What to do in Santander

Activities, attractions and tours

Santander showing a beach, general coastal views and rugged coastline
Palacio de la Magdalena showing a park and heritage architecture
Santander
Santander
Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

Places to Visit in Santander

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Santander, Cantabria while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Santander attractions from NZ$10, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Santander tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 29 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Santander. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Most fun & popular experiences in Santander

Tours & day trips

See all 24 activities
Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savouring Santander

Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savouring Santander

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$61 per adult
Gastronomic Cultural Tour. Savouring SantanderOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 6 activities
Private Guided Walking Tour in Liérganes

Private Guided Walking Tour in Liérganes

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$253 per traveller*
Private Guided Walking Tour in LiérganesOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 6 activities
Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay

Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$29 per adult
Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the BayOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Santander

Number of things to do
29
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Santander Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: NZ$10
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santander

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santander

Palacio de la Magdalena which includes a house, heritage architecture and a park

Palacio de la Magdalena

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 which includes heritage architecture

Santander Cathedral

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
Gran Casino del Sardinero

Gran Casino del Sardinero

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 which includes interior views, markets and food

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
Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

Banco Santander

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
Centro Botín

Centro Botín

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 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
Jardines de Piquio showing 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 showing marine life and interior views

Cantabria Maritime Museum

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

Cantabria Maritime Museum

Explore areas of Santander

Banco Santander featuring heritage architecture

Santander City Centre

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 which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

El Sardinero

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

El Sardinero
Default Image

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
Default Image

Cabildo de Arriba

The beaches and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Cabildo de Arriba. A stop by Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Consolacion or Sotileza Mural might round out your trip.

Cabildo de Arriba
Default Image

Castilla-Hermida

Beaches and 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
Default Image

Cazoña

Beaches and waterfront views are well-reviewed features of Cazoña. Make a stop by top sights like Parque del Doctor Morales while you're exploring the area.

Cazoña

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

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.