Laredo is a lively resort town nestled between forest-covered hills and the shimmering Bay of Biscay. Relax on the sandy beach, stroll around the atmospheric medieval quarter and explore an ancient fort. Mix up your beach days with trips to nearby historic towns and a UNESCO-protected cave.
Things to do in Laredo
Relax on the sugar-white sand of Playa de la Salve. The beach wraps around a sheltered inlet and is a great place to swim, sunbathe and build sandcastles. It stretches for five kilometres and is one of the longest on the Cantabrian coast. Lifeguards patrol the beach in the busy summer months. When the wind picks up, you’ll see kite surfers riding the whitecaps.
Get lost in Pueblo Vieja, the atmospheric medieval quarter. You can still see the remains of the original defensive walls built to ward off pirates. The narrow streets are lined with traditional Cantabrian houses, many with brightly painted doors and balconies.
The Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion towers over the neighbourhood and welcomes you with a beautiful Gothic façade. It was built in the 13th century and features a stunning Flemish altarpiece. From the church, follow the clifftop path to Fuerte del Rasrillar, a centuries-old fort with sweeping views over Laredo and the Bay of Biscay.
Spend the day in the lively resort town of Santona across the bay. There’s a lovely sandy beach with views across to Laredo. Venture into the historic centre to find narrow streets lined with cafes and tapas bars. The seafood is excellent and caught by local fishermen that morning.
Visit the Cave of Altamira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site decorated with prehistoric art. The Palaeolithic paintings are thousands of years old and depict humans, animals and spiritual symbols. Learn more about the fascinating paintings at the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira in Santillana del Mar. The showpiece is Neocueva, a full-scale replica of the largest chamber, complete with intricate paintings.
Getting around Laredo
Laredo is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Cantabria, a 45-minute drive from Bilbao. Local buses run between Laredo and Bilbao in under 1.5 hours, while rental cars offer the freedom to explore the Cantabrian coast at your own pace. Bilbao Airport is a 45-minute drive away.