The 16 things to do in Santander

Do you know the region of Cantabria and its capital? Leave, without further delay, to discover the must-sees to visit in Santander.

The time of a weekend or more, Santander is full of corners and points of interest. If the city is not the most conducive to walks the nose in the air – the fault of the fire of 1941 that ravaged a part of the historic centre – its charm lies rather in its museums, beaches and certain special buildings as beautiful as it is curious.

Of course, Santander’s wealth extends well beyond the city’s walls. The region of which it is the capital, Cantabria, houses an absolutely magnetic natural and cultural heritage.

Here is our selection of the 16 essential things to do in Santander. A city in turn a seaside gem, witness of history and avant-garde city that might surprise you.

1. Cathedral of Santander

This imposing religious building, in the wake of an unshakable guard at the top of its gentle hill, can boast its atypical and grandiose architecture.

Developed by time and natural disasters, the cathedral now has different styles. At every time his trademark! However, the gothic dominates and we quickly get to the game details on each column, bow in ogive, statue and arch.

2. Royal Palace and Magdalena Park

Magdalena is an island near Santander and no traveller misses the visit. Not only is the view of the bay one of the most breathtaking, but it also houses the admirable Royal Palace.

This historic building dating from the early twentieth century has something absolutely enchanting. Its heterocliteal architectural style, both French, English and Spanish is incredibly photogenic and waiting. Covered by a lush park and beautiful sandy areas, you can easily spend the day there.

3. Faro de Cabo Mayor

The Caps of Santander, named Mayor and Menor , will delight lovers of walks by the sea. The semi-dramatic and chaotic landscapes give a unique atmosphere, evoking almost the Ireland or our dear Brittany .

The green expanses advance above the agitated sea. The waves crash on the rocks. The wind blows in the high herbs. Breathe! The walk along the capes finally leads to a majestic lighthouse: Faro de Cabo Mayor . The scenography is striking.

Here, there is only the flooding of the waves, the rock walls that fall to the sea and the edges of the world. Nevertheless, station with strong winds that blow.

4. Centre Botín

This is the star of the places to visit in Santander. Manquering the Botín Center is like missing the Eiffel Tower in Paris . All right, it's a little exaggerated... But that is to say the importance of this curious building to futuristic architecture, suspended above the ocean.

The Botín Centre is a contemporary art centre that houses many exhibitions, both ephemeral and non-ephemeral. If it houses rare and high-quality works, it’s another thing that makes it so famous: its glass gateways offering stunning views of Santander Bay (one of the most beautiful in Europe).

5. Beach El Sardinero

The Atlantic coast, characterized by its shredded decors in brown rocks, its fine sandy beaches flanked by green nature, illustrates its beauty here. So impossible to visit Santander without crowding its beaches.

The most pleasant and famous of them is El Sardinero . Accessible on foot from the city centre, it attracts swimmers, surfers but also walkers who delight from its walk on the edge of the sand.

6. Mercados de la Esperanza et del Este

Markets are places of choice to take the pulse of a city. True living scenes, reflections of traditions and an art of living, you must absolutely enter these large places and lose yourself alongside the premises.

Santander brings together two major markets, both immanquable. Their structure clearly evokes that of typical cantabrian markets.

There is first Mercado de la Esperanza . Open every day, nestled in a building of stone, glass and iron, it is the very essence of the city. Inside, it pulls out stands, smells and colors that brighten up and put the senses in a glimpse. It is the ideal place to make the full of greedy packs to bring back into his suitcase.

The Mercado del Este is an ideal place for a lunch or dinner on the thumb. In the heart of the old city, quadrated with stands more attractive than others, this is the place where to taste the famous pintxos which we will talk about below.

7. Cabárceno Natural Park

If you are lucky to visit Santander on several days, take a trip to Cabárceno Natural Park. The karstic landscape is a geological enigma, very pleasant for the eyes.

What a surprise also when you fall on European bison, white rhinos and jaguars! Rest assured, this huge surface of 750 hectares visits by car and, better yet, during a very informative guided tour.

8. District of Puertochico

Located in the city centre of Santander, this colourful high-rise district is the oldest in the capital. Once a fishing port, it is today an antler with restaurants and tapas bars where it is good to prolong its evenings.

Some buildings and facades with soft colors have resisted flames, for the greatest happiness of urban landscape lovers.

9. Regional Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria

Visiting Santander when we love History has nothing incompatible. The city even houses one of the richest and most exciting museums in Spain. The Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria , of its true name, concentrates impressive treasures and archaeological relics. These objects, dating from several millennia, are generally very well preserved and have nothing to envy to other large collections.

10. Altamira Caves

Among the essential things to do in Santander, some are less known than others. Yet they are immanquable. This is the case of the seventeen caves of Altamira. These are true symbols of paleolithic art and the history of humanity.

