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Tourist guide: what to do and see in Santander
Discover the essence of Cantabria in its landscapes, culture and gastronomy
Cantabria Turism. The modern and cosmopolitan capital of Cantabria boasts exceptional landscapes and a host of lookout points. Enjoy the stunning views and the perfect harmony of the sea and the mountains. Don’t miss out on a trip to Cantabria and relax in this peaceful city, where you will lose yourself in its breathtaking beauty. You’re definitely going to want to come back!
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- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
The Liébana Valley
The Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana preserves one of the fragments of the cross of Jesus of Nazareth.
A destination for pilgims.
The Liébana Valley is one of the most spectacular natural spots in the Cantabrian region. At the heart of it lies the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana. This monastery treasures, together with Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostela and Caravaca de la Cruz, one of the fragments of the cross of Jesus. The relic is kept in the 18th-century, baroque chapel. Every Jubilee Year in Liébana, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims flock to the monastery to pass through the Holy Door. The next one will be in 2023. The Lebaniego Way, declared UNESCO World Heritage. ends here.
Centro Botín
Art and culture in a building with surprising architecture.
Symbol of modernity.
The Centro Botín, on the Bay of Santander, is sure to impress... The building is held up by cantilevers over the Cantabrian Sea, supported by pillars and columns and flanked by the Pereda Gardens. This surprising work was a signature piece by Italian Renzo Piano, distinguished with the Pritzker prize, which is like the 'Nobel Prize for Architecture'. Here you can attend art exhibitions, film screenings and multiple cultural activities. It has several rooms, an open-air auditorium and a restaurant with a terrace. Visit this cultural space, stroll around the gardens and admire the surroundings from an amazing viewpoint. The views from here are incomparable.
Plaza de Italia
Take a stroll around the exclusive, central neighbourhood famous for its beaches and buildings.
Nerve centre of El Sardinero.
The Plaza de Italia is right on the Sardinero seafront. It is located in the most exclusive area of the city, which runs all along the coast from the Magdalena Peninsula to the Mataleñas Beach. In addition to being one of the most select residential areas, it includes several of the most relevant buildings in Santander, such as the Conference Centre, the Sardinero Sports Fields, the Sports Centre and the Casino, shown on the big screen in the Spanish film entitled 'Airbag'.
Santillana Zoo
A perfect plan for the little ones, just a step away from Santillana del Mar.
In the midst of nature.
If you visit Santillana del Mar with children, take them to this zoo. They will be able to see animals from all over the world: more than twenty different species of primates, big cats, fish and reptiles, snakes measuring up to four metres... They will love walking around the tropical garden while butterflies flutter around them. Or watch birds feeding their chicks in the large aviaries. There is also an area for farm animals and a very special space: the Quaternary Park. Here they will learn in a didactic way about the fauna that the Altamira man lived alongside thousands of years ago.
The source of the Ebro river and Alto Campoo
Two very Cantabrian plans: contemplate the source of the Ebro or ski in Alto Campoo.
Deep Cantabria.
The source of the Ebro river is one of the most beautiful places in the region. This peaceful spring is located in Fontibre, very close to Reinosa, the capital of Campurria. It is a beautiful and rustic town famous for its calves made with sheets of puff pastry covered with toasted sugar. And also for its San Mateo festivities, every September 21st. A few kilometers from Reinosa is the Alto Campoo ski resort. If you find yourself in the area in winter, don't hesitate. Climb, ski and live the mountains of Cantabria while you slide through the snow. This is one of the luxuries of the region: beach and mountains less than an hour away by car.
The Paseo de Pereda
Exclusive shops and beautiful views of the bay.
Shopping in Santander.
In addition to admiring its mansions and enjoying the views of the Bay of Santander, on Paseo de Pereda you can find luxury shops, jewellery shops and ones selling other exclusive products. You will be in one of the city's main areas. If you continue along Calle Calvo Sotelo, you will see the great arch of the Banco Santander building and the Pereda Gardens. Add a stop at the Plaza Porticada to your walk.
Festival Palace
The performing arts in an original building by the sea.
Santander's green giant.
You will recognise it easily: this building rises up like a green giant at the end of the seafront promenade, beyond Puertochico. It is the work of the architect Saénz de Oiza, the creator of several of Spain's most controversial and innovative buildings. Inaugurated in 1990, the Festival Palace made an impression on Santander residents. Today it is a reference point for culture in the city. It is home to the prestigious Santander International Festival, which attracts audiences from all over the world. In addition, it has extensive theatre, film and music listings all year round.
The Río de la Pila
Good atmosphere and affordable prices in the most bohemian neighbourhood in Santander.
Night-time plan.
