Attractions and Places To See around Comillas - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Comillas, a coastal town in Cantabria, Spain, is known for its modernist architecture, historical sites, and natural landscapes. The town features iconic landmarks and cultural sites, alongside picturesque natural features. Visitors can explore a blend of architectural heritage and coastal scenery.
Best attractions and places to see around Comillas
- The most popular attractions is Historic center of Comillas, a historical site traditionally known as the “City of Archbishops”. This area is rich in architecture of late historicism and early modernism, including the Palacio de Sobrellano and the building of the Pontifical University.
- Another must-see spot is El Capricho de Gaudí, a man-made monument. This building, designed by Antoni Gaudí, features distinctive Persian-style minarets and sunflower-patterned ceramic tiles. It is one of Gaudí's early works, built between 1883 and 1885.
- Visitors also love San Vicente de la Barquera, a settlement located in the heart of the Oyambre natural park. This impressive fishing village is situated between two estuaries, offering views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa.
- Comillas is known for its modernist architecture, historical sites, and natural coastal features. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from grand palaces to scenic viewpoints.
- The attractions around Comillas are appreciated by the komoot community, with 127 upvotes and 41 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Historic center of Comillas
Highlight • Historical Site
The municipality was the first settlement in Spain with electrically powered street lighting.
Comillas is rich in architecture of late historicism and early modernism, mainly due to the patronage of Claudio López Bru.
Some of the most outstanding examples:
Palacio de Sobrellano (built 1878-1890 by Joan Martorell for the Márques de Comillas)
Panteón de Sobranello (chapel right next to the Palacio de Sobranello, also built by Martorell in 1881, the furnishings come from young Antoni Gaudí)
Building of the Pontifical University of Comillas (Spanish: Universidad Pontificia Comillas), started in 1883 by Martorell, completed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner; The university was founded by Claudio López Bru in Comillas, the main campus is now in Madrid.
Source: Wikipedia
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Church of Saint Christopher
Highlight • Religious Site
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San Vicente de la Barquera
Highlight • Settlement
In Roman times, San Vicente was already an important port. In the Middle Ages, notable buildings such as the church of Santa María de los Ángeles were built and today the remains of the wall and the castle remain. However, the most appreciated monument is the stone bridge of La Maza, with its 28 eyes, built by order of the Catholic kings in the 16th century. From this bridge you can appreciate one of the most characteristic views of San Vicente, the contrast of the snow-capped peaks of Europe and the mouth of the estuary to the Cantabrian Sea.
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El Capricho de Gaudí
Highlight • Monument
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Cistercian Abbey of Saint Mary, Cóbreces
Highlight • Religious Site
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Tips from the Community
Cobreces Abbey is a Trappist monastery in Cantabria known for its neo-Gothic architecture. It offers lodging, a pilgrim's hostel, and a shop selling products such as the famous Trappist cheese.
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It's worth a visit. Great details inside.
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One of Gaudi's early works, a mixture of architectural styles, imaginative and colorful. The history and structure are explained in a film in French and Spanish.
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Nice little oasis in a small town with many corners
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Gaudí combined music and architecture when designing this building in Comillas on the northern Spanish Atlantic coast. A 19th century work by Antonio Gaudí. His modernism style is characterized by a fusion of music and architecture, which gives this building new accents. Here, Arabic elements (tiles, clinker bricks...) and neo-Gothic and tree-like shapes are mixed.
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The summer home of wealthy businessman Díaz de Quijano was designed by Antoni Gaudí. The outstanding feature of Villa Quijano or El Capricho is the round tower, which, like parts of the facade, is covered with colorful tiles. The design and execution of the interiors appear very modern. While not as imposing as other works by Gaudi, it is still worth the visit/admission.
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Comillas has an old town worth seeing with some interesting sights. A visit is always recommended.
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The old town of Comillas is simply a must
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique architectural styles can I explore in Comillas?
Comillas is renowned for its modernist architecture. You can visit El Capricho de Gaudí, an early work by Antoni Gaudí featuring distinctive Persian-style minarets and sunflower-patterned ceramic tiles. The town also boasts the grand Neo-Gothic Palacio de Sobrellano and the impressive buildings of the former Pontifical University, both significant examples of late 19th-century architecture.
Are there any historical sites to visit in Comillas?
Yes, the Historic center of Comillas is a designated Historic-Artistic Site, characterized by cobbled streets and traditional houses. Key historical landmarks include the Church of Saint Christopher, dating from the 17th century, and the Cementerio de Comillas, known for its modernist mausoleums and the striking 'Exterminating Angel' sculpture.
What natural attractions are there around Comillas?
Beyond the town, you can explore the extensive Oyambre Natural Park, which features diverse landscapes of dunes, cliffs, marshland, and estuaries, rich in birdlife. The area also offers fine-sand beaches and the Mirador de Santa Lucía, providing incredible panoramic views of the coast and the Comillas lighthouse.
What outdoor activities can I do near Comillas?
The region around Comillas offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Comillas Coastal Route' or the 'Sobrellano Palace – Oyambre Natural Park loop'. Cyclists can enjoy road cycling routes such as 'Comillas to Collado de Carmona Loop' or gravel biking trails like 'View of Comillas – View of the Cantabrian Sea loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking, road cycling, and gravel biking guides for the area.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Comillas?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Historic center of Comillas offers a pleasant environment for strolling. El Capricho de Gaudí is often enjoyed by children due to its unique and colorful design. Additionally, the nearby fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera, with its beaches and historical elements, is a great family destination.
What is the best time to visit Comillas for outdoor activities?
Comillas, being a coastal town, is pleasant during spring and autumn for outdoor activities when temperatures are mild. Summer offers warmer weather ideal for beach activities and water sports. The region's natural beauty, including the Oyambre Natural Park, can be enjoyed throughout these seasons.
What is the significance of the nearby village of San Vicente de la Barquera?
San Vicente de la Barquera is an impressive fishing village located within the Oyambre Natural Park. It's known for its picturesque setting between two estuaries, offering unique views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa. Historically, it was an important port and features notable buildings like the church of Santa María de los Ángeles and the ancient stone bridge of La Maza.
Can I find any religious or spiritual sites in the Comillas area?
Yes, besides the Church of Saint Christopher in the town center, you can visit the Cistercian Abbey of Saint Mary, Cóbreces. This Trappist monastery, built in a Neo-Gothic style, is known for its architecture and offers products like the famous Trappist cheese.
What do visitors enjoy most about Comillas?
Visitors frequently praise Comillas for its unique blend of architectural heritage and natural beauty. Many highlight the charm of El Capricho de Gaudí and the historical richness of the Historic center of Comillas. The scenic coastal views and the tranquil atmosphere of nearby natural parks are also highly appreciated.
Are there any viewpoints offering panoramic scenery in Comillas?
Yes, the Mirador de Santa Lucía is a popular viewpoint that provides incredible panoramic views, especially at sunset. From here, you can see the beach, the Comillas lighthouse, and the small hermitage of Santa Lucía, offering a comprehensive vista of the coastal landscape.
What is the history behind Comillas's modernist architecture?
Comillas became a favored summer destination for the Spanish royal family and nobility in the 19th century. This attracted wealthy patrons, such as Claudio López Bru, the Marquis of Comillas, who commissioned renowned Catalan modernist architects like Antoni Gaudí and Joan Martorell to design many of the town's impressive buildings, leading to its distinctive architectural character.
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