
Comillas: An Architectural Treasure in the Heart of Cantabria
Comillas is a charming municipality located on the western coast of Cantabria, Spain. Known for its impressive architectural heritage and beautiful natural surroundings, Comillas offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Architectural Heritage
Comillas is famous for its rich architecture, which includes a number of buildings designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. The most notable of these is El Capricho, a summer villa commissioned by Máximo Díaz de Quijano. With its green and yellow ceramic facade and its east-facing observation tower to catch the first rays of the sun, El Capricho is an impressive example of Gaudí's unique style.
Another highlight is the Sobrellano Palace, a grand neo-Gothic mansion built for the Marquis of Comillas. With its adjacent chapel-mausoleum and exquisite interiors, the Sobrellano Palace is a must-visit for any architecture lover.

The Sobrellano Palace and Gaudí's El Capricho share a very interesting historical and architectural connection. Both were built during the same period and for members of the same influential family, reflecting the wealth and social status of the family at that time.
Both buildings not only share familial ties through their patrons but also exemplify the artistic and cultural flourishing of the era, showcasing two distinct but equally impressive architectural styles. The relationship between the Sobrellano Palace and Gaudí's El Capricho highlights the importance of Comillas as a center of architectural innovation and patronage of the arts in northern Spain during the 19th century.
Natural Surroundings
In addition to its architectural heritage, Comillas is also known for its stunning natural surroundings. The municipality is surrounded by green hills and steep cliffs, and features a beautiful golden sand beach. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to surfing and sailing.
Historic Center
The historic center of Comillas is another of its great attractions. With its narrow cobblestone streets, period houses, and lively main square, the old town of Comillas is the perfect place to stroll, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy local cuisine.
Pontifical University
The Pontifical University is another of Comillas' iconic buildings. This impressive Gothic-Mudejar style building was built in the late 19th century and served as a seminary until 1967. Today, it can be visited and admired for its beautiful chapel and library, which houses a valuable collection of old books.
Comillas Cemetery
The Comillas cemetery, situated on top of a hill overlooking the sea, is another point of interest. The cemetery is built around the ruins of an old church and features an impressive sculpture of the Exterminating Angel, a work by the Catalan sculptor Josep Llimona.
Gastronomic Products from Comillas
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Bejes-Tresviso Blue Cheese
This strong-flavored and aromatic cheese is one of the most emblematic products of the region. It is handmade in the Picos de Europa, using cow, sheep, and goat milk. Its texture is creamy and its flavor is intense, with a slight spiciness that gives it its name.
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Cantabria Anchovies
The anchovies from Cantabria are famous for their quality and flavor. They are caught in the Cantabrian Sea and prepared in a traditional way, cleaned by hand and preserved in olive oil. They are an essential ingredient in many dishes of the region, such as the anchovy and pepper salad.
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Pasiegos Sobaos
The Pasiegos sobaos are a typical sweet from Cantabria made with butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. They have a fluffy texture and a sweet and buttery flavor. They are perfect for breakfast or a snack, accompanied by a coffee or a glass of milk.
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Mountain Stew
The mountain stew is a hearty and nutritious dish made with white beans, cabbage, chorizo, blood sausage, and pork meat. It is a traditional dish of Cantabrian cuisine that is usually served in winter to combat the cold.
Outstanding Gastronomic Places in Comillas
Comillas is a small town in Cantabria that offers a wide variety of places to enjoy its rich cuisine. Below, we present some of the most outstanding:
El Capricho de Gaudí Restaurant
Located in one of the most emblematic works of the architect Antoni Gaudí, this restaurant offers a unique gastronomic experience. Here you can taste traditional dishes from Cantabrian cuisine, such as mountain stew or hake in a casserole, in an atmosphere full of history and art.
Taberna Los Infantes
This cozy establishment is known for its excellent value for money. It offers a wide variety of tapas and typical dishes from the area, such as squid rings or baby squid in its ink. In addition, its extensive wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of wines from the region.
Las Golondrinas Restaurant
This restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood and its fish of the day. Here you can enjoy dishes such as grilled sea bass or sailor-style clams, always accompanied by excellent customer service. In addition, its terrace with sea views is the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor meal.
Taberna La Folia
If you are looking for a charming place with good prices, Taberna La Folia is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical dishes from the area, such as stuffed peppers or Spanish omelette. In addition, its lively atmosphere and its excellent location in the center of the town make it a very popular place among locals and tourists.
Sporting Activities in Comillas, Cantabria
Surfing
Comillas boasts one of the best beaches for surfing in Cantabria. Whether you're an experienced surfer or just starting out, you'll find waves for all levels.


Maximiza tu seguridad y estilo en el agua con el ABAHUB Sup Leash, el accesorio esencial para tu tabla de surf o paddle surf. Disponible en una amplia gama de colores vibrantes como negro, azul, naranja, verde, amarillo, blanco, transparente y rojo, este leash de 10 pies y 7 mm de grosor está diseñado para ofrecer la máxima resistencia y durabilidad. Perfecto para adultos, te mantiene conectado a tu tabla, asegurando que estés siempre preparado para cualquier ola. No comprometas tu seguridad por la aventura; elige ABAHUB Sup Leash hoy y surfea con confianza y estilo.
Golf
If you like golf, in Comillas you'll find the Rovacías Golf Club. A course with views of the Cantabrian Sea that will allow you to enjoy this sport in a unique setting.


Perfecciona tu juego de golf con el Garmin Approach S10, el smartwatch de golf en elegante color Navy diseñado para elevar tu experiencia en el campo. Este reloj no solo te proporciona distancias precisas a la parte delantera, trasera y media del green en más de 41,000 campos de golf en todo el mundo, sino que también rastrea tus puntajes, distancias y el tiempo de juego, permitiéndote enfocarte completamente en mejorar tu juego. Ligero, cómodo y resistente al agua, el Approach S10 es el compañero ideal para cualquier golfista serio que busca mejorar su rendimiento y estilo. Sumérgete en tu pasión por el golf con Garmin y lleva tu juego a un nuevo nivel.
Hiking
The location of Comillas, between the sea and the mountains, makes it an ideal place for hiking. You can explore the coast or venture into the surrounding valleys and mountains.


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Cycling
Comillas and its surroundings are perfect for cycling enthusiasts. You can ride along the coast or venture into the mountains for more challenging routes.


Descubre el camino menos transitado con la JANSNO Bicicleta Eléctrica 20" x 4.0 Fat Tire, tu pasaporte a la aventura sin límites. Equipada con Shimano 7 velocidades y frenos de disco mecánicos delanteros y traseros, esta bicicleta te ofrece control total y una experiencia de conducción suave en cualquier terreno. Ideal para adultos, su batería extraíble de 48V 14Ah promete una autonomía extendida para que explores más lejos sin preocupaciones. Atrévete a ir más allá; hazte con tu JANSNO hoy y transforma cada salida en una aventura épica.
Fishing
The coast of Comillas is an ideal place for fishing. You can rent a boat and enjoy a day of fishing in the Cantabrian Sea.


Domina las aguas con el Hilo Trenzado de multifilamentos para Seaknight Pesca en mar. Este hilo ofrece una resistencia excepcional de 15 a 100LB, garantizando durabilidad y sensibilidad superiores. Su trenzado de alta calidad asegura una fuerza incomparable y resistencia a la abrasión. Prepara tu equipo para emocionantes aventuras en el mar y confía en este hilo para enfrentarte a cualquier desafío. ¡Hazlo tuyo y pesca con total confianza!
Places near Comillas
If you are in Comillas and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences: