Cantabria, Spain
Cantabria, a single-province autonomous community, is home to 593,964 people in 102 municipalities covering 2,058 sq mi. Its capital, Santander, sits at 16 ft (5 m), and its highest point is Torre Blanca, at 8,586 ft (2,617 m).
- Population (2025)
- 593,964
- +1.5% since 2015
- Area
- 2,058 sq mi
- 42nd largest of the 50 provinces
- Density
- 289 people/sq mi
- Spain: 251 people/sq mi
- Municipalities
- 102
- 36 with fewer than 1,000 people
Map of Cantabria by municipality
- Capital
- Municipality with an elevation page
- Elevation page (color shows elevation)
- Highest point and peaks
Population and municipalities
With 593,964 people on January 1, 2025, Cantabria ranks 28th by population and 42nd by area among Spain’s 50 provinces. Since 2015 it has gained 8,785 people (1.5%). Density is 289 people/sq mi, against a Spanish average of 251 people/sq mi.
The capital, Santander, has 175,425 residents, 30% of the region. Next come Torrelavega (51,796), Castro-Urdiales (33,450), and Camargo (30,577).
Of its 102 municipalities (the 33rd most of any province), 36 have fewer than 1,000 people. The smallest by population is Tresviso, with 52, and the largest by area is Valderredible, at 115 sq mi.
| Municipality | Population | Area | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santander | 175,425 | 13.9 sq mi | 16 ft |
| Torrelavega | 51,796 | 13.7 sq mi | 62 ft |
| Castro-Urdiales | 33,450 | 37.1 sq mi | — |
| Camargo | 30,577 | 14.3 sq mi | — |
| Piélagos | 26,901 | 32.6 sq mi | — |
| El Astillero | 18,448 | 2.53 sq mi | — |
| Santa Cruz de Bezana | 13,904 | 6.70 sq mi | — |
| Los Corrales de Buelna | 10,958 | 17.5 sq mi | — |
| Santoña | 10,835 | 4.38 sq mi | — |
| Laredo | 10,698 | 5.91 sq mi | — |
Elevation
The capital, Santander, sits 16 ft (5 m) above sea level, the 3rd lowest of Spain’s 52 provincial capitals and autonomous cities.
According to the IGN’s summit table, the highest point in Cantabria is Torre Blanca, at 8,586 ft (2,617 m), in the Picos de Europa, on the border with León. It’s 56 mi from the capital in a straight line and 8,570 ft higher.
Besides the capital, one city over 50,000 people has its own elevation page: Torrelavega (62 ft).
Peaks with a page in Cantabria or on its border: Torre Blanca (8,586 ft) and Peña Prieta (8,330 ft).
- Torre Blanca 8,586 ft
- Peña Prieta 8,330 ft
- Torrelavega 62 ft
- Santander 16 ft
Tools and maps
Frequently asked questions
How many municipalities are in Cantabria?
102. That ranks 33rd among Spain’s provinces, and 36 of them have fewer than 1,000 people.
What is the population of Cantabria?
593,964, according to the INE’s municipal register on January 1, 2025: the 28th most populous province in Spain.
What is the highest point in Cantabria?
Torre Blanca, at 8,586 ft (2,617 m), according to the IGN’s summit table. It’s shared with León.
What is the elevation of Santander?
16 ft (5 m) above sea level, according to Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN).
What is the largest town in Cantabria after the capital?
Torrelavega, with 51,796 people. Next is Castro-Urdiales, with 33,450.
Sources
- Population: our own work with data from the INE website (www.ine.es), municipal register on January 1, 2025 (updated 12/11/2025).
- Area, municipal boundaries, elevations and highest point: Spain’s National Geographic Institute, IGN (CC BY 4.0 ign.es). Simplified boundaries.
- Position of peaks with a page: OpenStreetMap (ODbL).
Reviewed October 31, 2026 · Methodology and sources · Spotted a mistake? Let us know