Things to do in Santander

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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.

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 {44 fun activities in Santander fun activities in Santander}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay

Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay

$16
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay
Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket

Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket

$51
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket
Picture 10 for Activity From Santander or Torrelavega: Soplao Cave Excursion

From Santander: Soplao Cave Tour & Pechon Scenic Viewpoint

$93
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

$56
per adult
Santander: The Caprice of Gaudí, Santillana and Redwood Forest
from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal

from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal

$77
per adult
from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal
Picos de Europa Potes and San Vicente de la Barquera from Santander

Picos de Europa Potes and San Vicente de la Barquera from Santander

$67
per adult
Picos de Europa Potes and San Vicente de la Barquera from Santander
Santander: Guided Tour by Electric Bike

Santander: Guided Tour by Electric Bike

$63
per adult
Santander: Guided Tour by Electric Bike
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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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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. 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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A rocky shoreline with clear blue water, a sandy beach, and a stone wall with people standing on it.

Recommended things to do in Santander

Number of things to do
44
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
TOP Santander : Private guided tour with your mobile: $6
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

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.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Santander? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Santander attractions

A large, historic stone building with multiple towers and flags.

Palacio de la Magdalena

9.2/10 (455 reviews)
This former royal summer residence showcases early 20th-century aristocratic life through its eclectic architecture. Guides reveal the palace's storied past on the Magdalena Peninsula.
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Where to stay in Santander

Find the best Santander areas and neighborhoods 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

Santander City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Jardines de Pereda or Plaza Porticada.

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 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.

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

La Gándara

The beaches and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to La Gándara. A stop by Chico Port or Centro Botín might round out your trip.

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

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 Plaza Méjico or Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Consolacion might round out your trip.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Santander

A courtyard with a fountain, a white building with a red-tiled roof, and a stone wall.

Camargo

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, white cliffs, and clear blue waters.

Santa Cruz de Bezana

A rural landscape with a dirt road, green fields, and scattered trees.
Photo by jmghera (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Ribamontan al Mar

A rocky coastline with a church on a hill.

San Roman de la Llanilla

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 pursuits and history, there are many interesting things to do in Santander. Remember to experience the area's mix of awesome sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Santander?
Kick your day off with a visit to Palacio de la Magdalena and Cantabria Maritime Museum. Then, explore other parts of Santander for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santander?
The top tourist attraction in Santander is Cabarceno Natural Park, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Santander?
Three days in Santander is enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests spend three days on average. Palacio de la Magdalena, Centro Botín and Bikini Beach are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Santillana del Mar.
Is Santander a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to do and see in Santander. Several key sights, including Palacio de la Magdalena and Centro Botín, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Santander's neighborhoods, Santander City Centre is 0.3 miles away from downtown, while Puertochico is 1 mile away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Santander with kids?
Planning what to do in Santander with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in Santander for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Santander, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Banco Santander or Bank of Spain.
Are there free things to do in Santander?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Santander is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Bikini Beach is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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