{"id":18017,"date":"2026-10-01T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/?p=18017"},"modified":"2026-10-01T10:14:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T08:14:14","slug":"fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Best Fall Activities in Cantabria: From Santander Bay to Prehistoric Caves"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When summer packs up and leaves, Cantabria doesn&#8217;t go quiet. Autumn brings golden light, thinner crowds, and that perfect in-between temperature \u2014 not the August heat, not the deep winter cold. For those of us who live here, it&#8217;s genuinely the best season to rediscover the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s also a good chance for us to enjoy our own region at a slower pace, since visitor numbers drop noticeably once autumn sets in, even though tourists keep coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So if you&#8217;re wondering <strong>what to do in Cantabria in autumn<\/strong>, here are <strong>5 great plans<\/strong> that mix the sea, prehistoric caves, nature and heritage \u2014 all within easy reach of Santander.<\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#f8f3e9;border-left:5px solid #c87e3a;padding:15px;border-radius:8px;margin:20px 0;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:10px;\">\n    <picture class=\"gt-avif-picture\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Glutendtrotters.avif\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Glutendtrotters.webp\"><img data-no-lazy=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" data-gt-avif=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Glutendtrotters.webp\" alt=\"Glutendtrotters\" style=\"width:50px;height:auto;margin-top:2px;\"><\/picture><br \/>\n    <strong style=\"font-size:18px;color:#745431;line-height:1.2;\">Before your autumn trip to Cantabria<\/strong>\n  <\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-top:10px;\">\n<p style=\"margin:5px 0;color:#4a4a4a;\">\n      If you&#8217;re coming from outside the region, we&#8217;d recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/es\/spain\/santander\/sdr?a_aid=glutendtrotters\" style=\"color:#e38436;font-weight:bold;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\">renting a car<\/a> to move between these plans at your own pace. Don&#8217;t forget travel insurance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatiseguros.com?r=82482642387952&amp;cmp=planazosotono-en\" style=\"color:#e38436;font-weight:bold;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\">IATI<\/a>, and if you&#8217;re travelling from outside the EU, an <a href=\"https:\/\/holafly.sjv.io\/c\/5721792\/2006335\/24764?subId1=glutendtrotters-blog&amp;sharedid=planazosotono-en\" style=\"color:#e38436;font-weight:bold;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\">eSIM from Holafly<\/a> so you&#8217;ve got data from the moment you land.\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/#1_Boat_trip_around_Santander_Bay\" >1. Boat trip around Santander Bay<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/#2_The_Pas_Valley_Greenway\" >2. The Pas Valley Greenway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/#3_Puente_Viesgo_caves_40000-year-old_rock_art\" >3. Puente Viesgo caves: 40,000-year-old rock art<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/#4_Altamira_Neocave_and_Santillana_del_Mar\" >4. Altamira Neocave and Santillana del Mar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/#5_The_Redwood_Forest_at_Cabezon_de_la_Sal\" >5. The Redwood Forest at Cabez\u00f3n de la Sal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/#What_are_the_best_autumn_activities_in_Cantabria\" >What are the best autumn activities in Cantabria?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/#Can_you_visit_the_original_Altamira_cave\" >Can you visit the original Altamira cave?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/#Do_you_need_to_book_ahead_for_the_Puente_Viesgo_caves\" >Do you need to book ahead for the Puente Viesgo caves?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/#How_long_is_the_Santander_Bay_boat_trip\" >How long is the Santander Bay boat trip?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/fall-activities-cantabria-bay-caves\/#Is_the_Pas_Valley_Greenway_always_fully_open\" >Is the Pas Valley Greenway always fully open?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Boat_trip_around_Santander_Bay\"><\/span><b>1. Boat trip around Santander Bay<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seeing Santander from the water is a completely different perspective, and in autumn, with less boat traffic and softer light, the trip is even better. The boat tour around <strong>Santander Bay<\/strong> passes Magdalena Palace, El Sardinero, Cabo Mayor and Santa Marina Island, heads out toward the beaches of Loredo and Somo, and finishes by the Bot\u00edn Centre before heading back. One hour total, with a guide on board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bahia-de-Santander-desde-Faro-Santander-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bahia-de-Santander-desde-Faro-Santander-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Santander Bay with the Bot\u00edn Centre in the background\" class=\"wp-image-18015\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bahia-de-Santander-desde-Faro-Santander-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bahia-de-Santander-desde-Faro-Santander-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bahia-de-Santander-desde-Faro-Santander-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bahia-de-Santander-desde-Faro-Santander-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bahia-de-Santander-desde-Faro-Santander-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bahia-de-Santander-desde-Faro-Santander-500x375.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Santander Bay, seen from the Faro Santander museum \/ Photo: Glutendtrotters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udccd You can book this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/santander-l95\/santander-croisiere-d-une-heure-autour-de-la-baie-t388633\/?partner_id=O7AL31D&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-1-color\">1-hour boat trip around Santander Bay<\/mark><\/strong><\/a> in advance to guarantee your spot, especially on weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read also:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/top-10-things-to-do-in-santander-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#e38436\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Top 10 Things to Do in Santander in a Day<\/strong><\/mark><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_Pas_Valley_Greenway\"><\/span><b>2. The Pas Valley Greenway<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a more active plan, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vallespasiegos.eu\/via-verde-del-pas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">V\u00eda Verde del Pas<\/a><\/strong> (Pas Valley Greenway) is one of the best options for autumn in Cantabria: a former railway line converted into a walking and cycling trail that crosses several <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/circular-road-trip-through-the-pasiego-valleys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">villages in the Pas Valley<\/a><\/strong>, through woodland that turns amber and russet this time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda.jpg\"><picture class=\"gt-avif-picture\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-1024x768.avif 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-300x225.avif 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-768x576.avif 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-1536x1152.avif 1536w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-500x375.avif 500w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda.avif 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-500x375.webp 500w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><img data-no-lazy=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" data-gt-avif=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Colegiata de Casta\u00f1eda, one of the mile markers along the Pas Valley Greenway\" class=\"wp-image-18014\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Colegiata-de-Castaneda.