Castro Urdiales

Castro, the ancient fishing village known to the Romans as Flaviobriga, is a small town on the Cantabrian coast not far from the border with the Spanish Basqueland. It's the perfect place for a lively weekend getaway.

Make sure to pay attention when parking as it can become complicated. I’d suggest parking along the breakwater on the waterfront since it’s free.

This is a town with a fishing port and a strong industry based around the sea. It's also a place where you can enjoy some fabulous seafood, tasty "pinchos" in the bars (the squid croquettes at Cierbanata in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento are exquisite!), or locally canned goods (especially the anchovies, just delicious!).

The Castro Urdiales is at the eastern end of Cantabria, near Bilbao. It has been the beach resort for high society in the area for years, as witnessed by the huge houses on the Cantabrian coast. This place can still be a little classist.

There are nice hotels, restaurants, and all kinds of services in this summer resort, which is the third largest city in Cantabria. The old part of town is beautiful. You have to visit the Church of the Assumption because it has some real artistic value.