Santander: Comillas, modernist architecture & Gaudi

Touring Comillas offers a fascinating glimpse into Spain’s only modernist town in Cantabria. This guided experience balances cultural highlights, striking architecture, and scenic coastal views, all packed into about five hours. It’s perfect for architecture lovers, history buffs, or anyone eager to enjoy a charming seaside town beyond Santander.

What truly hooks travelers is the chance to see Gaudí’s Capricho, an out-of-Catalonia gem that makes this trip stand out. The combination of elegant buildings, a scenic drive, and an authentic small-town vibe makes it a rewarding half-day escape. However, keep in mind that the tour involves some walking and a 50-minute drive, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with light mobility and a moderate pace.

This experience is ideal if you’re hoping to combine architecture, history, and scenic views in one outing. It’s particularly valuable for curious travelers who want to see Gaudí’s work outside Barcelona and enjoy a well-organized, small-group tour that ensures personal attention.

Key Points

• Unique Modernist Town: Comillas is the only city in Cantabria showcasing Catalan modernism.
• Gaudí’s Capricho: A highlight featuring one of Gaudí’s few buildings outside Catalonia, with colorful shapes and quirky materials.
• Historic Sites: The Old Seminary and other buildings tell stories of local history and architecture.
• Scenic Coastal Views: The tour includes plenty of time to enjoy vistas over the small port, beach, and surrounding landscape.
• Convenient Half-Day: The tour lasts around 4.5 to 5 hours, making it manageable for most schedules.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized insights.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at one of two conveniently located pickup points in Santander, either at C. Castelar, 29, or another designated spot. From there, you’ll hop into a private minivan, which makes the journey comfortable and easy—no fuss with public transport or buses. The drive to Comillas takes approximately 50 minutes, giving you a preview of the Cantabrian landscape, with rolling hills and coastal views.

Choosing a small-group experience (max 8 people) means you’ll get more personalized attention from your guide. This is especially valuable if you’re keen to ask questions about architecture, local history, or Gaudí’s influence.

Exploring Comillas: The Town’s Charm

Once in Comillas, the adventure kicks off with a guided visit to the Old Main Seminary, an impressive structure that dominates the town’s skyline. Reviewers praise the size and detail of this building—one mentioned being amazed by its scale and the craftsmanship visible in the architecture. You’ll see the church’s under-renovation section, which adds a sense of authentic, ongoing preservation.

Walking through the town, your guide points out notable buildings, including the Palace of Sobrellano with its chapel, and the Old Cemetery with the striking “Ángel Exterminador” sculpture. These sites offer a glimpse into the local aristocracy’s history and the town’s architectural sophistication.

The Highlight: El Capricho de Gaudí

The jewel of the trip is El Capricho, Gaudí’s only work outside Catalonia. This villa is a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant colors, flowing shapes, and unconventional materials. Reviewers were enchanted by Gaudí’s signature style, noting the playful use of curves and vibrant tile work. One reviewer remarked, “You’ll love the shapes, colors, and materials Gaudí used—they’re unlike anything else in Spain.”

Your guided tour here offers insights into Gaudí’s design principles, revealing how his distinctive style was adapted for this seaside setting. The visit lasts about an hour, giving plenty of time to appreciate the building’s quirky details and photograph the vivid facades.

Scenic Drive and Additional Highlights

After visiting El Capricho, the tour continues with a scenic drive through the town, stopping to admire the Palace of Sobrellano, the Old Cemetery, and the small port and beach. This part of the experience really emphasizes the beauty of Comillas—not just its architecture but also its seaside charm.

Reviewers mention the stunning views over the coast and appreciate that the drive is leisurely, allowing time to soak in the surroundings. Some even noted how the landscape and architecture blend seamlessly, offering a perfect mix of nature and design.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts approximately five hours, including transportation, guided visits, and scenic stops. It’s priced at $78 per person, which many see as a fair deal considering the entrance tickets included, the private transport, and the personalized attention.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, especially since the tour involves walking through historic sites. The tour runs rain or shine, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat might be wise.

For those with mobility issues, the tour may not be suitable, given the walking involved and the nature of the sites.

What Past Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the stunning views and the uniqueness of Gaudí’s Capricho as the main selling points. One traveler shared, “The building is incredible and unlike anything I’ve seen before. The details are so playful and colorful.” Another appreciated the small-group aspect, noting that it made navigating and asking questions much easier.

Some reviewers also appreciated the timing—the tour fits well into a day of exploring Santander’s surroundings without feeling rushed. The guide’s knowledge and friendliness received positive comments, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

This tour offers a very specialized look at modernist architecture with a focus on Gaudí’s rare out-of-Catalonia work. It’s especially appealing for architecture enthusiasts, history lovers, or travelers who want a compact, well-organized outing from Santander. The inclusion of scenic drives, historic buildings, and the iconic Capricho makes it a well-rounded experience.

The blend of cultural discovery and coastal scenery means that you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Comillas’ elegance and artistic flair. The small-group format enhances the experience, allowing for personalized insights and a more relaxed pace.

If you’re curious about Gaudí’s work beyond Barcelona or simply want to enjoy a taste of Spain’s modernist architecture in a picturesque setting, this trip is a valuable choice. It’s a chance to see well-preserved buildings, enjoy beautiful coastal views, and learn about local history—all for a reasonable price.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments due to walking involved at various sites.

How long is the drive to Comillas?
The drive takes about 50 minutes each way, providing a comfortable and scenic journey.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers private transport, a tour guide, entrance tickets to El Capricho, and the Old Seminary.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility to travelers.

What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and since it’s rain or shine, an umbrella or raincoat could come in handy.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring your own if desired.

This guided trip to Comillas is a well-rounded, enriching experience that blends art, history, and scenic beauty, perfect for those seeking an authentic taste of Cantabria’s architectural treasures.