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/picture><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Colegiata de Casta\u00f1eda, one of the landmarks along the V\u00eda Verde del Pas \/ Photo: Glutendtrotters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep in mind that not every section is always open: some stretches near Villaescusa reopened recently after maintenance work, so it&#8217;s worth checking the current state of the route before you set off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Puente_Viesgo_caves_40000-year-old_rock_art\"><\/span><b>3. Puente Viesgo caves: 40,000-year-old rock art<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inside Monte Castillo, next to the village of Puente Viesgo, lies one of the most important <strong>rock art<\/strong> complexes in Europe. Of the five caves with Palaeolithic paintings here, four are UNESCO World Heritage sites: <strong>El Castillo<\/strong>, <strong>La Pasiega<\/strong>, <strong>Las Chimeneas<\/strong> and <strong>Las Monedas<\/strong>. The paintings in El Castillo have been dated to over 40,000 years old, among the oldest known in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas.jpg\"><picture class=\"gt-avif-picture\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-1024x768.avif 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-300x225.avif 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-768x576.avif 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-500x375.avif 500w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas.avif 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-500x375.webp 500w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><img data-no-lazy=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" data-gt-avif=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Las Monedas cave in Puente Viesgo\" class=\"wp-image-18012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Cueva_de_las_Monedas.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/picture><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cueva de las Monedas \/ Photo: By Edward the Confessor &#8211; Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=3931525\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=3931525<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only two of the caves can be visited, El Castillo and Las Monedas, in small groups with an official guide to protect the paintings, and <strong>booking ahead is essential<\/strong>: tickets bought online must be validated at the Monte Castillo reception before your visit, and there&#8217;s a daily visitor cap. <a href=\"https:\/\/cuevas.culturadecantabria.com\/el-castillo\/horarios-y-tarifas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Book your tickets<\/strong><\/a> on the official website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Altamira_Neocave_and_Santillana_del_Mar\"><\/span><b>4. Altamira Neocave and Santillana del Mar<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another autumn classic, right next to Santillana del Mar. Worth clarifying upfront so there&#8217;s no surprise: the <strong>original Altamira cave isn&#8217;t open to visitors<\/strong>, except through a very limited weekly lottery (the Collective Visit Programme). What you can visit without a special draw is the <strong>Neocave<\/strong>, an extremely faithful replica of the polychrome ceiling, together with the Altamira Museum. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/santander-l95\/from-santander-santillana-del-mar-altamira-museum-tour-t192417\/?partner_id=O7AL31D&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\"><strong>Book your guided visit<\/strong><\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-scaled.jpg\"><picture class=\"gt-avif-picture\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-1024x768.avif 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-300x225.avif 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-768x576.avif 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-1536x1152.avif 1536w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-2048x1536.avif 2048w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-500x375.avif 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-2048x1536.webp 2048w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-500x375.webp 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><img data-no-lazy=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" data-gt-avif=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Bison cave. Altamira cave\" class=\"wp-image-18011\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Neocueva-de-Altamira-500x375.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/picture><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Hall of Bison \/ Photo: Glutendtrotters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Combine it with <strong>Santillana del Mar<\/strong>, just minutes away \u2014 one of Cantabria&#8217;s prettiest historic towns, and especially charming in autumn without the summer crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Santillana is one of our favourite spots to enjoy in autumn. We love a slow wander through its streets, with a stop for a <strong>delicious gluten-free dessert at Las Quintas<\/strong>. Highly recommended!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read also:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/santillana-del-mar-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#e38436\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Santillana del Mar: Complete Guide<\/strong><\/mark><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_The_Redwood_Forest_at_Cabezon_de_la_Sal\"><\/span><b>5. The Redwood Forest at Cabez\u00f3n de la Sal<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If one plan sums up autumn in Cantabria in a single image, it&#8217;s this one: a forest of giant redwoods that turns a spectacular coppery colour this time of year. A short, easy walk suitable for the whole family, and one of the most photographed spots in the region come October and November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal.jpg\"><picture class=\"gt-avif-picture\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-1024x768.avif 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-300x225.avif 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-768x576.avif 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-1536x1152.avif 1536w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-500x375.avif 500w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal.avif 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-500x375.webp 500w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><img data-no-lazy=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" data-gt-avif=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Redwood forest in Cantabria\" class=\"wp-image-18010\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bosque-de-las-Secuoyas-en-Cabezon-de-la-Sal.