Things to do in Santander

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal beach with clear turquoise waters, sandy shore, and rocky cliffs.
A large, historic building with multiple towers and a central tower, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and pathways.
A sandy beach with gentle waves and footprints.
A coastal cliff with a lighthouse and waves crashing against it.
A large, ornate archway with a clock above it, flanked by buildings with balconies.

Things to do

Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay

Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay

€15
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay
Tour to Capricho de Gaudí Santillana del Mar and Redwood Forest

Santander: The Caprice of Gaudí, Santillana and Redwood Forest

€49
per adult
Santander: The Caprice of Gaudí, Santillana and Redwood Forest
from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal

from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal

€68
per adult
from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal
Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket

Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket

€45
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket
The El Centro Botin Skip the Line Entry Ticket

The El Centro Botin Skip the Line Entry Ticket

€10
per adult
The El Centro Botin Skip the Line Entry Ticket
Picture 10 for Activity From Santander or Torrelavega: Soplao Cave Excursion

From Santander: Soplao Cave Tour & Pechon Scenic Viewpoint

€82
per adult
From Santander: Soplao Cave Tour & Pechon Scenic Viewpoint
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Most popular experiences in Santander

Tours & day trips

See all 39 activities
Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay

Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay

Activity duration is 1 hour
8.6 out of 10 with 125 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €15 per adult
Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the BayOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 12 activities
TOP Santander : Private guided tour with your mobile

TOP Santander : Private guided tour with your mobile

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €5 per adult
TOP Santander : Private guided tour with your mobileOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 8 activities
Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savouring Santander

Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savouring Santander

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is €35 per adult
Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savouring SantanderOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
Day Trip from Santander: Altamira, Santillana del Mar, and Comillas

Day Trip from Santander: Altamira, Santillana del Mar, and Comillas

Activity duration is 10 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €56 per adult
Day Trip from Santander: Altamira, Santillana del Mar, and ComillasOpens in new tab

What to do in Santander

Stay near popular Santander attractions

A large, historic stone building with multiple towers and flags.

Palacio de la Magdalena

9.2/10 (455 reviews)
This former royal summer residence showcases early 20th-century aristocratic life through its eclectic architecture. Guides reveal the palace's storied past on the Magdalena Peninsula.
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Where to stay in Santander

Find the best Santander areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santander
Learn more about Santander
A large, ornate archway with a clock above it, flanked by buildings with balconies.

Santander City Centre

Travellers come to Santander City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Jardines de Pereda and Plaza Porticada while you're in town.

A coastal walkway with red brick flooring, white railings, and red columns.

El Sardinero

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

A statue of a man on a pedestal by a waterfront with boats and a building in the background.

Puertochico

The pristine beaches and captivating 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.

A waterfront promenade with statues of children by the water, a pier with boats, and a white building with red accents.

La Gándara

The pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to La Gándara. A stop by Plaza de Canadio or Chico Port might round out your trip.

A street with colorful buildings, a church, and a pedestrian bridge.

Cabildo de Arriba

The beaches and 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.

A courtyard with a fountain, a white building with a red-tiled roof, and a stone wall.

Camargo

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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