Santander: Comillas, modernist architecture & Gaudi

Explore Comillas: Spain’s Only Modernist Town with Gaudí’s Touch

The Santander: Comillas, modernist architecture & Gaudí tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Comillas, the only town in Cantabria known for its modernist architecture. Priced at $78 per person and lasting about 4.5 to 5 hours, this guided journey combines historic buildings, scenic drives, and famous Catalan architects, all led by knowledgeable guides in a small-group setting. With 16 reviews rating it a perfect 5 out of 5, this tour is praised for its stunning views, insightful narration, and compact itinerary.

This experience suits those interested in architecture, history, and scenic landscapes, with highlights including the Capricho de Gaudí and the Old Seminary of Comillas. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Santander, private transportation, and priority access to key sites. While it does not include meals, its well-paced schedule and engaging guides make it a valued choice for curious travelers.

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Key Points

• Price: $78 per person for a 4.5-5 hour guided tour
• Location: Starts and ends in Santander, exploring Comillas in Cantabria
• Highlights: Visit Gaudí’s Capricho, the Old Seminary, and enjoy scenic views
• Transportation: Includes private minivan transport with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Group Size: Small groups limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience
• Reviews: Excellent 5-star ratings from 16 reviews, emphasizing stunning views and informative guides

Discovering Comillas, the Modernist Jewel of Cantabria

This tour highlights Comillas as the only modernist town in the region, thanks to a series of buildings designed by renowned Catalan architects like Antonio Gaudí and Antonio López y López. The journey from Santander takes about 50 minutes, during which the guide shares insights about the landscape and the historical figures behind the town’s development. The scenic drive offers views over the Cantabrian landscape, enriching the experience with picturesque vistas.

Once in Comillas, the guide leads visitors through the Old Main Seminary, an impressive structure notable for its size and architectural details. A special focus is on the church section, which is currently under renovation but still leaves an impression of craftsmanship and grandeur. The guided visit allows guests to appreciate the historical significance and architectural elements of this religious building, making it a meaningful stop.

Visiting Gaudí’s Capricho: A Unique Architectural Treasure

The Capricho de Gaudí is a highlight of the tour, standing out as one of the few Gaudí buildings outside Catalonia. Built by Antonio Gaudí, the villa showcases his signature shapes, colors, and materials—elements that make the building instantly recognizable as his work. The guided visit to this hour-long site allows visitors to explore the interior and exterior, understanding Gaudí’s innovative use of materials and organic forms.

This scenic villa is a visual feast, with bold curves, vibrant colors, and fantastical shapes that reflect Gaudí’s distinct style. The building’s design bears his stamp, making it a must-see for architecture lovers. The guide shares stories about Gaudí’s creative process and the villa’s history, enriching the experience with context and background.

Scenic Drive Through Comillas’ Top Sights

After visiting the Capricho and the seminary, the tour takes a scenic drive through the small town to see other notable sights. These include the Palace of Sobrellano with its chapel, known for its architectural elegance, and the Old Cemetery, which features the magnificent sculpture “Ángel Exterminador”. The drive also offers views of the little port and the cozy beach of Comillas, providing opportunities for photos and appreciating the town’s charming coastal setting.

This drive enhances the overall experience by connecting the architectural highlights with the natural beauty and historic atmosphere of Comillas. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque scenery and listen to stories about the local history and notable figures who shaped the town.

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Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with a meeting at one of two locations in Santander’s Habana Vieja district, offering flexibility for participants. From there, private transportation whisks travelers to Comillas, with a 45-minute drive filled with informative commentary. Once arrived, the guided tour of the Old Seminary lasts about 45 minutes, allowing time to appreciate its size and architectural details.

Following this, the hour-long visit to El Capricho de Gaudí provides an up-close look at his innovative design. After the villa, the group boards the bus or coach for a scenic 45-minute drive back to Santander, concluding with drop-offs at the original meeting points. Throughout the day, guests see the Palace of Sobrellano, the Old Cemetery, and the port and beach of Comillas in brief stops.

Logistics, Group Size, and Practical Details

This tour is designed for a small group, limited to 8 participants, which ensures a personalized experience and more interaction with the guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Santander are included, making logistics straightforward and comfortable. The private minivan provides a relaxed environment, ideal for enjoying the views and commentary without feeling rushed.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, as some walking is involved during the guided visits. The tour runs rain or shine, so preparing for varying weather conditions is recommended. It is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, given the nature of the sites and walking involved.

Complete Value for the Price

At $78 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the entrance tickets, private transport, hotel pickup, and expert guides. The small group setting enhances the experience, allowing for tailored explanations and questions. The inclusion of Gaudí’s Capricho—a unique architectural site outside Catalonia—is a highlight for architecture enthusiasts.

While meals and drinks are not included, the tour’s timing and pacing leave room for lunch in Comillas afterward, if desired. The review ratings confirm the tour’s popularity and quality, with visitors praising the stunning views and well-organized itinerary.

Final Thoughts on the Santander: Comillas & Gaudí Tour

This guided day trip offers a compelling look at comprehensive modernist architecture in Comillas, with Gaudí’s Capricho as its crown jewel. The tour’s careful planning, scenic drives, and engaging guides make it ideal for architecture lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The small-group format ensures an intimate experience, and the well-structured itinerary balances site visits with scenic views. Although the tour does not include meals, most visitors find the value and content more than enough to justify the price. This tour provides a high-quality, informative, and beautiful journey into one of Cantabria’s most distinctive towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Santander are part of the package, making logistics more convenient.

How long is the visit to Gaudí’s Capricho?
The guided visit to El Capricho de Gaudí lasts approximately 1 hour, allowing enough time to explore both interior and exterior.

What should I bring?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes for walking during the guided visits and be prepared for rain or shine.

Are there options for different starting times?
Yes, check availability to see different starting times, as the tour duration varies between 4.5 and 5 hours.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to site characteristics and walking involved.

What makes this tour stand out?
The tour’s inclusion of Gaudí’s Capricho, historic seminary, and scenic drive, coupled with small-group attention and stellar reviews, set it apart as a top choice for exploring Comillas.

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