Things to do in Santander

Activities, attractions and tours

Santander featuring a beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline
Palacio de la Magdalena showing a garden and heritage architecture
Santander
Santander
Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture
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Top places to visit

1. El Sardinero Beach

El Sardinero Beach is one of the most popular and lively strands in Santander. Surrounded by scenic verdant gardens and jagged bluffs, the beach offers stunning views in all directions. Take your whole family for a swim in the calm and shallow waters of the Bay of Biscay.
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El Sardinero Beach which includes a coastal town, a sandy beach and general coastal views

2. Palacio de la Magdalena

Enter the richly decorated rooms and salons of the Palacio de la Magdalena where Spanish royals used to enjoy their vacations. This magnificent early 20th-century building was the summer residence of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia de Battenberg for 18 years. They ruled Spain until the country became a republic for the second time, in 1931.
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Palacio de la Magdalena showing heritage architecture, a garden and a house

3. Santander Cathedral

Santander Cathedral has been a dominant presence since the 13th century, an austere Gothic structure on the incline of a hill. Explore this grandiose medieval church which occupies a site that once housed Roman baths and later an abbey.
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Santander Cathedral showing heritage architecture

4. Banco Santander

Banco Santander is the headquarters of the multinational bank of worldwide renown. As the location of the bank’s founding, its neoclassical building is suitably majestic, featuring a large burrowed arch at its center and a rectangular pediment on its roof with a Spanish flag flying in the breeze. Pass through the central arch and gaze up at the enormous building as you consider its rich history.
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Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

5. Magdalena Peninsula

Magdalena Peninsula features scenic terrain, made up of emerald bluffs, pine woodland and golden sandy beaches. Adorning this serene landscape are some of Santander’s best attractions, including three galleons, a marine zoo and a majestic palace. Snap photos of the rugged coastline and the nearby islands rising from picturesque Santander Bay.
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Magdalena Peninsula featuring a beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline

6. Magdalena Beach

Plan to spend some time at Magdalena Beach (Playa de la Magdalena) and unwind at a popular and attractive sandy sanctuary. It sits within a sheltered bay at the foot of the Palacio de la Magdalena and extends for approximately 2,953 feet (900 meters).
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Magdalena Beach which includes a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

What to do in Santander

Popular places to visit

Palacio de la Magdalena showing heritage architecture, a garden and a house

Palacio de la Magdalena

4/5(6 reviews)

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
Santander Cathedral showing heritage architecture

Santander Cathedral

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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
Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

Banco Santander

4/5(2 reviews)

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
Gran Casino del Sardinero

Gran Casino del Sardinero

4/5(5 reviews)

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
Mercado La Esperanza showing markets, food and interior views

Mercado La Esperanza

Browse the eclectic range of Cantabrian food at the stalls spread across the two floors of this iconic market hall.

Mercado La Esperanza
Centro Botín

Centro Botín

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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

Centro Botín
Cabo Mayor Lighthouse featuring general coastal views, a lighthouse and rugged coastline

Cabo Mayor Lighthouse

Go up to a 19th-century cliff top lighthouse for fabulous sea views and to study its rich collection of art.

Cabo Mayor Lighthouse
Jardines de Piquio featuring general coastal views and a coastal town

Jardines de Piquio

Delight in the colors and scents of a public garden that sits above two beaches. Enjoy the stellar views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Jardines de Piquio
Cantabria Maritime Museum featuring marine life and interior views

Cantabria Maritime Museum

4/5(4 reviews)

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

Cantabria Maritime Museum

Areas of Santander

Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

Santander City Centre

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

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
El Sardinero Beach featuring general coastal views, heritage elements and a coastal town

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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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
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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.

Puertochico
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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.

Cabildo de Arriba
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Tetuán

Notable for its beaches, shopping and waterfront views, Tetuán is a sought-after destination for many travellers visiting Santander. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Palace of Festivals of Cantabria or Chico Port.

Tetuán
Santander - Cantabrian Coast which includes rugged coastline, general coastal views and a sunset

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.