These deep galleries, protected by all external aggressions, testify to exemplary conservation. They jealously retain paintings and ornaments dating from 35,000 to 11,000 years before J.-C.

11. Seafood at Barrio Pesquero

Barrio Pesquero must be on your spot in the area of fishermen par excellence, as picturesque and playful. to do list Things to do in Santander. We go there to taste fresh fish, shrimp and seafood, but more to live at the pace of maritime traditions.

12. Boat in the bay of Santander

There are many boat trips in Santander Bay, along the splendid cantabric coastline. It must be said that the one in the ranking of the most beautiful in the world does not lack any assets.

Most companies are located on the Paseo de Pereda and the marina of Santander. In half a day or more, to see you. But don’t miss including it in your program.

13. Tour of places

Like many city centers in Old Continent, Santander is full of pretty places. Then why not visit Santander at the rhythm of these neuralgic meeting points?

There is first Plaza Porticada , which can boast of being one of the most elegant. Its beautiful arches, its sparkling facades pierced by long windows, its white plates on the ground: it is not without recalling the style drawn to four pins of the cities of Northern Europe.

Then there's the Plaza Ayuntamiento . Although it’s just about town hall, it’s an ideal gathering point before an evening in town. Here, the young people find themselves before burying themselves in the adjacent streets, sprinkled with bars and restaurants tapas .

Moreover, if there’s one thing to do in Santander at nightfall, it’s wearing her night bird suit and going to take the pulse of the city in the evening.

Then there's the Plaza Pombo . The atmosphere is rather quiet, with its crown of small shops, cafés and discreet restaurants under the arcades. Its kiosk leaves a little something romantic, which is particularly appreciated at sunset.

I mean, there's the Plaza Cañadío . Are you looking for a party? Here's your headquarters. The square fills with casual, festive and muddy bars and restaurants.

14. Mirador Rio de la Pila

Among the most important things to do in Santander, and in every city of the world, it is to take height. Climb up. Mirador Rio de la Pila . The view of the roofs and bay, even to the tops Picos de Europa , is breathtaking.

The bravest will walk to the point of view, but the others will not be deprived. There are rolling stairs and a free funicular to rise up to the top. By the way, take a look at the fresco “Conjuring death”: whether you love or not, it is well known here.

15. Paseo Maritimo and Pereda

We can't visit Santander without omitting a seaside ride along the mythical Paseo Maritimo . The walk leaves Centro Botín and guide you outside the city, to the beautiful sandy beaches.

The ride is punctuated with dazzling views of the marina and the coastline. You will also pass in front of beautiful bourgeois villas, testifying to the richest enthusiasm for this sparkling bay.

Another must-see walk to Santander: the one called Paseo de Pereda . It takes root in the neighbourhood Puertochico , along the ocean about a kilometre and leads to the cathedral.

On the way, you will be very tempted by some photographs of the 19th century architecture, a boat trip, a glass on the terrace or a green stop in the beautiful Pereda gardens. Fountains, flower parterres and child rides are an enchanting decor.

16. Culinary specialties

Santander is a regional capital to the ocean. Unsurprisingly, the essential culinary specialties are seafood and fresh fish to be enjoyed in a small tavern as in a starred restaurant. However, many other gourmet discoveries await you.

For example, do not miss a good one paella del cantàbrico . This well-known popular dish, prepared in the pure Spanish tradition, has nothing to do with the paella which is already raffled in France . It’s even better!

Then there are the famous pintxos which we were talking about above. These are tapas typical of Spain and the Basque Country are available in a wide variety of preparations. The base, a slice of bread, can be covered with all kinds of charcuterie, small fish, cheese and vegetables. The whole is enriched by jam, honey or nuts.

To be enjoyed directly at the bar counter, accompanied by a good glass of red wine or a pint of beer. In fact, the epicureans will not have enough of a single visit to Santander and Cantabria!

How to get to Santander?

Ready to pack and visit Santander? Here are the best options to get there.

By plane

From France, the fastest option to visit Santander is the plane. The city airport is even the only airport in Cantabria. Served by several companies as Vueling , Iberia and Ryanair , it benefits from several direct and low-cost links.

Another asset? He's very close to downtown. However, nothing is worth a search on a specialized site such as Skyscanner to check flight availability and compare options.

By car

Due to its proximity to France, Spain is accessible by car for many French travellers. It may even be an opportunity to get you into a formidable road trip along the French coast! Once the Spanish border has passed (approximately at the level of Saint Sebastien), Santander is found only at 2:15 Road.

Where to stay in Santander

If you choose to visit Santander, you will find accommodation that meets all your criteria. The city centre and the more crowded neighbourhoods offer a wide range of accommodations. Small hotels, guest houses, Airbnb , luxury complex... With a tight or unlimited budget, overlooking the sea or on the roofs of the city: everything is possible.

To find the best prices on your dates, do not hesitate to search for a Compare hotels online.