Title: Plaza Porticada in Santander City Centre - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Plaza Porticada Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Plaza-Porticada-Hotels.0-l6122414-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Plaza Porticada Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Plaza-Porticada.d6122414.Car-Rental-Guide)[Santander City Centre Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Santander-City-Centre.d553248633937780725.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Plaza Porticada Tours and Activities ![Plaza Porticada featuring a square or plaza and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6122414/e6329f7c-bd41-4f8c-b5c2-a9f2cba1a6d1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Plaza Porticada featuring a square or plaza and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6122414/e6329f7c-bd41-4f8c-b5c2-a9f2cba1a6d1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Plaza Porticada featuring interior views and heritage elements as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6122414/a306ee23-36d1-4dc1-955b-fad4aa8e482c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Plaza Porticada featuring street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a couple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6122414/b9179993-7c4a-4df1-b63a-6953acaf5444.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Plaza Porticada which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a square or plaza](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6122414/5c41132e-de31-41e7-a2f9-7b67e1298cf6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Plaza Porticada Activities --- --- #### In the heart of the city’s commercial area is a beautiful square surrounded by a collection of grand arcaded buildings. Plaza Porticada was one of the phoenixes that rose from the ashes of a fire that ripped through most of Santander in 1941, almost destroying the city. It is also known as the Plaza de Velarde, after Pedro Velarde, a military figure who died in the 1808 uprising against the French occupation of Madrid. Come here to admire the stately architecture of the surrounding buildings. Stand in the middle of the square for a good view of the buildings, which are occupied by government offices and a bank. The look is Herrerian, a Spanish architectural style that was developed in the 16th century and is characterized by geometric precision and little or no decoration. Go over to the building belonging to the Caja Santander and Cantabria. The porch of this bank's offices is adorned with two naturalistic nude statutes of a man holding a honeycomb and a woman carrying two pitchers. These figures represent savings and charity and were created by the Bilbao-born sculptor Agustín de la Herrán Matorras. Their nakedness caused a lot of controversy at the time of their unveiling. Elsewhere in the plaza, gaze up at the monument to Velarde. It represents the national hero brandishing a sword and standing next to a canon. Contemplate your surroundings while enjoying a coffee and pastry at one of the cafés in the plaza. During your time in the city, there may be opportunities to watch concerts and see exhibitions in the square. Throughout the year it often hosts free cultural activities. Plaza Porticada is located in the center of the city, close to numerous bus stops and garages where parking is available for a fee. After your visit leave the square and explore other notable attractions that are within easy walking distance. These include the centuries-old Gothic Santander Cathedral and the Jardines de Pereda. Also nearby are some of Santander’s main shopping streets such as Calle Juan de Herrera and Calle Calvo Sotelo. ### Tours & day trips [See all 27 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&filter.categories=ToursDayTrips) ![From Santander or Torrelavega: Soplao Cave Excursion](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4512925/ae91c41a-fe4a-4d4d-90fb-f235b0715fa3.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### From Santander or Torrelavega: Soplao Cave Excursion 4h 30m+ 10/10 10 GetYourGuide reviews Free cancellation available CA $133 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/from-santander-or-torrelavega-soplao-cave-excursion.a4512925.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Bilbao and Castro Urdiales Day Tour from Santander](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/50036038/2f11d9a1-6f58-4f82-bdb4-a1f1cf458048.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Bilbao and Castro Urdiales Day Tour from Santander 9h 30m Free cancellation available CA $108 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/bilbao-and-castro-urdiales-day-tour-from-santander.a50036038.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savouring Santander](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48299253/92589fd1-c2d1-423e-a475-518b0211c42e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savouring Santander 3h 30m Free cancellation available CA $57 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/gastronomic-cultural-tour-savouring-santander.a48299253.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Exclusive Tour of Santander with Cathedral and Booty Centre](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49834679/b86aa41e-e2d7-4ba7-b832-0779ff28f36d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Exclusive Tour of Santander with Cathedral and Booty Centre 2h 15m Free cancellation available CA $343 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/exclusive-tour-of-santander-with-cathedral-and-booty-centre.a49834679.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Cantabria Full-Day Private Guided Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4550451/c2574d0b-ee20-44b4-b193-53cfaa498e8e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Cantabria Full-Day Private Guided Tour 9h 8.6/10 4 GetYourGuide reviews Free cancellation available CA $841 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/from-santander-cantabria-private-tour.a4550451.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Peninsula and Magdalena Palace in Santander](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49452867/cacaea57-e797-4d79-97f0-0fdb44d3b476.