Calle Río de la Pila is one of the city's oldest areas for nightlife. This neighbourhood is known for its particular slope and the cable car that connects Calle Río de la Pila and Calle Prado de San Roque. At night, there is a lively atmosphere with lots of premises, bars and restaurants. People most come here to have tapas on the terraces. The prices are reasonable and, for many, it's the perfect way to start a night out in Santander.
Plaza de Cañadío
A meeting place after nightfall.
Night-time atmosphere.
The Plaza de Cañadío has traditionally been a meeting place in the city's nightlife. There is a relaxed, festive atmosphere here for unwinding after a day of work or one at the beach. It is located very close to the Church of Santa Lucía and the popular Plaza Pombo, in the centre of Santander. You can sit on any of the terraces surrounding the square and have a snack or some dinner.
BNS
Leisure and gastronomy are the aces that this building has up its sleeve. All points of references in the city.
The terrace of the Balneario de la Concha, night and day.
Next to La Concha Beach is the old Santander Spa. Here you can enjoy Cantabrian cuisine or a drink with spectacular views. This ship-shaped building houses an excellent restaurant. On the terrace of the upper floor, there is a completely clear space with a dance floor. It is a coffee bar where you can see live pop and rock concerts and enjoy your favourite drink with unbeatable views of the Campa de la Magdalena and the Cantabrian Sea.
The Santiago Festivities in the City.
When the city is decked out.
Santander's Big Week.
25 July is the Feast of Santiago, the patron saint of Santander. That is why the Big Week is scheduled for then every year and includes a range of traditional celebrations. The festivities usually flood the streets. Tents are set up where you can taste traditional foods. There are also concerts, competitions, workshops, fairs, merry-go-rounds and a myriad of activities for all audiences, spread out around the city. The Plaza Porticada is usually one of the main stages, as well as the Campa de la Magdalena, where pop and rock concerts are scheduled. Fireworks on the Sardinero beaches are also a tradition.
Surfing in Ribamontán al Mar
If you are looking to practise a bit with your board, choose Somo Beach.
In search of the best waves.
Surfers have many beaches to choose from in Cantabria. A favourite is the Somo one. You can get to this beach, which rolls out opposite the Santander coast, in a 'regina', the ferries that run several crossings all around the bay. This village is also known for its crafts. And the Cantabrian Surf School, the oldest in the country, is also here. At sunset, you can take refuge on the terrace of Surf Café Somo and enjoy the views while you recharge. In addition to Somo, the municipality of Ribamontán al Mar has other beautiful beaches with fine sand all along the strip of coast. As for gastronomy, be sure to try the fish grills.
The Peña Cabarga Viewpoint
Half an hour by car from the city, you come to a fabulous spot from which to admire the region.
One of the best panoramas.
If you look up from Paseo de Pereda in Santander, you will see a mountain that watches over the region as if it were its guardian: it is the Peña Cabarga Massif. If you climb to the top of it, you will have a viewpoint at a height of almost 600 metres, perfect for contemplating the surroundings. To the north, you will see the bay, with the city and the Cantabrian Sea in the background. To the south, you will see Vega de Pas. Peña Cabarga is located in the Cabárceno Nature Park and has been, on numerous occasions, the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race. It is about a 20-kilometre drive to the viewpoint from Santander.
Bárcena Mayor
Cobbled streets, mountain architecture, delicious cuisine, an unbeatable setting...
A dream village.
With less than eighty inhabitants, Bárcena Mayor is one of the most beautiful and historic villages in the entire region. Stroll through its cobbled alleys, admiring the surrounding landscape. The mountain-style houses are maintained meticulously. This town is located in a setting of great beauty, at the heart of the Saja Reserve, about seventy kilometres from Santander. And the cuisine is excellent. Make sure to try the mountain stew, the venison and the typical desserts. You can also go on up to the village of Los Tojos, from where you can see out over most of the region.
The Sardinero Beaches
Enjoy the beaches on the Santander coast to the fullest.
Fine sand right in the city.
Santander has one of the most beautiful coasts you will ever see. Beach after beach of fine white sand follow one another around the bay, between the cliffs of Cabo Menor and the Magdalena Peninsula. The Sardinero beaches are very popular. This used to be the sardine fishing area, which explains the name. These beaches are just a step away from the centre. Actually, these are two beaches separated by a small promontory where the Jardines de Piquío are. Besides relaxing on the sand or taking a dip in the Cantabrian Sea, you could do one of the bay walks. The scenery is beautiful.
San Vicente de la Barquera
Where you can spend a day at the beach and eat next to the sea.
A fishing village.
