Top 15 Attractions in Santander, Spain

The capital of Cantabria in Atlantic northern Spain, Santander is a coastal city that sustains its economy with fishing, complemented by an exquisite fin de siècle elegance and breathtaking natural landscapes.

The beaches are exceptional and provide a refreshing alternative if you find the Mediterranean climate of Spain to be excessively warm during summer months.

This allure attracted the Spanish monarchy at the dawn of the 20th century when King Alfonso XIII selected Santander and its more temperate weather as his summer residence.

Let’s explore the premier attractions in Santander:

1. Magdalena Park

Throughout much of the city’s past, this lush peninsula at the entrance to Santander Bay was fortified.

During the Napoleonic Wars, a significant battle occurred in 1812 between the British and the French for dominion over this strategic point and the small island of Mouro, visible at the bay’s eastern entrance.

Eventually, the entire peninsula was presented to King Alfonso XIII at the century’s start; the military installations were replaced with pine groves, and a magnificent park was established.

Now, it serves as a venue for major public events, such as the summer “Santander Music” festival in August, and features a small zoo with seals and penguins.

2. Palacio de la Magdalena

King Alfonso’s choice of the highest point on the Magdalena Peninsula for his summer residence resulted in a rapid transformation of Santander.

Not only did the city temporarily become a royal court, but it also began to attract the Spanish bourgeoisie, establishing Santander as a prominent tourist destination.

The palace exhibits a diverse architectural style, reminiscent of an English manor.

Currently, it is part of the University of Santander, and guided tours are available on weekends lasting approximately 45 minutes.

The cliff-top location and the ocean views are the highlights, yet the mock-Tudor former stables are considered the most remarkable aspect of the tour.

3. El Sardinero

Situated between the Magdalena Peninsula and Cabo Menor, El Sardinero features a pair of golden sandy beaches extending over a kilometre in length.

The waves are moderate, rarely exceeding waist-height on tranquil days, and they break at a considerable distance, ensuring safety for children who remain in the shallow waters.

Adjacent to the beach, a promenade adorned with balustrades complements a resort with an elegant, turn-of-the-century atmosphere.

The Gran Casino, which has been in operation since 1916, is emblematic of this ambiance alongside grand hotels.

A delightful way to absorb the surroundings is to rent a bicycle for a few hours, stopping by the pergolas at Parque De Mataleñas on the far northern end.

4. Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology

Cantabria is renowned for its prehistoric significance.

The world-famous cave paintings at Altamira are located a short distance from Santander, although the original site is closed for preservation purposes.

This museum showcases Paleolithic artifacts excavated from the area’s archaeological sites, including a ritualistic staff discovered in El Pendo Cave, along with art utensils, stone tools, and carved horns and bones.

The museum also features reproductions of these extraordinary 15,000-year-old paintings depicting bison and horses.

The collections extend into medieval history, with the oldest artifacts being over 100,000 years old.

5. Catedral de Santa María de la Asunción

Santander’s Gothic cathedral is considerably more understated compared to Spain’s more renowned cathedrals, featuring a minimalist and almost austere Gothic design that dates from the 1100s to the 1400s.

The structure underwent reconstruction in the 20th century following the Civil War and the Cabo Machichago disaster in 1893, when a steam ship carrying dynamite exploded in the harbor, resulting in 590 fatalities.

The cloister remains largely unchanged, retaining its trapezoidal layout from the 1300s.

The lower Iglésia del Cristo section is also original, showcasing solemn Gothic vaulting and a glass floor that reveals remains from the Roman settlement Portus Victoriae.

6. Cantabrian Maritime Museum

In the 1880s, Spain relocated its royal chartered maritime zoology and experimental botany institute to Santander, leading to the establishment of the modern maritime museum, which originated from a previous attraction dedicated to the royal dockyard at Guarnizo.

This museum provides insights into the natural and cultural history of the Cantabrian Sea, including the fishing communities that sustain their livelihoods from these waters and an aquarium showcasing various fish, rays, and shark species native to Santander’s coastline.

A particularly intriguing section highlights technological advancements in underwater research and exploration.

7. Playa de El Puntal

El Puntal is a unique urban beach: It is a sandbar extending into the Bay of Santander for 4.5 kilometers from Somo on the eastern edge.

During summer, a boat service operates from the harbor to El Puntal, where visitors can explore the dunes and relax by the beach throughout the day.

Families with young children may prefer the southern side of El Puntal, which offers calmer waters suitable for younger swimmers.

This side also features expansive views of the mountains that border the bay.