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/picture><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Redwood Forest at Cabez\u00f3n de la Sal \/ Photo: Glutendtrotters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This place is really special for Manuel and me. We&#8217;ve been here more times than we can count, just the two of us and with the girls too. The height of the trees is striking, but so is the quiet. There are also hiking trails through the surrounding area if you want to make more of a day of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read also:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/cantabria-sequoia-forest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#e38436\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>The Sequoia Forest of Cantabria<\/strong><\/mark><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#f8f3e9;border-left:5px solid #c87e3a;padding:15px;border-radius:8px;margin:20px 0;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:10px;\">\n    <picture class=\"gt-avif-picture\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Glutendtrotters.avif\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Glutendtrotters.webp\"><img data-no-lazy=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" data-gt-avif=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Glutendtrotters.webp\" alt=\"Glutendtrotters\" style=\"width:50px;height:auto;margin-top:2px;\"><\/picture><br \/>\n    <strong style=\"font-size:18px;color:#745431;line-height:1.2;\">Glutendtrotters tip<\/strong>\n  <\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-top:10px;\">\n<p style=\"margin:5px 0;color:#4a4a4a;\">\n      Autumn in Cantabria is unpredictable: bright sunshine in the morning, rain by midday is a common pattern. Always pack a light waterproof layer, and if you&#8217;re combining several of these plans in one day, leave extra time in case the weather forces a change of plan along the way.\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These 5 plans are easily enough for a full weekend, or you can spread them across several autumn trips. All of them are under an hour from Santander, so you can take your time without needing an early start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-text\"><strong>You might also like:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/3-day-cantabria-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#e38436\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>The Ultimate 3-Day Cantabria Itinerary<\/strong><\/mark><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/best-things-to-do-in-cantabria\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#e38436\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Best Things to Do in Cantabria: 20 Must-See Spots<\/strong><\/mark><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"rm-faq-fallcant-1\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_best_autumn_activities_in_Cantabria\"><\/span>What are the best autumn activities in Cantabria?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A boat trip around Santander Bay, the Pas Valley Greenway, the Puente Viesgo caves, the Altamira Neocave next to Santillana del Mar, and the Redwood Forest at Cabez\u00f3n de la Sal are five of the best ways to enjoy Cantabria in autumn.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"rm-faq-fallcant-2\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_visit_the_original_Altamira_cave\"><\/span>Can you visit the original Altamira cave?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, access is only possible through a very limited weekly lottery (the Collective Visit Programme). Most visitors see the Neocave instead, a faithful replica of the polychrome ceiling, together with the Altamira Museum.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"rm-faq-fallcant-3\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_need_to_book_ahead_for_the_Puente_Viesgo_caves\"><\/span>Do you need to book ahead for the Puente Viesgo caves?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, booking in advance is strongly recommended, as visits run in small groups with an official guide and there&#8217;s a daily visitor cap. Tickets bought online must be validated at the Monte Castillo reception before the visit.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"rm-faq-fallcant-4\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_is_the_Santander_Bay_boat_trip\"><\/span>How long is the Santander Bay boat trip?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Santander Bay boat trip lasts about one hour and includes a guide sharing the history and legends of the city and the surrounding towns.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"rm-faq-fallcant-5\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_Pas_Valley_Greenway_always_fully_open\"><\/span>Is the Pas Valley Greenway always fully open?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Not always \u2014 some sections can close temporarily for maintenance. It&#8217;s worth checking the current state of the route before planning your visit.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the best autumn activities in Cantabria?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A boat trip around Santander Bay, the Pas Valley Greenway, the Puente Viesgo caves, the Altamira Neocave next to Santillana del Mar, and the Redwood Forest at Cabez\u00f3n de la Sal are five of the best ways to enjoy Cantabria in autumn.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can you visit the original Altamira cave?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No, access is only possible through a very limited weekly lottery (the Collective Visit Programme). 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It's worth checking the current state of the route before planning your visit.\"}}]}\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>5 must-do plans for autumn in Cantabria: a boat trip around the bay, the Pas Valley Greenway, prehistoric caves and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18015,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_gt_pin_image_url":"","footnotes":"","rank_math_description":"5 must-do plans for autumn in Cantabria: a boat trip around Santander Bay, the Pas Valley Greenway, prehistoric caves and more.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"autumn in Cantabria"},"categories":[466],"tags":[478,538],"wf_post_folders":[55],"class_list":["post-18017","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spain","tag-cantabria-en","tag-guides"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":8}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18017","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18017"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18017\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18885,"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18017\/revisions\/18885"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18015"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18017"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18017"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18017"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutendtrotters.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=18017"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}