15 Best Things To Do in Santander, Spain
Are you planning to travel to Santander, Spain soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in Santander with suggested tours!
Santander is the capital city of the Cantabria region on Spain’s north coast. It is known for its peace and quiet surroundings, varied transport and communications infrastructure and its mild climate all year round. In this wonderful place, you’d enjoy a lot of outdoor activities that would definitely make your Santander getaway more memorable.
Now if you’re ready, let’s not wait any longer and find out the things that we can do while we’re in Santander.
Table of Contents
15 Things that you should do and visit in Santander, Spain
1. Playa Primera de El Sardinero
Playa Primera de El Sardinero is a very popular beach in Santander, Spain. Given its beautiful scenery, it also has a magnificent bay of wide, spotlessly clean sand. Perfect for kids or adults, for family, with your friends, or even if you’re alone.
2. Palacio Real de La Magdalena
Palacio Real de La Magdalena is located in the Magdalena Peninsula of the city of Santander, Cantabria, Spain. It’s home to the Spanish Royal Family and was built between 1909 and 1911. It has become Santander’s symbol.
3. Museo Maritimo del Cantabrico
Museo Maritimo del Cantabrico exhibits about local maritime heritage. It also features everything about natural history and archaeology like whale skeletons, shipbuilding, and cartography. You can also enjoy an aquarium and a restaurant with bay views.
4. Discover the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria
Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria is a modern museum with artifacts from prehistoric times to the Middle Age and interactive exhibits. It features a variety of displays. You’d definitely learn a lot after visiting this place.
5. Visit the Cathedral Santander
Cathedral Santander is located in the Spanish city of Santander. It was built in the 13th century. It has a Gothic structure that was extended and renovated in later times that dates back to the 14th century.
6. Magdalena Peninsula
The Magdalena Peninsula is a 69-acre peninsula located near the entrance to the Bay of Santander in the city of Santander. It’s like a huge playground next to a cafe. It’s covered with trees, meadows, and parks with beaches or rocky shorelines surrounding it. This place would surely give you a relaxing and fun vibes that you need.
7. Parque de Cabo Mayor
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If you love trekking Parque de Cabo Mayor is a must-visit! It has very beautiful views. A wonderful place to walk around and look over the views of Santander. It’s worth trekking out to enjoy.
8. Jardines de Piquio
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If you feel so tired walking around the El Sardinero all day, then you must visit Jardines de Piquio. You’d be able to feel relaxed and calm while staying in this garden. Especially, if you’re the type who loves nature so much then this garden is really recommended.
9. Playa de El Puntal
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Playa de El Puntal is a long beach that’s perfect for a walk. It’s a quiet beach with a lot of activities to offer like surfing and kitesurfing. It also has good restaurants that you could totally enjoy. A must-visit beach.
10. Mercado de La Esperanza
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Mercado de La Esperanza is Santander’s main market. In this place, you’ll see fresh fish, meat and other market foods. It was first opened in 1904, which makes this market extra special.
11. Playa de Matalenas
A hidden gem in Santander, Spain. You can either walk around, enjoy the view, go swimming, or sunbathing. If you want to enjoy swimming but you don’t want to be in a crowded place, then Playa de Matalenas is the place for you. Fewer people than El Sardinero but offers the same picturesque view.
12. Forestal Park Santander
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An adventure park that everyone could enjoy. You can fly through the air sliding down zip lines 220m long and up to 25m high, jump like Tarzan and cross exciting Tibetan bridges. This park is perfect for people of all ages.
13. Refugio Antiaereo
An air read shelter or bomb shelter located in Santander, Spain. It was built during the Spanish civil war. The tour would help you learn more about the war during that time, and you’d get to experience what people inside the shelter felt while the bombs dropped. Really an interesting place to visit.
14. Puerto Chico
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Puerto Chico or Little Harbor is one of the first harbors in the city. Today, it offers stunning views of the bay and easy access to the Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria. You can enjoy a nice walk here, or even shopping in nearby shops.
15. Ermita de la Virgen del Mar
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This very simple building was built in the 17th century in honor of the statue of Nuestra Senora del Mar (Virgin of the Sea). From the chapel, you will see the clean ocean that makes this place relaxing to go to.
These are the possible things you can do in Santander, Spain. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! Pack your things and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Santander.
How to go to Santander, Spain from the UK
Via Ryanair: (one way)
*From London Stansted to Santander Airport
Ticket Price: £29.37
Via Easyjet: (one way)
*From London Stansted to Bilbao Airport (103km from Santander, Spain since no direct flight to Santander in Easyjet)
Ticket Price: £35.25
* Prices are subject to change.
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About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.