrellano Palace provides a grand indoor escape from the weather. Conclude by watching the dramatic Atlantic waves at the beach before finding warmth in a local traditional tavern.
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El Capricho de Gaudí
The indoor tour is first-rate for rain; umbrella stands available.
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Palacio de Sobrellano
Vast interior spaces, well-suited for escaping the bad weather.
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09:00→14:161.9 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 15–21 €Entries 18€ · Transport 0€
A crisp winter morning in Comillas starts in the quiet main square. The low sun casts a golden glow on Gaudí's El Capricho. Visiting Sobrellano Palace offers majestic silence without the summer crowds. A brisk beach walk during the early 5:30 PM sunset is refreshing, followed by a cozy dinner with hearty local stews.
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Day budget: ≈ 27–37 €Entries 20€ · Transport 12€
Explore the hills of Comillas by bike. We climb the hill to the Pontifical University for a great view, then cycle to the dramatically located cemetery. After a stop at the Bird's Gate, we enjoy the afternoon at the wide beach.
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Day budget: ≈ 27–37 €Entries 20€ · Transport 12€
A wet bike ride through Comillas requires caution on the cobblestones. From the square, climb to the University, which looks mystical in the mist. The cemetery with its guardian angel is a dramatic stop under the clouds. The tour ends at the coast, where salt spray mixes with rain, before drying off in town.
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Universidad Pontificia
The steep incline can be slippery; brake cautiously downhill.
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09:00→14:024 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 27–37 €Entries 20€ · Transport 12€
Winter cycling in Comillas offers crisp air and clear views. The climb to the University will warm you up, rewarded by a great panorama. The ride to the modernist cemetery is striking in the low winter light. In the afternoon, enjoy the empty beach before the daylight fades early.
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09:00→14:332.5 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
By car you can reach all the sights comfortably. We visit Gaudí's architectural jewels and the Sobrellano Palace, drive to the university, and admire the cliffs at the cemetery. The day ends flexibly at Comillas beach.
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09:00→14:332.5 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
By car, you can explore Comillas comfortably even in the rain. The drive between El Capricho and Sobrellano Palace keeps you dry between visits. A detour to the University shows off grand architecture under gray skies. The tour ends at the harbor parking, where you can watch the sea from your warm car while it rains.
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09:00→14:332.5 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
A winter drive through Comillas takes you to the architectural highlights. The car's heater makes moving between El Capricho and Sobrellano Palace very comfortable. The climb to the University offers fantastic photo ops in the clear winter light. The day ends at the beach for a frosty sunset before heading to a cozy dinner.
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🧰 Tools at hand▼
📅 Best time to visit
June and September are ideal, warm enough for the beach without the August crush. Peak summer fills the old town with Spanish families and parking turns into a patience test.
⚠️ Where to be careful
Comillas is very safe. The cobbled lanes up to the Capuchin monastery get slippery in rain, watch your step. At low tide the beach stretches out beautifully, but currents at the western end are no joke.
🗣️ Language quick-tip
Pure Castilian Spanish, no regional dialect. Staff at Capricho de Gaudí speak good English, while tapas bars on the main square only manage basics. 'Una caña, por favor' covers most situations.
Sights in the town Comillas (22)
Sobrellano Palace
An impressive neo-Gothic palace reflecting the power and wealth of the first Marquis of Comillas in the late 19th century.
🌐 centros.culturadecantabria.com🕒 Oct 21-Feb 28: Mo-Fr,Su 09:30-15:30; Oct 21-Feb 28: Sa 09:30
Plaza de la Constitución
Framed by traditional Cantabrian buildings, the Plaza de la Constitución forms the animated center of Comillas. The historic town hall watches over the sociable bustle that brings locals and guests together. Over a cozy coffee, the urban flair can be wonderfully enjoyed right here.
Playa de Oyambre🎡 recreation
In the coastal landscape of Comillas, Playa de Oyambre marks a remarkable piece of Spanish nature. The expansive beach setting exudes an inviting tranquility that is well-suited for extended beach days. In the summer, it is highly recommended to fully enjoy the light breeze and the wide panorama.
Frequently asked questions
What is El Capricho?
A colorful villa designed by Antoni Gaudí, one of his few works outside of Catalonia.
Is there a beach in Comillas?
Yes, Comillas has a beautiful sandy beach that is good for families.
What is the Pontifical University?
An imposing brick building in Neo-Gothic-Mudéjar style that overlooks the town.
Do I need a car?
Main attractions are walkable, but a car is useful for exploring the surrounding area.
When are the museums open?
Usually from 10:30 to 14:00 and 15:30 to 18:30; often closed on Mondays.
Comillas: where is it located?
Comillas is located in Spain.
Comillas: what is there to see?
Highlights include El Capricho de Gaudí, Sobrellano Palace, Pontifical University.
Comillas: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Comillas: why is it worth visiting?
Comillas in Cantabria is an architectural anomaly of extraordinary beauty.
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