Things to Do in Santander

Discover in this guide the best places to visit in Santander, the capital of Cantabria, and plan your trip in a simple and practical way. Known as the “Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea”, this beautiful northern city boasts one of the most stunning bays in Spain.

With roots dating back to Roman times and shaped by the great fire of 1941, which transformed its historic centre, Santander today is a renewed city embraced by the Cantabrian Sea. You can relax on the beaches of El Sardinero, stroll through the Jardines de Pereda, soak up the atmosphere in Cañadío or Puertochico and, of course, enjoy the local food: anchovies, sobaos pasiegos (traditional sponge cakes), fresh fish, seafood and hearty cocido montañés stew.

Although you can see the main highlights in a day, it’s well worth staying at least one night. Welcome to this top 10 of must-see places in Santander to discover everything this northern gem has to offer — even in winter.

1. Península y Palacio de la Magdalena

With more than 25 hectares of parkland, the península de la Magdalena is the ultimate must-see in Santander. From here you’ll enjoy some of the best views over the bay, wander among pine trees and — best of all — entry is free. Walking the circular path around the entire peninsula is easily one of the best things to do in Santander.

The most iconic landmark here is the Palacio de la Magdalena, built between 1908 and 1912 as the summer residence of Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia. This building marked a turning point in Santander’s tourism history, turning it into a royal and aristocratic summer destination.

Even if you don’t go inside (though I recommend it), there’s plenty to see outdoors: viewpoints overlooking Isla de Mouro, views towards Playa de El Puntal, the monument to Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, the Carabelas Pier, Playa de los Bikinis, the Embarcadero Real and Faro de la Cerda.

As it’s a little outside the city centre, here’s a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus option that runs from Paseo de Pereda to the cathedral — perfect if you’re planning to see Santander in one day.

2. Centro Botín

A symbol of modern Santander, the Centro Botín is another essential stop. Opened in 2017 and designed by architect Renzo Piano, this private art centre has completely reshaped the city’s connection with its bay.

Its light, elevated structure allows the sea to remain the star of the show, blending beautifully with the Jardines de Pereda. Inside, you’ll find top-level international exhibitions, cultural events and educational activities.

Extra tip: Fancy one of the best views over the bay? You can enjoy it for free. Even if you don’t visit the exhibitions, you can walk up the outdoor stairs and take in one of the most breathtaking views in the city.

3. Catedral de Santander (Nuestra Señora de la Asunción)

The catedral de Santander, officially Catedral de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora, began construction in the 13th century on the former cerro de Somorrostro. While its exterior looks fairly simple, it’s well worth stepping inside to admire the columns decorated with plant motifs and its beautiful Gothic cloister.

It actually consists of two churches stacked one above the other. Below you’ll find the iglesia del Santísimo Cristo, the city’s oldest church, built over Roman remains with glass floors revealing archaeological remains beneath. In the upper church, the Gothic cloister and the tomb of Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo stand out.

After the great fire of 1941, part of the cathedral had to be rebuilt, which explains the mix of historic features and later restorations.

Extra tip: Taking the lift up the tower is one of the best things to do in Santander if you want fantastic views over the historic centre and the bay.

4. Playa del Sardinero (Primera y Segunda)

Playa del Sardinero is another must-see and part of the city’s most elegant neighbourhood. It’s divided into Primera and Segunda, separated by the Jardines de Piquío, a natural viewpoint offering spectacular views of the open sea and the sweeping coastline.

Primera beach became famous in the 19th century for its “sea bathing” tradition, when Spanish nobility flocked to Santander on medical advice. Opposite stands the iconic Gran Casino. Segunda, which is larger, has a more family-friendly feel.

Besides enjoying the beach, it’s lovely to walk along the seafront promenade of El Sardinero, from the curve of La Magdalena to Parque de Mesones. You can also head up along Paseo de la Reina Victoria, an elevated avenue lined with old mansions and viewpoints offering some of the best views of Santander’s bay.

