Castro-Urdiales, Cantabria
Provincia de Cantabria · Cantabria · Spain · 31,977 residents · on the coast
-Castillo_de_Santa_Ana_y_faro-2.JPG/500px-Castro_Urdiales_(Cantabria)-Castillo_de_Santa_Ana_y_faro-2.JPG)
Castro-Urdiales is a seaside town in Provincia de Cantabria, Cantabria, Spain, home to around 31,977 people. There are 8 notable places to see in and around town, including Castle of Santa Ana and Santa Ana Castle Lighthouse. The nearest airport is Bilbao (BIO), about 24 min by road, with direct flights from the UK.
Why go
- Sights worth the trip: Castle of Santa Ana, Santa Ana Castle Lighthouse and Playa de Ostende.
- On the coast, with 5 named beaches nearby.
- Best weather from July: daytime highs between 24°C and 24°C with little rain.
- Easy to reach: Bilbao (BIO) is 17 miles away with direct flights from the UK.
Top sights in Castro-Urdiales
Ranked by how well known they are.
Tours & tickets in Castro-Urdiales
Guided tours, day trips and tickets in and around Castro-Urdiales can be booked in advance, priced in GBP.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in Castro-Urdiales
Sea-view hotels and apartments fill up first in summer; book early for July.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach Castro-Urdiales and the villages around it is a hire car from Bilbao (BIO), about 24 min away.
Best time to visit Castro-Urdiales
July: daytime highs between 24°C and 24°C with little rain.
- 13°CJan184 mm
- 14°CFeb119 mm
- 17°CMar84 mm
- 17°CApr93 mm
- 19°CMay119 mm
- 22°CJun80 mm
- 24°CJul50 mm
- 25°CAug69 mm
- 24°CSept137 mm
- 23°COct151 mm
- 18°CNov171 mm
- 14°CDec135 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 7°C | 184 mm | 5 h |
| Feb | 14°C | 7°C | 119 mm | 6 h |
| Mar | 17°C | 9°C | 84 mm | 8 h |
| Apr | 17°C | 10°C | 93 mm | 9 h |
| May | 19°C | 12°C | 119 mm | 11 h |
| Jun | 22°C | 16°C | 80 mm | 11 h |
| Jul | 24°C | 17°C | 50 mm | 11 h |
| Aug | 25°C | 18°C | 69 mm | 10 h |
| Sept | 24°C | 16°C | 137 mm | 10 h |
| Oct | 23°C | 15°C | 151 mm | 7 h |
| Nov | 18°C | 11°C | 171 mm | 6 h |
| Dec | 14°C | 8°C | 135 mm | 5 h |
Averages 2015–2024. Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Getting there from the UK
By air
- Bilbao (BIO)17 miles, about 24 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Santander (SDR)30 miles, about 43 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Asturias (OVD)142 miles, about 3 h 21 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
By car and ferry
Driving from Calais takes roughly 13 h 21 min without stops. Nearest ferry ports: Bilbao (10 miles), Santander (30 miles).
Castro-Urdiales is good for
Around Castro-Urdiales
Towns and villages within an hour or so.
.jpg/500px-Museo_Guggenheim%2C_Bilbao_(31273245344).jpg)
.jpg/500px-Matxitxako_Lighthouse_(1).jpg)
Questions people ask
Is Castro-Urdiales worth visiting?
Yes. Castro-Urdiales is known for Castle of Santa Ana, Santa Ana Castle Lighthouse and Playa de Ostende, and it is on the coast. It works well as a base or as a day trip from the towns nearby.
When is the best time to visit Castro-Urdiales?
July, with daytime highs between 24°C and 24°C with little rain.
How do I get to Castro-Urdiales from the UK?
Fly to Bilbao (BIO), which has direct flights from UK airports, then it is about 24 min by road. Santander (SDR) is an alternative, 30 miles away. Driving from Calais takes roughly 13 h 21 min.
Is Castro-Urdiales good for families?
Yes: there are family-friendly attractions nearby and beaches, and most activities can be booked in advance.
What is near Castro-Urdiales?
Bilbao (17 miles), Santander (30 miles), Getxo (11 miles) and Portugalete (11 miles) are all within an hour or so.