Located about 15 kilometres from the regional capital of Santander, Solares is quite small with a population of around 4,000.

Although agriculture has traditionally played an important role in the local economy, services, including tourism and the hospitality industry, have come to prominence more recently.

In 2006 an 18th Century spa, which had previously been closed for some thirty years, reopened as part of a hotel and health resort complex. This development has helped to attract more visitors to the area.

The best-known dish from Solares is alubias rojas de Solares, made from red wine and beans.

There is no shortage of things to do in Solares and the surrounding area including fishing, cycling and hill-walking.