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Peninsula and Magdalena Palace in Santander 2h Free cancellation available CA $29 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/peninsula-and-magdalena-palace-in-santander.a49452867.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![From Santander: Cabarceno Natural Park Half-Day Trip](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4757516/c9e356b3-a9e1-4247-904b-af8084f8f126.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### From Santander: Cabarceno Natural Park Half-Day Trip 5h 9.8/10 27 GetYourGuide reviews Free cancellation available CA $137 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/from-santander-4-5-hour-cabarceno-natural-park-tour.a4757516.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![From Santander: Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/51249839/97de1ec7-4933-4fca-9c50-826ae8fdeba1.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### From Santander: Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour 4h 30m 10/10 1 GetYourGuide review Free cancellation available CA $110 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/from-santander-santillana-del-mar-altamira-museum-tour.a51249839.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Santander: Western Coast of Cantabria Villages Day Trip](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48253430/8cb13ab8-95a6-4097-92fb-3ef8743dfddc.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santander: Western Coast of Cantabria Villages Day Trip 9h 30m 9.6/10 10 GetYourGuide reviews Free cancellation available CA $137 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/from-santander-western-coast-of-cantabria-villages-day-trip.a48253430.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4553328/3b38aa53-64d6-446c-95d3-fdfd8ee670aa.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal 5h 10/10 7 GetYourGuide reviews Free cancellation available CA $110 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/from-santander-fascinating-saint-sebastian-of-garabandal.a4553328.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ### Private & custom tours [See all 6 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&filter.categories=Privatecustomtours) ![Exclusive Tour of Santander with Cathedral and Booty Centre](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49834679/b86aa41e-e2d7-4ba7-b832-0779ff28f36d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Exclusive Tour of Santander with Cathedral and Booty Centre 2h 15m Free cancellation available CA $343 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/exclusive-tour-of-santander-with-cathedral-and-booty-centre.a49834679.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Cantabria Full-Day Private Guided Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4550451/c2574d0b-ee20-44b4-b193-53cfaa498e8e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Cantabria Full-Day Private Guided Tour 9h 8.6/10 4 GetYourGuide reviews Free cancellation available CA $841 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/from-santander-cantabria-private-tour.a4550451.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![TOP Santander : Private guided tour with your mobile](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/51553995/1dc25a67-e61b-4863-8d99-71e002122c64.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### TOP Santander : Private guided tour with your mobile 4h Free cancellation available CA $8 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/top-santander-private-guided-tour-with-your-mobile.a51553995.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Private walking tour of the Peninsula and the Magdalene Palace](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49555659/94cd0fa0-3f9d-4856-9891-bc64f54b574f.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Private walking tour of the Peninsula and the Magdalene Palace 2h Free cancellation available CA $383 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/private-walking-tour-of-the-peninsula-and-the-magdalene-palace.a49555659.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Private Guided Walking Tour in Liérganes](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49552245/bd5bb512-7740-4d3a-b38a-8224f880673b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Private Guided Walking Tour in Liérganes 1h 30m Free cancellation available CA $299 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/private-guided-walking-tour-in-lierganes.a49552245.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Private visit to Santander](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49391123/96798abc-ceea-45e0-bc73-2210834410cb.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Private visit to Santander 2h 15m Free cancellation available CA $299 includes taxes & fees per traveller\* \*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/private-visit-to-santander.a49391123.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ### Water activities [See all 5 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&filter.categories=Wateractivities) ![1-day Surf Course for Adults](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2687871/c2bac333-d2d8-49a1-8d8d-aadc5cab7e93.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### 1-day Surf Course for Adults 2h 8/10 1 Viator review Free cancellation available CA $57 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/1-day-surf-course-in-somo.a2687871.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4845658/fedba751-598a-4c17-a62c-109f0a5ea7e0.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay 1h 8.6/10 121 GetYourGuide reviews Free cancellation available CA $23 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/santander-1-hour-city-cruise-around-the-bay.a4845658.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![2 day surf course](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2687870/95e34f05-110e-449a-a22b-8478c18693ad.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### 2 day surf course 4h 10/10 1 Viator review Free cancellation available CA $113 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/surf-course-2-days.a2687870.