Things to do in Santander

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Santander showing rugged coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Palacio de la Magdalena which includes a garden and heritage architecture
Matalenas Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach
Santander featuring rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sunset
Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

Santander Attractions

Eager to know the top things to do in Santander? Awesome shopping, appetizing local cuisine and numerous spectacular tourist attractions are just a taste of what's waiting for you. Get set to pack your bags and discover this thriving city.

Discover what makes Santander tick with the very best tours & day trips. Browse through our top {28 fun activities in Santander fun activities in Santander}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.


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Santander must see attractions

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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El Sardinero Beach which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

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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Palacio de la Magdalena featuring a garden, heritage architecture and a house

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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Santander Cathedral featuring heritage architecture

4. Magdalena Peninsula

Magdalena Peninsula features scenic terrain, made up of emerald bluffs, pine woodland and golden sandy beaches. Adorning this serene landscape are some of Santander’s best attractions, including three galleons, a marine zoo and a majestic palace. Snap photos of the rugged coastline and the nearby islands rising from picturesque Santander Bay.
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Magdalena Peninsula showing a sandy beach, rugged coastline and general coastal views

5. 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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Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

6. 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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Magdalena Beach showing a coastal town, a beach and general coastal views

What to do in Santander

Free Things to Do in Santander

There's no need to endlessly reach for your wallet in Santander. The following won't even cost a penny.

Sotileza Mural - If you'd like to gain an insight into the cultural and artistic side of the region, be sure to stop by.

Bank of Spain - Fans of architecture will certainly enjoy marveling at the impressive modern design of this landmark.

Monumento a Los Raqueros - Stop by this historic attraction and experience a part of the cultural heritage of the area.

Plaza Porticada - See for yourself why tourists and locals alike are drawn to the atmosphere of this place.

Mercado del Este - If you'd love to see some of the more important or unique places in the community, this is a good place to start.

Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Church - Gain an understanding of local religious beliefs at this spiritual sanctuary.

Camello Beach - Play a game with the young ones or simply sit back and enjoy the warm sun at this delightful coastal spot.

Las Tetas de Lierganes - Appreciate the stark contrast between urban life and nature's splendor at this beautiful place.

Jardines de Pereda - Recharge your mind and body by spending a little time with Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Santander with Kids

There are loads of amazing experiences in Santander that the whole gang will enjoy. Here are some of the best family friendly experiences in the area.


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Santander

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Santander

Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

Santander City Centre

5/5(19 area reviews)

Wander through the picturesque gardens and along the coastal boulevard, enter the vast cathedral and examine the fascinating monuments in the heart of Santander.

Santander City Centre
This very high statue of a woman looking through a telescope in central Santander is called Into the future

Cabildo de Arriba

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

Cabildo de Arriba
Monumento a Los Raqueros showing a statue or sculpture, a bay or harbor and outdoor art

Puertochico

The beaches and 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.

Puertochico
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Porrúa

Pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are well-reviewed features of Porrúa. Make a stop by top sights like Iglesia de las Salesas Reales while you're exploring the area.

Porrúa
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Castilla-Hermida

Pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are well-reviewed features of Castilla-Hermida. Make a stop by top sights like La Marga Park while you're exploring the area.

Castilla-Hermida
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Cazoña

Beaches and waterfront views are well-reviewed features of Cazoña. Make a stop by top sights like Parque del Doctor Morales while you're exploring the area.

Cazoña

 

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Popular day trips from Santander