This charming holiday and fishing village is just an hour away from Santander. If you want to follow popular tradition, when you cross the Maza Bridge to get to San Vicente de la Barquera, hold your breath and make a wish. After seeing the Church of Santa María de los Ángeles and the Castillo del Rey, go down to the historic quarter and choose a restaurant near the beach: they say that the best fish and shellfish in Cantabria is to be found here. If you feel like just looking out to sea or taking a swim, don't miss the spectacular Oyambre Beach with its dune field next to the river mouth. You can also visit the megalithic site of El Barcenal, which bears witness to the first settlements in the area.
Comillas
Architectural treasures in one of the prettiest towns in Cantabria.
A beautiful town.
Just over 50 kilometres by road from Santander, you will find this gorgeous town. Take a day to explore its treasures. In addition to a beautiful beach, Comillas has some real architectural gems. Stroll through the historic quarter and you will see traces of different artistic movements. It's picture perfect. An must-see is Gaudí's Capricho, a building inspired by oriental and Islamic art that will transport you to a fantasy world. Don't miss the Sobrellano Palace, a huge building in Catalan modernist, neo-Gothic style. It was built at the end of the 19th century as a summer residence for the Marquess of Comillas. Also visit the cemetery, whose facade contains the impressive 'Ángel Exterminador' by the sculptor Josep Llimona.
Mataleñas Beach
Disconnect in this quiet little cove right next to the city.
A silent paradise.
Pack your beach bag and get ready to have fun in a beautiful spot near the city of Santander. Mataleñas Beach is located between Cabo Menor and Cabo Mayor, protected by forest and cliffs. To access this beautiful cove, which is just over two hundred metres long, you have to climb down some steep steps. Do it slowly and gradually discover the wonder that awaits you below. At the entrance, you may come across people playing with bats and balls, which is very popular in Cantabria.
El Puntal Beach in Somo
Take a traditional boat across the bay and enjoy some calamari in Somo or Pedreña.
Santander from the opposite shore.
An essential plan if you are in Santander? Take a boat across the bay and enjoy the opposite shore. The traditional ferries are called 'reginas' or 'pedreñeras'. They leave from the Stone Crane, the monument halfway down the Paseo de Pereda. When you step back on land, you will be on El Puntal Beach, at one end of the huge Somo sandbank. It is one of the three biggest beaches on the Cantabrian coast. You will be able to see Santander from a different perspective from here. When you start feeling peckish, walk into Somo or Pedreña, two of the best spots to have the famous calamari.
Potes and the Picos de Europa
Discover the treasures of the Cantabrian mountains and give yourself a gastronomic treat in Potes.
Impressive scenery.
Some say that these mountains were the first landmark sighted by sailors reaching the Iberian Peninsula via the Cantabrian Sea. They now form part of a national park that attracts visitors from all over the world. Fancy discovering it from above? Just take the famous Fuente Dé cable car in the Liébana Valley, about 130 kilometres from Santander. Then go to Potes, the main city in the Liébana region. This charming town has delicious cuisine. If you fancy trying a typical dish, ask for the local stew ('cocido lebaniego'). And don't forget to visit Santo Toribio de Liébana. This monastery houses a very valuable relic for Christianity: the largest known fragment of the cross of Jesus of Nazareth.
Santillana del Mar
Discover one of the most charming towns in all of Cantabria.
Pretty and mediaeval.
About fifty kilometres from Santander, you come across a town of great beauty. Every little nook and cranny will get your attention as you walk through its cobbled streets. A little trivia: it is known as the town of the three lies, because it is neither holy ('santa') nor flat ('llana') nor at the sea ('mar'). At the end of the town, you will find the collegiate church of Santa Juliana, one of the greatest Romanesque monuments in Spain. A couple of kilometres away is the National Museum, which preserves the famous Altamira Cave. Right next to it, you can visit an exact replica of the cave and admire its Palaeolithic cave paintings. If you are travelling with children, don't miss the popular Santillana Zoo, with its lovely butterfly garden.
Cabárceno Nature Park
Animals from the five continents in a 750-hectare park.
An amazing zoo.
This gigantic park located in the Pisueña Valley, in the foothills of Mount Peña Cabarga, has become one of the region's main tourist attractions. Here you can see more than 120 species of animals in conditions of semi freedom: brown bears, hippopotamuses, elephants, gorillas, cheetahs... In addition, it has a terrarium with all kinds of snakes. You can see birds of prey and sea lion shows. Before being recovered by man, the land was occupied by an open-pit mining operation. This park has managed to become one of the main centres for animal reproduction and conservation. It's a perfect plan for a day out with the family. There are picnic areas, restaurants, viewpoints, recreation areas...
Plaza Pombo
A lively square in the centre of Santander.
Delightful and historic.
