Magdalena Palace overviewing the sea in Santander, Spain

Things to do in  Santander

The hidden gem of Northern Spain

Capital of northern Spain’s Cantabria region, Santander is a welcoming coastal city renowned for its surf spots, sandy beaches, and grand architecture. Seafood takes center stage on the Cantabrian coast, and this Spanish city delivers when it comes to modern, Michelin-starred restaurants serving contemporary takes on classic fare. Other things to do in Santander include hiking coastal paths to pristine, crowd-free beaches; taking day trips to Bilbao and San Sebastian in the Basque Country; and visiting some of the oldest cave paintings in the world.

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Explore Santander by interest

Top activities in Santander

Private Puente Viesgo Caves Full-Day Tour from Santander

Private Puente Viesgo Caves Full-Day Tour from Santander

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6
From
$213.46
Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour from Santander

Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour from Santander

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53
From
$84.29
Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum from Santander

Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum from Santander

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47
From
$63.49
El Castillo Caves and Paleotithic Art

El Castillo Caves and Paleotithic Art

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10
From
$71.15
Comillas, Modernism & Gaudi

Comillas, Modernism & Gaudi

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26
From
$68.96
Cabarceno Natural Park Visit

Cabarceno Natural Park Visit

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121
From
$84.29
Gastronomy tour

Gastronomy tour

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$120.41
Santoña: Anchovy Factory & Boat Trip

Santoña: Anchovy Factory & Boat Trip

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7
From
$68.96
Full Day Private 4WD Tour from Santander to Picos de Europa. Excellent meals.

Full Day Private 4WD Tour from Santander to Picos de Europa. Excellent meals.

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18
From
$470.70
Full Day Private 4WD Tour from Bilbao to Picos de Europa. Fine meals.

Full Day Private 4WD Tour from Bilbao to Picos de Europa. Fine meals.

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5
From
$623.95
One Week Spanish Course At Your Tutor's Home In The North Of Spain

One Week Spanish Course At Your Tutor's Home In The North Of Spain

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6
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$755.03
El Soplao Cave Visit

El Soplao Cave Visit

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18
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$68.96
Canoeing, Cave & Collados Del Ason

Canoeing, Cave & Collados Del Ason

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1
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$131.36
Santander Private Arrival Transfer

Santander Private Arrival Transfer

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$35.58
Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre

Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre

From
$43.79
per group
One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport

One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport

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6
From
$40.87
per group
Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport

Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport

From
$43.79
per group
Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander

Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander

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3
From
$45.98
Santander Private Departure Transfer

Santander Private Departure Transfer

From
$35.58
Private Transfer from Santander city to Biarritz Airport

Private Transfer from Santander city to Biarritz Airport

From
$505.73
per group
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All about Santander

When to visit

While Cantabria experiences warm summers and mild winters, Spain’s northern coast sees more rain than the rest of the country—Santander is much more prone to a downpour than the sun-baked south. For the best weather, visit in July and August, when you’ll encounter far fewer crowds than central and southern parts of Spain. One August highlight (since 1948) is the Santander International Festival that sees the city come to life with a rich cultural agenda of music, art, and food.

Getting around

The pedestrianized historical center of Santander is easy to explore on foot, as is the seafront promenade and coastal trails that lead to stunning beaches such as Playa de los Peligros with views of the Cantabrian Mountains. Buses to the Basque Country (just a couple of hours away) and the rest of Spain depart regularly from the central bus station, and Santander is also home to an international airport that serves as a gateway to the rest of Europe.

Traveler tips

Depicting local fauna and human hands in charcoal, the Cave of Altamira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s estimated to date back more than 40,000 years. While only five visitors per week get to explore the cave itself, you’ll find an exact replica of the cave at the Altamira National Museum and Research Center—just 30 minutes from Santander by car—which delves deeper into prehistoric life in the Iberian Peninsula. It’s a must-visit for history buffs.

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CEST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+34
Language(s)
Catalan
Attractions
0
Tours
41
Reviews
404
EN
7f3a58e0-bc18-4803-b4f9-5aaa3c9526e4
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People Also Ask

Is it worth visiting Santander?

Yes, it is worth visiting Santander. The city offers an authentic glimpse into Spanish culture on the Cantabrian coast, and boasts a rich variety of architecture and restaurants, as well as stunning sandy beaches. Plus, it’s home to palaces favored by Spanish royalty.

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What is Santander best known for?

Aside from the European bank of the same name, Santander is best known for its natural landscapes—comprising white-sand beaches and mountains—and its grand seafront palaces. It’s also a surfer’s paradise and is dotted with quaint surfer towns with great swells.

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Is Santander good for a weekend break?

Yes, Santander is a great place for a weekend break. The city center is small, walkable, and packed with restaurants, shops, museums, markets, and historic buildings. Plus, several stunning beaches are within walking distance of the city and some of the world’s oldest cave paintings are a short drive away.

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Does Santander have a beach?

Yes, Santander is located on the Cantabrian Sea, so it has several beaches. A stone’s throw from the center is 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) El Sardinero, overlooked by avant-garde buildings, while a short ferry ride away is Playa de Somo, which is one of the state’s best surfing spots.

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How many days do you need in Santander?

You need two days in Santander. This will give you time to visit cultural and historical highlights such as the grand Magdalena Palace and Altamira Caves; wander around the shops and eat tapas in the city center; and spend time swimming, surfing, or hiking on the golden-sand beaches.

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What food is Santander famous for?

Close to the Basque Country—one of the world’s culinary hot spots—it’s no wonder Santander takes its food seriously. It’s famous for its beef, which comes from cows that graze in the mountains pastures; rabas (lightly battered squid rings); fish soup; and cocido montañés, a hearty bean stew.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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