Castro Urdiales
This lively seaside town is fast-becoming Cantabria’s destination numero uno among late-night revelers with less inclination to “do the sights.”
Sightseeing
The Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción, a 13th-century Gothic jewel with a fortress-like bearing, casts a tolerant eye over the town’s medieval core and the marcha or party action that envelops it each night. On the same modest promontory with the church, the Castillo-Faro (Castle Lighthouse) marks the ruins of Castro’s once-formidable defensive complex.
During the day, people emerge from their stupors under the sun of Playa de Ostende. Sheltered by the bay west of the old quarter, this beach is larger and generally more popular than Playa Brazomar to the east. In the interim between the sunset and the onset of the marcha, recharge at one of the countless seafood taverns along the port, which specialize in sea bream (besugo) and snails (caracoles). If you fall victim to the viciously fun cycle that characterizes summertime in Castro Urdiales, take comfort in knowing that the locals live this good life year-round.
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