The Plaza Pombo is one of the most charismatic, historic squares in the city. It is located near the Paseo de Pereda and the Plaza de Cañadío. Many Santander residents have childhood memories related to this place. Even today, some kids still trade stickers here on Sundays. Although there are no fixed stalls, it is often the venue for pop-up markets, concerts and other celebrations, such as the Big Week, at the end of July. There you will see the Casa Pombo building, dating from 1875, which is the site of Santander's Royal Regatta Club.
The Paseo Pereda
Stroll along the promenade and discover iconic buildings and the Pereda Gardens.
Santander: treasure in full sight.
Right in front of the Bay of Santander is the Paseo de Pereda. You can walk along it from end to end, from the port to the Pereda Gardens. Along it, you will see beautiful houses with their balconies facing the sea. They were built between the 18th and early 20th centuries and survived the great fire that devastated the city in 1941. Here you will see the iconic Banco Santander building. In the Pereda Gardens, you will come across different trails, a temple, the Los Meones fountain, a pond, a playground... Further on, almost right over the sea, stands the spectacular Centro Botín building.
Pasiego Delicacies in Ontaneda
Visit Ontaneda in the Valle del Pas and get the best of local cakes and pastries.
Typical 'quesadas' and 'sobaos'.
Would you like to purchase a typical gift from Cantabria? 'Quesadas' or 'sobaos' are sure to be a hit. Although you can find them in shops and supermarkets in Santander, it's worth taking a trip to the villages where they are traditionally made, in the Valle del Pas. About 50 kilometres from the city is Ontaneda, very close to the Pas River. Make a stop at Casa Olmo, established in 1908: it has a reputation for making the best products. You can also visit the nearby towns and discover their architectural heritage.
Leisure and shopping on the outskirts of the city.
The big shopping centres with a variety of shops and entertainment options are a five-minute drive away.
On the outskirts of Santander.
If you feel like visiting the big shopping centres, take a trip to the outskirts of the city. Valle Real and El Corte Inglés are just five minutes away by car, on the A-67 road. They both have lots of fashion, accessory and food shops. In addition, there are big cinemas, restaurants and services of all kinds. If you don't have your own vehicle, there are constant buses and trains from the station. You also have another shopping centre in the Peñacastillo area.
Cartes Market
Sundays only: traditional street market in a mountain-style village.
Discovering the province.
Cartes is located about half an hour by car from Santander and very close to Torrelavega. This town is a treasure trove of mountain-style buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. In addition to contemplating its architectural wealth, if you go on Sunday, you can enjoy its traditional street market. Locals and residents of the region come here to buy and sell their ware. At this market, you will find everything: agricultural produce and fabrics, local cheeses, pastries, clothing, flowers... It's a good opportunity to discover local customs.
Calle Juan de Herrera
A pedestrian area with a variety of interesting shops.
Shopping in Santander.
If you fancy some shopping or even just some window-shopping in the centre, Calle Juan de Herrera is a great street for it. It goes from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to the Plaza Porticada. It's a pedestrian street and it isn't very long, so you can easily walk from end to end and see the shop windows on both sides. You will find shops of all kinds, from well-known Spanish fashion firms to luxury jewellers, shoe shops, kids' shops and catering establishments. The shopping area extends along the side streets that stretch down to Calle de Calvo Sotelo. Cross it and continue along Calle Lealtad. That way you can spend your shopping day strolling around charming little alleys.
The Santander Flea Market
Make the most of Sunday morning to discover this curious market.
A collector's paradise.
This flea market used to be in the Pasaje de Peña, a tunnel connecting the train and bus station to the central Avenida de Calvo Sotelo. But it moved to the Plaza de la Esperanza years ago now. If you are in Santander on a Sunday morning, visit this market, where you will find a lot of stalls with all kinds of curiosities. If you are a collector, it's a must. You will find antiques, old coins and medals, stamps, old toys, old books, vinyls, magazines, comics… And there are also stalls selling crafts, paintings and clothing. During the week, in the same square, you will find the fruit and vegetable market or a flea market with all kinds of articles: clothing, footwear, plants, costume jewellery...
Alameda de Oviedo
Walk along this long boulevard in one of the busiest areas of Santander.
Stroll through the city centre.
At the end of Calle Burgos, one of the busiest shopping streets in Santander, we come to the Alameda de Oviedo. Flanked on one side by Calle Vargas and on the other by Calle San Fernando. Stroll along the seven hundred and fifty metres of this tree-lined walk to the Cuatro Caminos roundabout. Then cross over to Calle Vargas and choose from a bunch of terraces and cafés. You can try a typical Santander snack: snails, mussels or calamari.
Calle Burgos
Walk along the pedestrian Calle Burgos and find your favourite shops.
Shopping in Santander.
