Impact-Site-Verification: e97618de-a52b-470d-b945-7e81282bcff0

Santander, Spain

Things to Do in Santander

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour from Santander-small groups

Most booked tours and tickets in Santander

Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour from Santander-small groups

Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour from Santander-small groups

4.7125 reviews9h
Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum with tickets- small groups

Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum with tickets- small groups

4.682 reviews4h 30m
Comillas, Modernism & Gaudi with entrance tickets -small groups

Comillas, Modernism & Gaudi with entrance tickets -small groups

4.752 reviews5h
El Castillo Caves and Paleotithic Art- small groups

El Castillo Caves and Paleotithic Art- small groups

4.844 reviews5h
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.

5.035 reviews8h
El Soplao Cave Visit with entrance ticket- small groups

El Soplao Cave Visit with entrance ticket- small groups

4.529 reviews4h 30m
Private Puente Viesgo Caves Full-Day Tour from Santander

Private Puente Viesgo Caves Full-Day Tour from Santander

4.917 reviews9h
Santillana, Altamira, Comillas & San Vicente de la B. Guided Tour

Santillana, Altamira, Comillas & San Vicente de la B. Guided Tour

4.614 reviews9h

Top sights in Santander

  1. 1El Sardinero Beach
  2. 2Magdalena Palace
  3. 3Centro Botín
  4. 4Cathedral
  5. 5Cabo Mayor
  6. 6Maritime Museum
  • Stunning Urban Beaches & Surfing: Experience the unique duality of city and surf at El Sardinero, a golden-sand beach with elegant architecture as a backdrop, or challenge the waves at Playa de Somo, a short ferry ride away and a renowned surf spot.
  • Architectural Grandeur & Royal History: Explore the Magdalena Peninsula, home to the majestic Magdalena Palace, the former summer residence of King Alfonso XIII, and wander through its expansive park with miniature zoo, cliffs, and panoramic views.
  • World-Class Modern Art & Culture: Visit the Centro Botín, a stunning Renzo Piano-designed arts center jutting over the bay, hosting major exhibitions and offering a vibrant cultural program that transforms the city's waterfront.

Tickets and passes in Santander

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.

4.36 reviews8h

Food and drink experiences in Santander

Santoña and Anchovy Factory tour from Santander - small groups

Santoña and Anchovy Factory tour from Santander - small groups

4.713 reviews4h 30m
Private Gastronomy tour with tastings from Santander

Private Gastronomy tour with tastings from Santander

5.01 review9h
Private Wine Tasting in Luxury Salon With Views in Santander

Private Wine Tasting in Luxury Salon With Views in Santander

2h

Day trips and outdoor activities from Santander

Discover the village of San Sebastian De Garabandal- small groups

Discover the village of San Sebastian De Garabandal- small groups

4.69 reviews5h 30m

Hidden gems in Santander

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria (MUPAC)

A superb, modern archaeology museum located in the Mercado del Este building, detailing Cantabria's rich history from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages.

Playa de Mataleñas

A small, sheltered cove beach nestled below the cliffs of Cabo Mayor, accessible via a scenic path from the lighthouse or El Sardinero.

Biblioteca Menéndez Pelayo

The historic library and former home of scholar Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, preserved as a museum with his personal collection of 45,000 books.

Paseo de los Hoteles & Piquío Gardens

A beautiful, elevated garden walkway in El Sardinero connecting the two main beaches, offering the classic postcard view of the bay and coastline.

Cueva del Soplao

A spectacular cave system about an hour's drive from Santander, famous for its unique 'helictites' (eccentric formations that defy gravity).

Day trips from Santander

Santillana del Mar & Altamira Caves

30 min by car or bus

Step back in time to one of Spain's most perfectly preserved medieval towns, a labyrinth of cobbled streets and stone mansions. Nearby, visit the Neocave, an exact replica of the world-famous Altamira Cave with its prehistoric paintings.

Picos de Europa National Park (Fuente Dé)

1.5 hours by car

Experience the breathtaking majesty of Spain's first national park. Take the Fuente Dé cable car, which rockets you 800 meters up to a stunning high-mountain plateau with jaw-dropping views of limestone peaks.

Bilbao

1 hour by car or 1.5 hours by bus/train

Dive into the vibrant, industrial-turned-cultural powerhouse of the Basque Country. The iconic Guggenheim Museum is a must-see, but the city's pintxo bars and riverside atmosphere are equally compelling.

Plan your Santander trip

Things to do in Santander: FAQ

What are the best things to do in Santander?+

Top sights include El Sardinero Beach, Magdalena Palace, Centro Botín and Cathedral. Away from the crowds, try Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria (MUPAC) and Playa de Mataleñas.

What are the most popular tours in Santander?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour from Santander-small groups (4.7 stars, 125 reviews); Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum with tickets- small groups (4.6 stars, 82 reviews); Comillas, Modernism & Gaudi with entrance tickets -small groups (4.7 stars, 52 reviews).

How much do tours in Santander cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €10 and €760 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.