El Capricho: Antoni Gaudí’s Whimsical Villa in Comillas, Spain

Why Visit El Capricho

Built between 1883 and 1885, El Capricho stands as one of Antoni Gaudí’s first major commissions. Commissioned by a wealthy lawyer, the villa blends Mudéjar, Gothic, and Oriental influences into a compact, playful residence. Its most striking feature is the cylindrical tower clad in colorful ceramic tiles that evoke a minaret, while the lower levels display intricate sunflower motifs and ironwork that foreshadow Gaudí’s later Barcelona works. Visitors come for the rare chance to see an intact early Gaudí interior with original furniture and stained glass still in place.

Architecture Highlights

Walk the exterior first to appreciate the geometric tile patterns and the distinctive chimney stack shaped like a bishop’s mitre. Inside, the ground floor contains the main salon and dining room where light filters through leaded windows onto custom-designed pieces. The upper levels feature smaller bedrooms with clever built-in storage that reflects Gaudí’s attention to practical comfort. The garden, though modest, contains mature trees that frame views toward the Bay of Biscay.

Getting There

Comillas lies roughly 50 kilometers west of Santander. Most travelers arrive by car via the A-8 motorway, exiting at San Vicente de la Barquera and following coastal roads. Buses run from Santander’s central station several times daily. Once in Comillas, the villa sits on a gentle hillside a short walk from the town’s main square and harbor.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and early autumn offer mild temperatures ideal for exploring both the house and the surrounding coastline. Summer brings larger crowds and warmer weather suited to combining a visit with nearby beaches. Winter visits are quieter but may encounter occasional Atlantic storms.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your trip with other Gaudí projects in Comillas such as the Pontifical University building and the elaborate El Capricho’s neighbor, the Sobrellano Palace. The dramatic cliffs and beaches of Oyambre Natural Park lie minutes away, while the Cabárceno Natural Park offers a half-day wildlife drive inland.