Calle Burgos is a pedestrian street with lots of different kinds of shops. Big-brand clothing shops coexist alongside little local boutiques. Antique shops mix in with cafés, shops selling electronics, bookshops, music shops and souvenir shops. All just a few metres from Santander's Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Take a walk around this pretty area and, if the weather is warm, cool down with a Regma or Monerris ice cream while window-shopping.
La Esperanza Market
Dozens of stalls display the wealth of raw material to be found in this area.
Produce of the land and sea.
Just behind the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Santander is the 'Mercado de La Esperanza'. Lots of trading goes on here. Check the opening hours and see it for yourself. You will love to see the stalls with their fruit, vegetables, fish, meat... There are also shops selling typical products where you can find real delicacies. This huge building with a green roof was erected in 1897. Thanks to its iron structure, characteristic of the 19th century, it remained standing despite the fire of 1941.
Eating sardines in Somo
Summer in Santander? Cross the bay, enjoy the beach and savor grilled fish.
A sea plan.
If you are in the city during the summer season, explore the other shore. You can arrive by car or in the traditional boats, the Reginas. After enjoying a day at the beach in the huge sandy area of Somo, you can go to Pedreña to taste a fish dish. There are plenty of terraces at the foot of the road. Here all kinds of grilled and grilled fish are prepared. From squid and squid to gilthead bream and jargos. However, the most typical is to order grilled sardines.
Los Peñucas Restaurant
Try the famous seafood paella at this restaurant in Santander's fishing district.
Specialists in seafood cuisine.
If you are a fan of fish and seafood, you have to visit the fishing district southeast of the Bay of Santander. For food, go to the Los Peñucas Restaurant. This popular establishment has been serving both locals and tourists for decades. On its terrace, with its relaxed atmosphere, you can have some squid or try one of the house specialities: seafood paella.
El Balneario de la Concha Restaurant
Mediterranean cuisine with views of the Cantabrian Sea on La Concha Beach.
Right on the beach.
In the middle of the El Sardinero neighbourhood, overlooking La Concha Beach, stands the building that used to house the old Santander spa. On the first floor, there is a restaurant with a gigantic window overlooking the sea. In addition to the amazing views, they serve delicious food and have an excellent wine list. The menu makes use of garden vegetables, fresh fish from the wharf in Santander and a selection of meats. They also have homemade desserts and the famous Regma ice creams. There are options for vegans and coeliacs. Weather allowing, you can have your coffee on the upper terrace while looking out to sea.
Eat In the Centre
Santander has a wide range of gastronomy on offer.
Traditional and avant-garde cuisine.
Traditional Cantabrian cuisine ranges from seafood and the ever popular calamari to meats and even venison. The delicious variety of readily available ingredients also feature in the most avant-garde dishes and recipes. In Santander, all along Calle Hernán Cortés and the streets running parallel to it, you will find lots of restaurants and bars that include both traditional recipes and the most creative modern dishes on their menu. Start your route at the Plaza de Pombo and head towards Puertochico. Bon appetit!
Regma Ice Cream
Sweeten your walks around Santander with tasty ice creams.
Huge and tasty.
Santander has a longstanding ice cream tradition. The Regma brand is the most famous in the region and has lots of outlets. It is known for serving generous amounts. If you want to see the first Regma ice cream parlour in Santander, take a walk to Calle Hernán Cortés. An excellent plan after a day at the beach: stroll around the harbour with your delicious ice-cream cone as evening falls. It's almost a must for locals and visitors alike. A little trivia: some say that Santander ice creams originated in Vega de Pas, in the same towns where the characteristic quesadas and sobaos were made in winter.
A Portion of Calamari
In Santander, try the traditional fried squid
Seafood delicacies.
Enjoy all the fresh seafood right in the city. Every day, fishing boats dock at the wharf in the fishing district loaded with fish and shellfish to supply restaurants and markets. This raw material is used to create delicious dishes. If you want to try something typical as a starter or appetiser, ask for a portion of 'rabas'. You will get fried squid that is crispy yet tender at the same time, following the traditional Cantabrian recipe. Fancy discovering them somewhere special? Stroll out to the viewpoint at the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, leisurely contemplate the sea and then, when you get hungry, sit on the terrace at the café you will find there. It's the perfect place to order a portion of calamari.
Mountain Stew
Savour nourishing stew at a village restaurant.
The Cantabrian dish par excellence.
The main ingredient in this marvellous stew are beans instead of chickpeas. The recipe is completed with cabbage, chorizo, pork rib, black pudding and bacon. This substantial dish gives local farmers back their strength after a long day's work. You will find great stews at almost any catering establishment in Santander. However, nothing quite compares to savouring one in a little village restaurant surrounded by nature. A traditional day out involves a trip to Los Tojos in the Cabuérniga Valley after visiting Bárcena Mayor. A tip: if it's your first time, ask for the stew on its own.
