A compact, five-hour loop from Santillana del Mar that pairs Cantabria’s Atlantic redwoods with Gaudí’s playful El Capricho and the historic streets of Comillas. Ideal for travelers who want nature and modernist architecture in one accessible outing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the minibus and the air changes — cooler, damp, threaded with the resin-sweet scent of sequoia bark. The redwood grove in Cantabria stands like a pocket of the Pacific coast, trunks rising straight and serious, branches filtering the light into green bands that move with the breeze.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; able to walk short distances and climb occasional stairs
Wildlife
History
Santillana del Mar is a medieval town centered on the 12th-century Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana; El Capricho was designed by Antoni Gaudí in the 1880s for patron Máximo Díaz de Quijano, reflecting Cantabria’s late-19th-century coastal prosperity.
Conservation
The sequoias are non-native but protected as a local monument; visitors are asked to stay on paths to limit root compaction and to follow signage at heritage sites to reduce wear.
Reserve your spot on the Santillana: Gaudí’s Caprice, Comillas and Redwood Forest today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Footwear for mixed surfaces
Wear sturdy walking shoes — cobbles in Santillana and damp dirt in the redwood grove can be slick.
Protect against coastal wind
Carry a lightweight windbreaker; open exposures in Comillas can be surprisingly windy even on sunny days.
Camera ready for interiors
Photography rules can vary inside El Capricho — keep flash off and follow the guide’s instructions.
Light cash for lunch
Lunch is free time in Comillas; small restaurants may prefer cash for quick transactions.
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip for cobbles and damp forest paths keeps walks comfortable and safe.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against Atlantic drizzle and wind while moving between outdoor sites.
spring
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during guided walks and sightseeing stops.
summer
Compact camera or phone with extra battery
El Capricho and the redwoods are highly photogenic—bring spare power for a full day of shooting.