Playa de Somo
The easiest good surf beach near Santander, and the ferry ride over is half the fun.
A long sandy stretch across the bay from Santander draws a steady surf crowd, with the short boat crossing making it feel like an outing rather than a commute.
At a Glance
- — you want solitude
- — calm swimming only
- — car-only access preference
Sitting directly across the bay from Santander, this expansive sandy stretch is a haven for the local surf community. The short, bracing ferry ride over from the city center makes the journey feel like a proper excursion rather than a commute. It is the most reliable place to find a wave in the region without the logistical headache of navigating deep into the countryside.
How it got here
Cantabria maintains a distinct identity born from its isolation behind the Picos de Europa and the rugged northern coastline. For centuries, the Bahía de Santander functioned as a vital maritime hub, connecting the interior of the Iberian Peninsula to northern European trade routes. The dunes and shoreline around Somo served as natural barriers against Atlantic storms, protecting the bay from encroaching sands. While historical records prioritize the fortified city of Santander across the water, the southern coastline evolved through fishing and small-scale agriculture. This heritage of seafaring and resourcefulness continues to define the local character today, as the community balances traditional rhythms with the modern influx of Atlantic surfers.
Where it sits
The beach stretches along the southern edge of the Bahía de Santander, shielded from the open sea by the Península de la Magdalena. Behind the dunes, the land rises into the green, rolling hills typical of the Cantabrian landscape. Salt air and moisture keep the meadows lush throughout the year, even as sea mists roll off the water in the mornings. Access from Santander relies on the regular ferry service that traverses the bay, cutting through the chop created by northern winds. Summer brings warmth and crowds to the sand, while autumn and winter months belong to the powerful swells that draw riders.
What to eat and drink
Cantabrian cuisine revolves around the bounty of the Cantabrian Sea and the rich dairy of the inland mountains. Rabas, strips of fried squid served crisp, provide the standard snack when pulled straight from the sea. Potaje montañés, a sturdy stew of white beans, cabbage, and local pork products like morcilla and chorizo, defines the heartier side of the diet. For dessert, the region produces quesada pasiega, a dense, moist cheesecake made from fresh cow milk, cinnamon, and lemon. Cider from the orchards of the north serves as the common drink, poured from a height to bring out the tart flavor.
Cantabria: the whole region
A small region with an unusual amount of everything: a coast of rough Atlantic beaches, the eastern half of the Picos de Europa, the Pas and Liébana valleys, and two of the most important prehistoric and religious sites in Spain in…
Minimum 3 days · better 5-6 days · deep 9 days
Pair It With
In Cantabria
In Cantabria
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