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Surf course for children 1 day](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46225846/faf567c8-4b48-420b-8c19-c4a69b8bb8fb.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Surf course for children 1 day 2h Free cancellation available CA $57 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/surf-course-for-children-1-day.a46225846.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ![Santander: Surf Lessons on Playa de Somo](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4726076/e80e4805-a68e-4024-84f1-aee7057e58be.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280) ### Santander: Surf Lessons on Playa de Somo 2h 9.4/10 12 GetYourGuide reviews Free cancellation available CA $57 includes taxes & fees per adult [](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/santander-surf-lessons-on-playa-de-somo.a4726076.activity-details?&rid=6122414&location=Plaza+Porticada&swp=off) ### Popular places to visit ![Parroquia Santisimo Cristo featuring heritage elements and interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532487517/132d17ec-c3e7-4179-a5f3-e58465d3313f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Parroquia Santisimo Cristo Examine religious works of art beneath the low vaulted ceiling of a church that makes up the lower section of Santander Cathedral. [](https://expedia.ca/Parroquia-Santisimo-Cristo-Santander-City-Centre.d553248621532487517.Vacation-Attraction) ![Santander which includes markets, interior views and a bar](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635200585601/1042b64c-2ba1-448a-be44-28c09f74f350.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mercado del Este During your visit to Santander, you can do some window-shopping at Mercado del Este. Wander the beautiful beaches and waterfront in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Mercado-Del-Este-Santander-City-Centre.d553248635200585601.Vacation-Attraction) ![Santander Cathedral showing heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6122412/52831eb6-1b1b-469d-acac-ce3da106eab4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Santander Cathedral 5/5(1 review) 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Santander-Cathedral-Santander-City-Centre.d6122412.Vacation-Attraction) ![Jardines de Pereda which includes a bridge, a river or creek and hiking or walking](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533072377/d0c04997-b93f-4919-81f0-7f6bdb9259ea.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Jardines de Pereda Wander along the charming promenade and inspect the wonderful statues and fountain in gardens built on the city’s old port. [](https://expedia.ca/Jardines-De-Pereda-Santander-City-Centre.d553248621533072377.Vacation-Attraction) ![Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria showing interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532487528/54be3b4e-1870-4143-ab08-0e9d801df50c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria Inspect the intriguing ancient objects excavated from several archaeological digs of prehistoric and medieval sites dotted around the Cantabria region. [](https://expedia.ca/Museum-Of-Prehistory-And-Archaeology-Of-Cantabria-Santander-City-Centre.d553248621532487528.Vacation-Attraction) ![Banco Santander showing heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621562487822/ae2729da-25b7-4779-9c63-7bfc70a721fe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Banco-Santander-Santander-City-Centre.d553248621562487822.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Plaza Porticada ## Check availability on hotels close to Plaza Porticada [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6122414&startDate=2026-02-22&endDate=2026-02-23)[Feb 22 - Feb 23](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6122414&startDate=2026-02-22&endDate=2026-02-23) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6122414&startDate=2026-02-23&endDate=2026-02-24)[Feb 23 - Feb 24](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6122414&startDate=2026-02-23&endDate=2026-02-24) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6122414&startDate=27%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026)[Feb 27 - Mar 1](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6122414&startDate=27%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026) ![Hotel Bahia](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/570000/562100/562045/58d989aa_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Bahia C/ Cádiz, 22 Santander Cantabria [](https://expedia.ca/Santander-Hotels-Hotel-Bahia.h562045.Hotel-Information) ![Dorma Coliseum](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/920000/915900/915811/768ef403_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Dorma Coliseum Plaza de los Remedios, 1 Santander Cantabria [](https://expedia.ca/Santander-Hotels-Dorma-Coliseum.h915811.Hotel-Information) ![Sercotel El Balcón de la Bahía](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/43000000/42550000/42548900/42548802/2d9b7134_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Sercotel El Balcón de la Bahía Paseo Menéndez Pelayo 44 Santander Cantabria [](https://expedia.ca/Santander-Hotels-El-Balcon-De-La-Bahia-Suites.h42548802.Hotel-Information) ![Hotel Santemar](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/6300/6233/47aeaf77_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Santemar C/ Joaquin Costa, 28 Santander Cantabria [](https://expedia.ca/Santander-Hotels-Hotel-Santemar.h6233.Hotel-Information) ![Hotel Picos de Europa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/13000000/12080000/12072300/12072212/3c571fbb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Picos de Europa Arco Iris 2, Plaza Numancia Santander Cantabria [](https://expedia.ca/Santander-Hotels-Hotel-Picos-De-Europa.h12072212.Hotel-Information) ![PLAZA SANTANDER](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/111000000/110400000/110395800/110395771/3dc16e7b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### PLAZA SANTANDER C. 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