The northern side, conversely, is more susceptible to ocean winds, making it popular for various water sports, particularly surfing.

8. Jardines de Piquío

As the tide rises, this park situated on the promontory between La Sardinera’s two beaches becomes almost enveloped by the sea, making it a favorite spot for families and couples to meet and stroll.

In summer, visitors can purchase ice cream along the promenade and relax beneath palm trees and flowering beds as the ocean rolls in below.

This park is equally captivating at night, with the pergolas illuminated on the headland, offering a picturesque view of the lavish resort buildings lining the beachfront.

9. Cabo Mayor

To witness the Atlantic in its full splendor, one must visit this headland just beyond Santander’s northern outskirts.

The lighthouse at this cape was constructed in 1839, and in 2001, it was fully automated, converting the lighthouse keeper’s residence into a public art gallery.

After parking at the lighthouse, visitors can embark on the grassy cliff-top pathway, offering picturesque views in every direction, including the golden cove at Playa de Mataleñas and the hills on the eastern side of the Bay of Santander.

10. Paseo y Jardines de Pereda

Located away from the beaches, Santander’s waterfront is highly accessible for pedestrians, featuring an array of wide walkways.

The Paseo de Pereda consists of two paths; one runs beneath a canopy of plane trees and is illuminated at night by wrought iron lanterns, while the other is adjacent to the water’s edge.

Elegant 19th-century apartment buildings line the pathways, complete with cafes that offer outdoor seating on the pavement.

At the western end, the Jardines de Pereda, a landscaped park established on reclaimed land, hosts thousands of starlings nesting between September and March.

This park and “paseo” commemorate José María de Pereda, Cantabria’s esteemed 19th-century author.

11. Seafood

With the Atlantic Ocean so close, it is unsurprising that the city turns to the sea for its culinary offerings.

A visit to the Barrio Pesquero (Fishing District) reveals this vibrant seafood culture, where fishing vessels deliver their catch to eager restaurateurs in Santander.

One notable local dish is “rabas,” which are fried squid.

These resemble calamari in appearance and flavor but have distinct differences, with each establishment preparing their version.

Another local favorite is bocartes rebozados, whitebait that is breaded and deep-fried.

Both pair excellently with a glass of Cantabrian vermouth, enhanced with lemon and ice.

12. Puertochico

Adjacent to the marina, this waterfront district was once home to Santander’s fishing community before it relocated to the Barrio Pesquero to the west.

In recent years, Puertochico has undergone a transformation, developing a lively and youthful atmosphere.

In this cluster of narrow streets and staircases, an inviting array of bars and restaurants has emerged, where patrons can enjoy the view of small fishing vessels alongside more upscale pleasure yachts.

This scenic backdrop invites relaxation, allowing visitors to pause on a bench to admire the lush green hills of Pedreña across the bay.

13. Boat Trip on Santander Bay

Located near Paseo Pereda, visitors can board one of the Los Reginas ferries for an enchanting cruise around the Bay of Santander, known for its stunning beauty.

A round-trip ticket costs less than €5 for adults, and if you do not disembark at either Somo or Pedreña, the journey lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Golf enthusiasts can disembark at Pedreña to access the breathtaking Real Golf de Pedreña course, situated between the bay and the Cubas River.

During summer, the ferry also serves as the most convenient transportation means to El Puntal for a day at this exceptional beach.

14. Mercado de la Esperanza

Santander boasts the largest central market in Cantabria, and should you require groceries while renting an apartment in the city, the Mercado de la Esperanza is the ideal destination.

Even if shopping is not on your agenda, the market is worth visiting for its stunning Belle Époque architecture, featuring a large iron and glass hall completed in 1904 and recognized as a “historic monument.” Like other esteemed Spanish food markets, it offers a multi-sensory experience, with vibrant displays of fruits, vegetables, and freshly caught seafood.

For a memorable souvenir, consider acquiring a can of authentic Cantabrian anchovies, known throughout Spain.

15. Cabárceno Nature Park

Situated in the lush hills 20 minutes south of Santander, this zoo is challenging to define.

Occupying the former site of an expansive pit mine, it spans over 1,900 acres of stunning meadows and hardwood forests.

Traveling along 20 miles of roads, visitors encounter a range of animal enclosures featuring both native and exotic species.

You can observe wild boars and Cantabrian brown bears in one area, while lions, cheetahs, elephants, and gorillas inhabit another.

These animals live in semi-captivity, allowing for a closer observation of behaviors that resemble their natural habitats.