Things to do in Santander

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Santander showing rugged coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Santander showing rugged coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Palacio de la Magdalena which includes a garden and heritage architecture
Matalenas Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach
Santander featuring rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sunset
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Santander must see attractions

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 showing a sandy beach, rugged coastline 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 house and a garden

3. 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 which includes a city and heritage elements

4. 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 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 showing general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people

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 showing a coastal town, a beach and general coastal views

What to do in Santander

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santander

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Santander Ferry Terminal

5/5(8 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Santander with a trip to Santander Ferry Terminal. Visit the area's shops or amble around its beautiful beaches.

Santander Ferry Terminal
Palacio de la Magdalena featuring a garden, heritage architecture and a house

Palacio de la Magdalena

5/5(24 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
Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

Banco Santander

5/5(3 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
Santander Cathedral featuring heritage architecture

Santander Cathedral

4.5/5(23 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
B13GPH gran casino del sardinero santander cantabria espana casino de santander cantabria spain

Gran Casino del Sardinero

4/5(13 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
Cabo Mayor Lighthouse which includes general coastal views, a lighthouse and rocky 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
Plaza Porticada featuring a square or plaza and heritage architecture

Plaza Porticada

In the heart of the city’s commercial area is a beautiful square surrounded by a collection of grand arcaded buildings.

Plaza Porticada
rainy day at the museum #santander #spain #umbrella

Centro Botín

5/5(5 reviews)

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

Centro Botín
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

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Santander

Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

Santander City Centre

5/5(19 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
Monumento a Los Raqueros featuring a river or creek, outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

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
Visiting Santander, North Spain, this week

El Sardinero

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

El Sardinero
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Puertochico

The beaches and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Puertochico. A stop by Bay of Biscay or Chico Port might round out your trip.

Puertochico
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Cabildo de Arriba

The pristine beaches and captivating 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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Castilla-Hermida

Pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are well-reviewed features of Castilla-Hermida. Make a stop by top sights like La Marga Park while you're exploring the area.

Castilla-Hermida

Popular day trips from Santander

Swell and storm in the Hermitage of the Virgen del Mar in San Roman de la Llanilla in the Municipality of Santander. Cantabrian Sea. Autonomous Community of Cantabria. Spain. Europe

San Roman de la Llanilla

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 travelers 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 neighborhoods, Santander City Centre is 0.48 kilometers away from downtown, while Puertochico is 2 kilometers away from the city center 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 neighborhoods, 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.