Reinosa and Pantortillas
A delightful excursion to the Campoo Valley.
Pastries from Campoo.
About 60 kilometres south of Santander is one of the most important towns in the region. It is Reinosa, the main town in the Campoo Valley. An enclave that was the gateway from Castile to Cantabria for many years. In addition to being one of the main industrial and economic areas of Cantabria, the municipality is full of beautiful scenery, such as the source of the Ebro River. Reinosa is where they make 'Pantortillas', the Cantabrian pastry par excellence, along with sobaos and quesadas. Discover the taste of these fine butter puff pastries covered with toasted sugar. Fancy taking some home with you as a gift? Buy a box at Casa Vejo.
Corbatas
Puff pastry glazed with sugar and almonds: little traditional delicacies.
Unquera delicacies.
On the Cantabrian bank of the Deva River, about seventy kilometres from Santander, is one of the prettiest villages in the region: Unquera. This mountain locality is well known as a spot for canoeing down the Deva and also for its cakes and pastries. This is where the famous 'corbatas' come from: puff pastry shaped like a dicky bow and glazed with sugar and almonds. If you are looking for an excursion that is both pretty and tasty, take a trip to Unquera and try them. You will want to take a box home with you. One of the most popular brands is El Pindal.
Quesadas
Delicious cakes and pastries from Vega de Pas.
A sweet delicacy.
Go to Vega del Pas for 'quesadas', a delicious local dessert. Why not? Although you can find them in all the restaurants and grocer's in Cantabria, it's an excellent excuse for an excursion. In this mediaeval village, they make the most delicious 'sobaos' and 'quesadas' from local products. Although the traditional recipe is a secret, the main ingredient in 'quesada' is curdled cow's milk. Try these traditional delicacies and take some home with you: the taste of them will conjure up memories of your trip. One of the most popular brands is Casa El Macho.
The Birthplace of Menéndez Pelayo and His Library
The city preserves the house where one of the great figures of 19th-century culture lived.
An illustrious native of Santander.
Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, a prestigious writer, philologist and literary critic was born and died in Santander. During his life he gathered a collection of books, especially in the field of humanities. This personal library, along with the building that houses it, were donated to the city council. The building is in neo-baroque mountain style, has a massive double staircase leading up to the front facade and is decorated with ironwork. Behind it are the gardens and the house where the writer lived. It is currently home to the house-museum.
Jose María de Pereda's House in Polanco
Discover the town where the illustrious novelist was born.
In Polanco, the writer's cradle.
A close friend of Benito Pérez Galdós, José María de Pereda was the author of famous 19th-century novels of manners. Many of his stories are set in Polanco, his hometown, near Suances and Torrelavega and just over twenty kilometres from Santander. In this village, you will find the beautiful 18th-century mountain house where he was born. And also his later residence, a spacious 19th-century building with a beautiful garden. In this house, he wrote his famous Sotileza and welcomed his friends, many of whom were prominent artists. Today it is a house museum based on the author.
El Soplao
Looking around the inside of the cave is a unique experience.
Underground paradises.
In the underground galleries, you will discover an eccentric natural landscape: stalactites, stalagmites, lava flows... A real spectacle, enriched, in its wider areas, with light and sound effects. You will enter the El Soplao Cave on a mine train. Then there is a walkway so you can take the tour comfortably on foot. You can also choose the excursion that goes through the old mine galleries. In fact, the cave was accidentally discovered in 1908 by workers in the La Florida Mines. The cave is about 60 kilometres from Torrelavega and around eighty from Santander.
Meruelo Bell Museum
Visit Meruelo, a land of bell ringers, sculptors and stonemasons.
A journey back to the 15th century.
Did you know that the ancient bells of the cathedrals of Santiago, Pamplona and Toledo were made in Cantabria? And that many of the bells that were taken to South America in the 15th century were exported from these lands? If you want to discover all the secrets of this bell tradition, visit one of the most curious museums in the entire region. The 'Museo de la Campana' is located in Meruelo, about 40 kilometres from Santander. You will find a collection of bells large and small, as well as the instruments used to make moulds.
Liérganes Fluviarium Museum
An ecomuseum for learning about river fish, in a beautiful village.
The richness of rivers.
This is one of the most beautiful excursions you can go on near Santander. Liérganes is about thirty kilometres from the city. Surrounded by mountains, it has several architectural treasures, such as the Roman bridge. And a very special attraction: the Fluviarium Museum, with its aquariums where you can discover the main species from the rivers in the area. In addition, there are replicas of different habitats, such as caves and bogs. Add the finishing touch to your excursion with another of this village's attractions: its delicious traditional cuisine.
The Museum of the Three Pasiego Villages in Vega de Pas
Discover all the Pasiego charm in an 18th-century hermitage.