5. Mirador Río de la Pila Funicular

From the mirador del Río de la Pila, you’ll get yet another fantastic panoramic view of Santander. To reach it, hop on the urban funicular, which climbs the steep slope of the Río de la Pila neighbourhood and links the historic centre with Paseo del General Dávila at the top of the city.

Up there, you’ll enjoy lovely views over rooftops, the bay and Peña Cabarga. It’s the perfect spot to understand Santander’s layout — a city built across hillsides that constantly look out to sea.

The funicular runs daily from 6:00 am to midnight and is free, so add it to your list of things to do if you’re exploring the historic centre.

6. Plaza Porticada y Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Plaza Porticada is one of Santander’s great symbols. Built after the 1941 fire in a neo-Herrerian style, its square layout with arcades and five entrances makes it one of the most recognisable spots in the city centre.

Beneath the square you can visit the remains of the medieval wall and historic structures that form part of the Anillo Cultural. Just a few metres away is plaza del Ayuntamiento, dominated by the 1907 Town Hall and a popular meeting point for locals.

7. Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico

Facing the bay, between the promontory of San Martín and Playa de los Peligros, you’ll find the Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico. A visit here really helps you understand Santander’s deep-rooted relationship with the sea.

It combines marine biology, naval history and fishing traditions — and, surprisingly, large aquariums too. The whale skeletons washed up along the Cantabrian coast are especially striking.

Other museums worth visiting in Santander include:

• Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria (MUPAC), located in Mercado del Este and renowned across Europe for its Palaeolithic pieces.
• Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo de Santander y Cantabria (MAS), with collections spanning from the 19th century to today.

8. Plaza de Cañadío

Looking for where to eat in Santander? The best local atmosphere is in plaza de Cañadío, where great food and nightlife go hand in hand. As evening falls, it becomes one of the liveliest spots in the centre.

Along nearby streets such as Daoiz y Velarde, Hernán Cortés and Peña Herbosa, you’ll find some of the best bars and restaurants to try rabas (fried squid), pinchos and traditional Cantabrian cuisine.

It’s the perfect place to end the day after exploring the historic centre. Take your time, enjoy a drink and go on your own little tapas crawl.

9. Cabo Mayor y Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor

Cabo Mayor offers one of the most spectacular landscapes in Santander. Its cliffs and the wild character of the Cantabrian Sea create a real postcard scene. Up here, on the northern coast, you’ll see the sea at its most dramatic, with waves crashing against the rocks.

At the top stands the faro de Cabo Mayor, one of Cantabria’s nine lighthouses. It’s also home to the Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, featuring exhibitions linked to the sea, navigation and port life. The views are incredible at any time of year, especially on clear days.

If you enjoy coastal walks, don’t miss the route linking Playa de Mataleñas, Cabo Menor and the lighthouse. Prefer something more relaxed? There’s a café where you can sit back and enjoy one of the best sunsets in Santander.

10. Paseo marítimo: Los Raqueros

The paseo marítimo runs along the bay from Jardines de Pereda to Puertochico, continuing towards the Palacio de Festivales and the Gamazo area. Facing south, the bahía de Santander is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain, so walking beside it will easily become one of the highlights of your trip.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Palacete del Embarcadero, the historic Grúa de Piedra and the Monumento a los Raqueros, which honours the children who used to dive into the water to collect coins thrown by sailors. You’ll also stroll through Puertochico, once a fishing port and now a lively marina filled with boats and terraces.

From here, the traditional boats known as Las Reginas depart, connecting Santander with Somo and Pedreña. Book a boat trip to enjoy views of Peña Cabarga, Playa del Puntal or even the Cantabrian Mountains while learning about their history and legends.

Map of Places to Visit in Santander

In Conclusion

Without a doubt, Santander is a city where the sea is with you every step of the way, with great places to eat around every corner and beautiful museums and parks to explore. With a climate that changes between summer and winter, it’s a perfect destination to visit at any time of year.