For the members of this discussion forum who have already visited Garabandal, I would like to toss out some questions for the benefit of myself and others . . . 1.) It's assumed that the Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport is the most convenient arrival location when traveling by plane. Correct? 2.) Is it relatively easy to travel from Santander to Garabandal (60 miles /92 km)? Would these travel arrangements need to be scheduled well in advance before arriving at the airport in Santander? What are the available options for modes of transportation? Any recommended company names and contact info? Finally, would it likely be necessary to stay overnight in Santander before continuing to Garabandal? 3.) Assuming only one or two people are traveling, where would you recommend staying while in Garabandal? 4.) It's realized that Garabandal is a very remote village / hamlet. Are food and meals somewhat of a concern while in Garabandal - when a car has not been rented to drive to the nearest grocery store or food market? Thanks for any info or practical tips which you can offer. (No immediate plans to visit Garabandal - though it's on my radar screen for a pilgrimage at some point in the not-too-distant future.).
When I did a simple search for hotel accommodations and/or eateries for Garabandal, I came up with helpful information.
Hi Credo, 1. Santander airport is a local spanish airport with only with few international flights, From Usa or Canada fly to Bilbao better and easier 2. At Bilbao Airport rent a car and drive to San Sebastian de Garabandal about 3 hours driving From Bilbao to Santander via Speed way then From Santander to Garabandal about 80 km Mountain road quite difficult so take care and avoid driving during night 3. You can stay at Amalia's Posada loli sister, tell her That Alban the french, talked to you about her Posada then you will get probably a better price with good food around 40 to 50 euros per night with food included de facto do not pay more because she is also a business woman which I do not like but never with me 4. No food or Market shops in Garabandal but you can get whatever you need in Puentenansa about 15 km from Garabandal 5. When you will be in Garabandal and if you have time do not forget to visit San Vincete de la Barquera on the sea very good food for a good price My advise for all of you, visit Garabandal with a rental car only and avoid driving during night quite dangerous, visiting Garabandal during Christmas is the Best and a holy time from April is quite busy but still ok especially during summer Enjoy and do not forget to Pray for me when you will be there because our Lady of Garabandal is for me a mother for years and I own her a lot, thank you. Aviso
I rented a car and drove to Garabandal from Santander. I followed advice I was given and took the less direct but easier route which goes via Pesués. It's less mountainous than the option usually given first on Google maps. For someone used to driving on the right and on narrow twisty roads I don't think it would be a difficult drive. If that's not you then maybe a little challenging, but still very doable. There's a car park just before you get to the village, it's a short uphill walk from there but I recommend it as parking in the village is very tricky.
Aviso & Adoremus, Thank you for your suggestions and recommendations - which are all very helpful and appreciated. Yes, if ever I make it to Garabandal, I will offer prayers. (1.) Regarding the renting of a car in Spain, may I assume that it would be essential to have an "International" driver's license - for those who possess only an American or Canadian driver's license? (2.) Did you also purchase vehicle liability insurance from another (3rd-party) broker before leaving your home - or did you only purchase the vehicle insurance offered by the car rental company / agency? Notably, I have heard it's much cheaper to purchase vehicle insurance in Spain directly from an insurance company other than the car rental agency itself. (3.) When driving from either Bilbao or Santander to Garabandal, are gas (gasolina) stations common and readily available along the route? (Thankfully, I am well-accustomed with driving on the right-hand side of the road in Canada & USA. Finally, I would invite anyone else to post information & tips in this discussion thread which might be helpful for those hoping to travel to Garabandal at some point in the foreseeable future (before the Warning). Blessings!
(I) Yes you need the IDP , the international drivers permit which is a translation of your American License along with the American License itself. Check with the rental company as well in case they need anything else. 2 I purchased insurance from the rental company it saves hassle (3) Gas Stations are not common, never let the fuel needle drop low. Take photos with your cell phone of the car so you don't get charged for damage you did not do. Try to avoid trying to park in towns it is a nightmare. Stop in villages for food or supplies, the food will be better and cheaper. Booking.com is very good for booking places to stay and car rental.. Beware getting on the wrong side of Spanish police for speeding they take no prisoners. Keep some coins beside you for paying the toll roads. Get the rental people to show you how to use the sat nav and to change it to English for you. If you do really have to park in a town or city, park in the suburbs and just walk on in. The Spanish hate walking and you have zero chance of finding a parking space.
Oh yes and if you're driving on the smaller country roads beware of potholes. This is the road into Garabandal. Take your foot of the gas on roads like this. Don't drive too quick.
Pesues to Garabandal very dangerous during night, montain road only so you probably drived during day which is Still dangerous for many, so I reconfirm please drive to Garabandal during day only, by the way you can park during the off season front of the Church, the parking before the village you are talking is ok as well but mainly for tourist buses during the hight season so from May to September, the rest of the time I suggest to our friends to park front of the Church, thank you.
Good video but that road is not possible with car, few people and from the village of Garabandal only can use this road, so in no way I will advise anyone of our friends to use it with car, I tried it myself for the first time in 2007 and almost died there exactly, thanks again to our Lady of Garabandal if I am still alive, thank you. Ps : My friends please take care of this kind of Tiktok (probably) video, de facto Park your car front of the Church and then walk to the Pines, enjoy.
I hope to get to Garabandal in 2025 (perhaps in May) but I will not be driving as they drive on the wrong side of the road <lol> I haven't worked out yet how to get from Santander to Garabandal but I hope to have a plan nearer the time.
Yes, I was wondering the same thing. More specifically, if someone needs to travel from Santander to Garabandal (both ways) without renting a car, would this be difficult? What are the options for possible modes of travel along this route? It would seem there are a few advantages to not having a rented car in Garabandal. For example, there would be no concern about available parking in Garabandal (if there's no available spots in front of the local church). Thank you, everyone, for your recent posts (above). Keep them coming, as your time permits. Blessings!
