Playa de Comillas

Introduction

What a wonder Playa de Comillas is! If there is a corner in Cantabria that has stolen our hearts for its perfect balance of natural beauty, historic charm, and comfort, it is undoubtedly this beach. Located in the heart of the municipality of Comillas, this beach offers us much more than sun and sea; it immerses us in a complete experience, where history and art join hands with the sea breeze. It is not just a beach; it is the gateway to one of Spain's most beautiful towns, a true open-air museum that invites us to explore it.

When we arrive at Playa de Comillas, the first thing that strikes us is its privileged location. Framed by a landscape of green cliffs and the unmistakable profile of the town, with its modernist and Gothic buildings peeking from above, the view is simply spectacular. It is one of those Cantabrian beaches that takes your breath away, where every glance is a postcard. Here, time seems to stand still, inviting us to leisurely enjoy every ray of sun, every wave, and every moment with family or as a couple. It is a destination we highly recommend to anyone seeking a combination of relaxation, culture, and nature in northern Spain.

How to Get to Playa de Comillas

Getting to Playa de Comillas is quite straightforward, making it a very accessible destination for everyone. We always value ease of access, and in this case, Comillas delivers in spades. Whether you come by car or prefer public transport, you will find comfortable options to reach this coastal paradise.

By Car

If we travel by car, the most common way to get there is via the A-8 motorway (Autovía del Cantábrico). We will take exit 269 towards Comillas/San Vicente de la Barquera. From there, the CA-131 road will take us directly to the town. Once in Comillas, Playa de Comillas is well signposted. You will find several parking areas, although in high season, especially in August, it can be a bit more challenging to find a spot near the sand. Our advice is to arrive early or be prepared to drive around a bit, as it is a very popular area. There are paid parking lots and regulated parking zones, so it's good to have some change or use payment apps if available. The good news is that even if you park a bit farther away, the walk to the beach is pleasant and allows us to enjoy the views of the town.

By Public Transport

For those who prefer not to drive, there are bus lines connecting Comillas with Santander, Torrelavega, and other nearby municipalities. From Santander, the ALSA company offers regular routes. Once at the Comillas bus station, the beach is within walking distance. It's a 15-20 minute walk, descending through the town's streets, which gives us an excellent opportunity to admire its architecture before diving into the sea. It is a very comfortable option if we want to forget about the car completely and enjoy a worry-free day at the beach.

The Sand and Water

One of the features we love most about Playa de Comillas is undoubtedly the quality of its sand and the clarity of its waters. It is a place where nature has been generous, and that is noticeable from the first moment we step onto the sand.

The Sand

The sand at Playa de Comillas is fine and of a beautiful golden hue. It is a delight to walk barefoot on it, to feel its softness under our feet. It is perfect for spreading out a towel and enjoying a good book, building sandcastles with the little ones, or simply relaxing in the sun. Being fine, it sticks less to the skin than coarser sands, making it very comfortable. Furthermore, the soil type is predominantly sand, which guarantees a uniform and pleasant surface both in and out of the water. You won't find large areas of rocks or pebbles that make walking or swimming difficult, which is a plus, especially if we are with children or elderly people.

The Water

The waters of Playa de Comillas are, in general, calm and quite clean, which has often earned it the Blue Flag distinction, a recognition of its environmental quality and services. Being relatively sheltered by the cliffs and the orientation of the bay, the current is usually not strong, making it a safe place for swimming. The water temperature, as is usual on Cantabrian beaches, is cool but very pleasant in the summer months. After a while in the sun, diving into its crystal-clear waters is a true pleasure and a fantastic way to cool off. The clarity of the water also allows you to see the sandy bottom in many areas, which adds a feeling of safety and cleanliness. It is an ideal place for swimming, splashing around, or simply floating and letting yourself be carried by the calm of the Cantabrian Sea.

Services and Facilities

Playa de Comillas stands out not only for its natural beauty but also for the excellent infrastructure of services it offers, which contributes to making our experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible. We always value a well-equipped beach, and in this regard, Comillas does not disappoint.

As an urban and popular beach, it has a wide range of essential services for bathers. Among them, we can find:

• Showers: Essential for washing off sand and salt after a good dip. They are conveniently located and easily accessible.
• Bathrooms/WCs: Fundamental for our comfort, the public restrooms are clean and well-maintained, something that is always a plus.
• Parking: As we already mentioned, there are several parking areas around the beach. Although it can fill up in high season, the dis