Located where the San Martine de la Arena River meets the Cantabrian Sea, Suances is a sprawling municipality in northern Spain. It’s famed for its beautiful beaches and rugged coastline, which can be explored along a network of hiking trails, as well as its 19th-century lighthouse.
Things to do in Suances
For a day at the beach, head to Playa de Los Locos, which is nestled beneath soaring cliffs in the far north of Suances. It’s a popular spot for surfing and boasts breathtaking sunsets due to its west-facing position. On the opposite side of the peninsula is Playa de La Concha, which is backed by a breezy promenade and plenty of restaurants.
At the northern tip of Suances is the Faro de Punta del Torco de Afuera, a whitewashed lighthouse that marks the mouth of the San Martine de la Arena River. It was constructed in the 1860s on the site of a medieval battery that had long defended northern Spain against enemy attack. Learn about the Italian brig “Franceschino” that sank nearby in 1880 and the lighthouse visited by King Alfonso XII, as well as the keepers who lived in the cottage at the lighthouse’s base.
Adjacent to the Faro de Punta del Torco de Afuera is the Galería de Arte Municipal El Torco, which houses changing exhibitions by local artists. A walking trail leads from here around the peninsula, taking in several lookouts and the massive limestone formation of La Roca Blanca.
Getting around Suances
Suances is around 15 minutes’ drive from Torrelavega and 30 minutes from Santander. Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport is also 30 minutes away and has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect Suances to towns and cities across Cantabria while renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the municipality.