Things to do in Santander

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal beach with clear turquoise waters, sandy shore, and rocky cliffs.
A large, historic building with multiple towers and a central tower, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and pathways.
A sandy beach with gentle waves and footprints.
A coastal cliff with a lighthouse and waves crashing against it.
A large, ornate archway with a clock above it, flanked by buildings with balconies.

Things to do

Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay

Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay

RM69
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay
Picture 10 for Activity From Santander or Torrelavega: Soplao Cave Excursion

From Santander: Soplao Cave Tour & Pechon Scenic Viewpoint

RM388
per adult
From Santander: Soplao Cave Tour & Pechon Scenic Viewpoint
Tour to Capricho de Gaudí Santillana del Mar and Redwood Forest

Santander: The Caprice of Gaudí, Santillana and Redwood Forest

RM232
per adult
Santander: The Caprice of Gaudí, Santillana and Redwood Forest
Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Guided Tour

Santillana del Mar & Altamira guided Tour from Santander

RM326
per adult
Santillana del Mar & Altamira guided Tour from Santander
from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal

from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal

RM322
per adult
from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal
Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savoring Santander

Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savoring Santander

RM166
per adult
Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savoring Santander
Santander: Guided Tour by Electric Bike

Santander: Guided Tour by Electric Bike

RM260
per adult
Santander: Guided Tour by Electric Bike
Cantabria: El Castillo Caves & Paleolithic Art

Santander: El Castillo Caves & Paleolithic Art Tour

RM520
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santander: El Castillo Caves & Paleolithic Art Tour
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Top places to visit

1. El Sardinero Beach

El Sardinero Beach is one of the most popular and lively strands in Santander. Surrounded by scenic verdant gardens and jagged bluffs, the beach offers stunning views in all directions. Take your whole family for a swim in the calm and shallow waters of the Bay of Biscay.
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A coastal beach with clear turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery.

2. Palacio de la Magdalena

Enter the richly decorated rooms and salons of the Palacio de la Magdalena where Spanish royals used to enjoy their vacations. This magnificent early 20th-century building was the summer residence of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia de Battenberg for 18 years. They ruled Spain until the country became a republic for the second time, in 1931.
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A large, historic stone building with multiple towers and flags.

3. Santander Cathedral

Santander Cathedral has been a dominant presence since the 13th century, an austere Gothic structure on the incline of a hill. Explore this grandiose medieval church which occupies a site that once housed Roman baths and later an abbey.
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A historic building with a bell tower and a covered staircase.

4. Banco Santander

Banco Santander is the headquarters of the multinational bank of worldwide renown. As the location of the bank’s founding, its neoclassical building is suitably majestic, featuring a large burrowed arch at its center and a rectangular pediment on its roof with a Spanish flag flying in the breeze. Pass through the central arch and gaze up at the enormous building as you consider its rich history.
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A street under an archway with buildings on either side, a crosswalk, and a cyclist.

5. Magdalena Beach

Plan to spend some time at Magdalena Beach (Playa de la Magdalena) and unwind at a popular and attractive sandy sanctuary. It sits within a sheltered bay at the foot of the Palacio de la Magdalena and extends for approximately 2,953 feet (900 meters).
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A beach with clear turquoise water, a sandy shore, and buildings in the background.

6. Mercado La Esperanza

The Mercado la Esperanza is a lively market held in an impressive 19th-century hall of the same name. The cast-iron structure contains a range of vendors who stock their stalls with food and other products. Chat with sellers and fellow tourists to get a glimpse into the local culture and culinary traditions.
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A market with a Cantabrico sign, various food items, and a brick floor.

What to do in Santander

Stay near popular Santander attractions

A coastal beach with clear turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery.

El Sardinero Beach

9.4/10 (437 reviews)
Explore the casino, international restaurants and many quaint cafés that adorn the charming promenade that overlooks this picturesque sandy haven.
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Where to stay in Santander

Find the best Santander areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santander
Learn more about Santander
A large, ornate archway with a clock above it, flanked by buildings with balconies.

Santander City Centre

Travellers come to Santander City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Jardines de Pereda and Plaza Porticada while you're in town.

A coastal walkway with red brick flooring, white railings, and red columns.

El Sardinero

While visiting El Sardinero, you might make a stop by sights like El Sardinero Beach and Jardines de Piquio.

A statue of a man on a pedestal by a waterfront with boats and a building in the background.

Puertochico

The pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Puertochico. A stop by Chico Port or Bay of Biscay might round out your trip.

A waterfront promenade with statues of children by the water, a pier with boats, and a white building with red accents.

La Gándara

Pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are well-reviewed features of La Gándara. Make a stop by top sights like Homenaje al Navegante Vital Alsar while you're exploring the area.

A street with colorful buildings, a church, and a pedestrian bridge.

Cabildo de Arriba

The beaches and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Cabildo de Arriba. A stop by Plaza Méjico or Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Consolacion might round out your trip.

A marina with boats docked, a wooden pier, and a backdrop of a hilly landscape with buildings.

Soto de la Marina

Frequently asked questions

Is Santander worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor adventures and history, there are many great things to do in Santander. Be sure to experience the area's mix of awesome sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Santander?
Begin your day with a visit to Palacio de la Magdalena and Bikini Beach. Then, check out different areas of Santander for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santander?
Cabarceno Natural Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Santander and should be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Santander?
You can easily visit leading attractions like Palacio de la Magdalena, Centro Botín and Bikini Beach with a three-day trip to Santander. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Santillana del Mar.
Is Santander a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Santander. Several top sights, like Palacio de la Magdalena and Centro Botín, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Santander's best neighbourhoods, Santander City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Puertochico is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Santander with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Santander with kids.

What to do in Santander for adults?
Banco Santander and Bank of Spain are just a few of the things to do in Santander. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Santander?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Santander is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Bikini Beach is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.