At the heart of Vega del Pas.
Pasiegos represent one of the strongest and most important cultures in the identity of Cantabria. They are famous for their pastries, 'quesadas', 'sobaos' and ice cream. The typical buildings are ancient cabins. There is no better way to learn about the region's customs than to visit the 'Museo de las Tres Villas Pasiegas'. The three villages in question are Vega de Pas, San Roque de Riomiera and San Pedro del Romeral. This ethnographic museum is located in Vega de Pas, just over fifty kilometres from Santander. It is housed in the 18th-century Hermitage of San Antonio. You will learn all about everyday life in the region throughout time.
Tudanca Mansion
Great figures of literature passed through this old mansion.
Cossío's residence.
The Tudanca mansion was the residence in Cantabria of the Valladolid writer José María de Cossío. Here he wrote works about the region and welcomed friends and writers such as Giner de los Ríos, Miguel de Unamuno, Miguel Hernández and Rafael Alberti. You can take a guided tour of the house and see its extensive library. Among its more than 18,000 volumes, you can find manuscripts and documents by authors from the Generation of 1927. The village of Tudanca is located about fifty kilometres from Santander, in the Nansa River valley. It has been declared a site of historical and artistic interest.
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Cantabria
An artistic must: museum of great value that one would never think to find in a small town, not to be missed!
Goya included!
It is surprising that a city as small as Santander can have a museum as rich and complete as this one. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Cantabria, located at number 6 Rubio street, shows the value of the city. The first stone of this museum was laid in 1918 by King Alfonso XIII himself, who felt a special bond with the fishing village of Santander. Inaugurated in 1923, the museum provided the city with a place to contemplate, on the one hand, works of painting and sculpture by internationally renowned authors and, on the other hand, a large collection of authors from the region. Among the latter, the works of María Blanchard and Pancho Cossío stand out. Possibly one of the most important pieces is the portrait of Fernando VII painted by the master Francisco de Goya in 1814.
Altamira Cave
Discover this world heritage site just a couple of kilometres from Santillana del Mar.
A cave-painting masterpiece.
The prehistoric paintings, drawings and carvings in the Altamira Cave are one of the first testimonies of universal human art. They were made between 36,000 and 13,000 years ago. The cave, discovered by a local in 1868, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Although it is actually closed to the public for conservation purposes, you can visit the neo-cave: a replica of the original one. In addition, you will be able to visit the exhibition rooms of the Altamira Museum and learn all about the cave and details of how it was discovered.
Maritime Museum of Cantabria
Discover deep-sea life and learn about the city's history through its relationship with the sea.
Watch out for the whale!
Like any seaside town, Santander has a close relationship with the sea. That is why it will be very interesting for you to visit this museum. It is located right on the bay, between the San Martín Promontory and Los Peligros Beach. Its aquariums and exhibits show the wealth of the marine biology. One of the biggest attractions is the skeleton of a whale measuring over 24 metres that hangs from the ceiling. In addition, the Maritime Museum of Cantabria offers a complete overview of man's relationship with the sea throughout time: fishing activity, boats, port areas, expeditions...
Santo Toribio de Liébana
The monastery guards the largest fragment of the cross of Jesus.
Monastery and The Lebaniego Way
You will find this monastery in the municipality of Camaleño, in the beautiful region of Liébana. Santo Toribio de Liébana is one of the holy places of Christianity, along with Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostela and Caravaca de la Cruz. The monastery houses a piece of wood from the cross of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the largest surviving piece, even if you take into account the one kept in the Vatican. Every Jubilee year in Liébana, pilgrims from all over the world pass through the Holy Door, one of the requirements for achieving absolution from sins, according to the Catholic religion. In addition, this is the end of The Lebaniego Way, which has been declared UNESCO World Heritage, just like St James's Way.
The Shrine to Our Lady of the Sea
Cross a footbridge to the little island of Virgen del Mar, very close to the city.
Spectacular views.
The shrine to the city's patron saint is an old building in a unique setting: on the island of Virgen del Mar. It is near San Román de la Llanilla, west of Santander. It is very close to the coast, so much so that at low tide it is connected to the mainland by a strip of sand. You can access it over a footbridge. In addition to visiting the shrine, wander over the meadows and contemplate the extraordinary scenery that unfolds before you: beaches, cliffs and the open sea.
The Cabo Mayor Lighthouse
Get to know the lighthouse inside and enjoy the extraordinary views too.
A balcony over the sea.
