What to do in Santander

Activities, attractions and tours

Santander showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline
Santander showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline
Palacio de la Magdalena showing 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

Santander Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Santander has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Santander is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Santander to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Santander Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Santander.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Santander attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Santander

Tours & day trips

See all 22 activities
From Santander or Torrelavega: Soplao Cave Excursion

From Santander or Torrelavega: Soplao Cave Excursion

Activity duration is 5 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $132 per adult
From Santander or Torrelavega: Soplao Cave ExcursionOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 5 activities
Exclusive Tour of Santander with Cathedral and Booty Centre

Exclusive Tour of Santander with Cathedral and Booty Centre

Activity duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $343 per traveller*
Exclusive Tour of Santander with Cathedral and Booty CentreOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 5 activities
1-day Surf Course for Adults

1-day Surf Course for Adults

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $57 per adult
1-day Surf Course for AdultsOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities
Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savouring Santander

Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savouring Santander

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $57 per adult
Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savouring SantanderOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Santander

Number of things to do
23
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Santander Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: CA $16
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santander

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santander

Santander_SantanderFerryTerminal_6163274_08

Santander Ferry Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Santander with a trip to Santander Ferry Terminal. Visit the area's shops or amble around its beautiful beaches.

Santander Ferry Terminal
Palacio de la Magdalena showing heritage architecture, a house and a park

Palacio de la Magdalena

Experience the ostentatious splendor of a palatial home where members of the Spanish royal family used to take their summer vacations.

Palacio de la Magdalena
Banco Santander showing heritage architecture

Banco Santander

Consider the importance of this institution in the banking world while you marvel at the building’s vast hole through which vehicles pass.

Banco Santander
Santander Cathedral showing heritage architecture

Santander Cathedral

This fortress-like building is actually two churches combined and stands on a pile of Roman ruins. Inside, see religious works of art and sacred relics.

Santander Cathedral
B13GPH gran casino del sardinero santander cantabria espana casino de santander cantabria spain

Gran Casino del Sardinero

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Gran Casino del Sardinero during your travels in Santander? Wander the beautiful beaches and waterfront in the area.

Gran Casino del Sardinero
rainy day at the museum #santander #spain #umbrella

Centro Botín

You can browse the exhibits at Centro Botín, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Santander. Visit the area's shops or amble around its beautiful beaches.

Centro Botín
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Casa Pombo

Find out about the history of Santander with a stop at Casa Pombo. Wander the beautiful beaches and waterfront in the area.

Casa Pombo
Cantabria Maritime Museum featuring marine life and interior views

Cantabria Maritime Museum

Come face to face with undersea creatures and learn about the local fishing industry and its traditions at this fascinating museum.

Cantabria Maritime Museum
Plaza Porticada featuring a square or plaza and heritage architecture

Plaza Porticada

In the heart of the city’s commercial area is a beautiful square surrounded by a collection of grand arcaded buildings.

Plaza Porticada

Explore areas of Santander

Banco Santander showing heritage architecture

Santander City Centre

5/5(1 area review)

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
Monumento a Los Raqueros featuring a river or creek, outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

La Gándara

Vacation in a northern Spanish town that is set amid spectacular natural landscapes and close to an ancient cave system decorated with Paleolithic art.

La Gándara
Visiting Santander, North Spain, this week

El Sardinero

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

El Sardinero
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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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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.

Cabildo de Arriba
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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

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Santander

spectacular beach Playa de los Covachos, Cantabria, green belt of Spain

Santa Cruz de Bezana

San Juan de la Arena Fishing Port, Cantabrian Sea, San Juan de la Arena, Soto del Barco, Principado de Asturias, Spain, Europe

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.

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