Excursion Capricho de gaudi in magnificent comillas tour at Santander

Perched on the Cantabrian coast some 60 scenic minutes’ drive west of Santander, majestic Comillas awaits your discovery. A former summer getaway of King Alfonso XII, this photogenic coastal city is uniquely rich in Spanish history and magnificent “Modernista” architecture.

During your expertly guided walking tour, you’ll encounter atmospheric cobbled streets and squares hosting ancestral houses, elaborate sculpted towers, and notable Modernist buildings. Commanding a city hilltop is Comillas Pontifical University, its monumental bronze entry gates alone worthy of your awe. Equally impressive is the monumental exterior of Sobrellano Palace, renowned for its unusual fusion of English Neo-Gothic austerity with delicately decorative Venetian elements.

But the undisputed showstopper of any Comillas outing is yet to come as your guide leads the way to the incomparable ‘Capricho de Gaudí’ – designed by über-genius architect Antoni Gaudí and completed in 1885. Few notable examples of his work exist outside Catalonia – and of those, the Caprice is surely the most flamboyant. Its vibrant tilework, curvaceous towers and chimneys, and utterly fantastical facades are unmistakably Gaudi.

Once your guide has presented the building exterior and its interesting background, you’ll have time to walk through the inside on your own. After this, enjoy another 30 minutes of free time for perusing this magnificent village before the hour’s drive back to Santander.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen include: Numerous Comillas landmarks, guided visit to Capricho de Gaudí

Note

Please note: This active excursion involves some 1.8 km/1.1 mi of walking and standing along uneven and cobbled surfaces, with stairs and a steep incline at El Capricho. The tour is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair or have limited mobility. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothes appropriate for the weather and non-slip walking shoes; bring along your preferred sun protection. The order of sights and activities may vary.