There aren't many replies to this are there.

Temperatures in July are pretty good, expect around 25 - 30 degrees, it's not as hot as the med and there is always the chance of rain, but not enough to spoil a holiday I wouldn't imagine. Regards to snorkelling, again, the water isn't as warm as the Med as you are on the Bay of Biscay, no idea what there might be to see under water though. There's also a few beaches that are on the Spanish surf tour, so that's another option.
Asturias has a similar climate and similar beaches, in either there isn't the mass tourism of the Med, resorts are much smaller and will generally be full of Spanish holidaymakers escaping the heat of Madrid.

Thanks for the reply, good to know someone else has been. We have been looking into the area for some time now, we understand they dont speak english so are doing a spanish course, only to discover its a separate dialect in the area we have chosen

thanks again

cat

Cantabrians speak very good Castillano. Most of Asturias aswell, up in the hills close to Galicia the speak Bable (or something) but that's not to worry about. Going east there is Pais Vasco with Euskadi but being a tourist you'll have no problems with castellano - and only a few minor problems with only English.

holidayed here last june weather was lovely a nice resort for the family is
noja also try plencia near bilbao snorkleing small sailboats etc although sea is about as warm as cornwall not the med afterall.
ps it is probably easier to fly then hire a car . i have done both
flying is easier

thanks, doesnt seem to be a popular area. We are staying 8k west of Santillana del mar, sailing to santander, so not to much travelling hopefully