Top Things to Do in Santander — Complete Guide 2026
Santander combines a spectacular natural bay, Belle Époque seaside elegance, Renzo Piano-designed contemporary art, and easy access to some of Europe's most important prehistoric sites. Here's your complete guide to the best the city has to offer.
Top Attractions in Santander
1. Palacio de la Magdalena
The English-style royal palace built 1909–1911 for King Alfonso XIII. Guided tours of the interior, penguin colony in the grounds, and a replica of a 16th-century galleon. The peninsula park is free to explore.
2. Playa de El Sardinero
Santander's iconic 1.3 km golden beach divided into two sections. Fine sand, gentle waves, and a promenade lined with Belle Époque buildings. The quintessential Santander experience.
3. Centro Botín
Renzo Piano's striking waterfront arts centre opened in 2017. Two cantilevered buildings connected by floating walkways over the gardens. Exhibitions of international contemporary art.
4. Santander Cathedral
A Gothic church built 12th–14th centuries over Roman ruins, with a 13th-century crypt (Iglesia del Cristo). The lower church was the original monastery chapel and is the most atmospheric part.
5. Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
Excellent maritime museum tracing Santander's seafaring history. Aquariums with Bay of Biscay marine life, a giant squid specimen, and exhibits on the region's fishing and naval heritage.
6. Cabo Mayor Lighthouse
Dramatic headland north of the city with a 19th-century lighthouse and an art gallery inside the former keeper's house. Cliff walks with views toward Cabo de Ajo in clear weather.
7. Mercado de la Esperanza
Santander's magnificent 1904 covered market in the city centre. Cast-iron architecture, fresh seafood, Cantabrian cheeses, and the best place to sample rabas (calamari rings) fresh from the fryer.
8. Altamira Cave Museum (Day Trip)
The 'Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art' — 30 km west of Santander. The original cave is closed for preservation, but the Neocave replica and museum are world-class. Bison paintings dating to 35,000 BC.
Best Walks & Hikes
Magdalena Peninsula Circuit
Distance: 5 km · Duration: 1.5 hours · Difficulty: Easy
Loop the entire Magdalena Peninsula, passing the palace, penguin enclosure, replica galleons, and the lighthouse at Cabo Menor. Panoramic bay views the entire way. Flat and accessible.
El Sardinero to Cabo Mayor
Distance: 6 km (round trip) · Duration: 2 hours · Difficulty: Moderate
Follow the coastal path from Sardinero Beach past the Jardines de Piquío, climbing to Cabo Mayor lighthouse. Dramatic cliffside scenery with views across the Cantabrian Sea.
Mataleñas Cliff Walk
Distance: 3 km · Duration: 1 hour · Difficulty: Easy
From the Cabo Mayor area, descend stone steps to Playa de Mataleñas — a wild, sheltered cove between cliffs. A scenic coastal path connects back toward El Sardinero. Combine with the Cabo Mayor walk for a longer route.
Day Trips
Santander is perfectly positioned for exploring the surrounding region. Within an hour's drive or a short bus/train ride, you can reach some of Spain's most remarkable destinations — prehistoric cave paintings, medieval villages frozen in time, national parks with dramatic mountain scenery, and the wild coastline of Green Spain. The tourist information office can provide current bus schedules and route recommendations. For a car-free experience, the regional train and bus networks connect Santander to all major destinations in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santander worth visiting compared to Bilbao or San Sebastián?
Absolutely — Santander offers a different, more relaxed experience. It's less internationally famous than San Sebastián, which means fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more authentic local atmosphere. The Magdalena Peninsula, Sardinero beach, and the Centro Botín give it a distinctive character. It's also an excellent base for exploring Cantabria's attractions including Altamira, Santillana del Mar, and the Picos de Europa.
Can you take a ferry from Santander to the UK?
Yes — Brittany Ferries operates regular sailings from Santander to Portsmouth (24 hours) and Plymouth (20 hours). The ferry terminal is in the city centre. It's a popular way to travel between Spain and the UK, especially for those taking cars or pets.
What are rabas and where should I try them?
Rabas are Cantabria's answer to calamari — fresh squid rings in a light, crispy batter, fried to order and served with lemon. They're a Santander institution. The best places are the bars around the Mercado de la Esperanza, El Sardinero beach bars, and traditional taverns in Puertochico. Order 'una ración de rabas' (€8–12) and a cold beer.
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