The 'Faro de Cabo Mayor' presides over the entrance to the Bay of Santander, in the extreme northeast of the city. Cabo Mayor is one of the best viewpoints on the coast. You will see the beaches and cliffs stretching all the way to Cabo Menor. The lighthouse was built in 1839 and was special for the development of commercial and maritime activity in the area. Today, the base of the lighthouse tower and the surrounding buildings are home to an interesting art centre. Discover the collection of almost a thousand drawings, watercolours and sketches of lighthouses by the Santander artist Eduardo Sanz. This artist is known precisely for being passionate about solar time and lighthouses.
The Plaza Porticada
A square full of history and identity in the centre of Santander.
A meeting point for people and culture.
In Santander, you won't find an historic quarter like in most Spanish cities. The reason is that much of the city was destroyed by a tragic fire in 1941. A strong southerly wind fanned the flames that reduced the wooden buildings to ashes. This square was designed as part of rebuilding the historic quarter that was devoured by the flames. It was inaugurated almost ten years later and was the venue for the International Festival of Music and Dance for many decades. Today you can attend free concerts and cultural activities here. In the centre is a monument in homage to Pedro Velarde, a Cantabrian liberator famous for the uprisings of 1808. In fact, the square officially bears his name.
Magdalena Peninsula
In Santander, visit the Magdalena Peninsula and discover its charms for yourself.
A palace, beach and much more.
One of the main attractions on the peninsula is the Madgalena Palace, the former summer residence of King Alfonso XIII. It is now the venue for the Menéndez Pelayo International University's summer courses and hosts various activities. But there is much more to the peninsula. This green expanse populated with different varieties of trees has an outdoor marine park, lighthouses, monuments, the auditorium and the old stables, and a children's play area. In addition, you can visit Bikinis Beach, one of the beaches with the most protection from waves in the entire Bay of Santander. If you go with children or you don't want to walk a lot, take the little tourist train.
The Stone Crane
A witness to Santander's past as a port, today it is a symbol of the city.
Port memories.
The great stone crane is preserved on the Muelle de la Monja, the pier where the promenade starts. It provided a major service to merchant ships during the last century: loading and unloading cargo weighing more than three tonnes. Essential for maintenance of the port activity. It was built in 1896 and is 14 metres high. You will find it just a few metres away from the Embarcadero Palace. It is the traditional starting point for a walk around the city.
The gardens at Pereda Promenade
From the Post Office to Puertochico, this historic and beautiful promenade is the most characteristic of the city. Enjoy!
A stroll through Santander.
The Pereda Gardens are one of Santander’s most characteristic places. They begin at the Post building and stretch to Puertochico, the area in which the city’s port begins. This is one of the most beautiful areas, as well as one of Santander’s most historic places, as it was one of the only parts that survived the great fire that destroyed the city in 1941. It is therefore a collection of buildings that date back to the 18th century, all the way up to the 20th century. Perhaps the most iconic is the Santander Bank building, with its archway that leads into the city. Javier Gonzalez de Riancho designed it, but its famous adornments on the archway were made by Planes. This park honours the memory of Santander writer Jose Maria de Pereda, who lived in this neighbourhood. He is said to have witnessed the famous fire of Machichaco across this street, and it was from this lookout point that he wrote his work titled Machichaco, as he watched the fire blaze.
Los Raqueros
Discover the sculpture of four children by the sea.
Typical Santander characters.
The kids who roamed the port trying to survive by begging or pickpocketing at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th were called 'raqueros'. They were typical characters in the city of Santander. Today they are immortalised in a sculpture by José Cobo Calderón: four children positioned by the sea, one of whom is about to dive in. If you read the plaque, you will discover the sad meaning of the scene: children used to dive in these waters in search of coins that passers-by would throw them. You will be struck by how real it looks. The work is from 1999 and is made in bronze. It is located on the seafront promenade near the Santander Royal Yacht Club.
Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral
Austere on the outside and full of architectural treasures on the inside: this is the Santander Cathedral.
Two superimposed buildings.
The Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is located at the end of Pereda Gardens, next to what is now the post office building and opposite the Plaza Porticada. It is actually two buildings. Building began on the lower church, known as the Cripta del Cristo or the 'Crypt of Christ', in the 12th century. It is a wide, vaulted space but it is very low. The higher church was built over this building between the end of the 13th century and the 14th century. And after that came the cloister. The architectural complex has undergone several remodellings. The higher church had to be restored after the fire in 1941 that devastated the city's historic quarter.
The Banco Santander Arch
The link between the city and the Bay of Santander.
An iconic building.
The headquarters of Banco Santander is an impressive presence in the city, with its five-storey façade and two sides joined by an arch. The bank acquired the property, which was a hotel at the time, in 1919. Renovations were carried out and sculptures and pinnacles were added. The neighbouring houses were bought later. To respect the existing street, the architect Javier González de Riancho designed the famous arch. A thorough remodelling of the complex is currently being planned.
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