12 Must-Sees and Dos in Spain's Northern Gem
Santander, the capital of Spain's Cantabria region, effortlessly blends the allure of its rich maritime history with the vibrancy of modern urban life.
While it may not boast the same fame as other Spanish cities, Santander offers a wealth of cultural, natural, and historical treasures that make it an unmissable destination for discerning travellers. Santander provides an authentic experience of northern Spain's unique character.
The city's location is spectacular on the crescent-shaped Bay of Santander. The Cantabrian Sea constantly shapes the city's identity and lifestyle with its powerful waves and crystal-clear waters. Despite its relatively small size, Santander is a city of great diversity. From the luxurious summer palace of Spanish royalty to the ancient caves of Altamira and from vibrant local markets to serene coastal walks, Here are 12 must-see sights and activities that will ensure your visit to Santander is as enriching as enjoyable.
Magdalena Palace (Palacio de la Magdalena)
The Magdalena Palace symbolises Santander's prestigious past and is a beacon of its cultural importance. Constructed as a royal summer residence between 1908 and 1912, the palace was a gift from the people of Santander to King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenie. The palace is a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture, combining English, French, and regional styles. It is set amidst expansive gardens on the Magdalena Peninsula, which offers panoramic views of the Bay of Santander, the city skyline, and the rugged coastline.
Visitors to the palace can explore the royal rooms, which are furnished with period pieces and offer insights into the lives of Spanish royalty during the early 20th century. The palace grounds also include a small zoo, which is home to seals, sea lions, and penguins—remnants of the animals that the royal family once kept. Additionally, there is a replica of the Santa María, the ship used by Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the Americas, which adds a historical dimension to the visit. The palace hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including concerts and exhibitions, making it a vibrant centre of artistic activity in Santander.
El Sardinero Beach
El Sardinero Beach is a quintessential part of Santander's identity, embodying the city's connection to the sea. This beach has been a favoured destination since the 19th century when it became a popular summer retreat for European aristocracy. Today, El Sardinero continues to draw visitors with its golden sands, clear waters, and a stunning backdrop of Belle Époque buildings that line the promenade. The beach is divided into two main sections: Primera Playa (First Beach) and Segunda Playa (Second Beach), each offering unique charm.
Primera Playa is more developed, with a lively atmosphere and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby. It's the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a traditional ice cream from one of the local vendors. Segunda Playa, slightly more secluded, offers a quieter experience, ideal for those who prefer a bit more tranquillity. Both beaches have facilities, including showers, changing rooms, and rental services for umbrellas and loungers.
For those interested in water sports, El Sardinero is also a great place to try surfing, especially in the autumn when the waves are at their best. The beach is backed by the picturesque Jardines de Piquío, a beautiful park offering shaded pathways, relaxation benches, and stunning viewpoints over the coastline.
Centro Botín
The Centro Botín represents the new face of Santander—a city embracing modernity while staying true to its artistic and cultural roots. This contemporary art centre was established by the Botín Foundation, one of Spain's most significant cultural and philanthropic organisations. The building is a modern masterpiece designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Its design cleverly integrates the structure with the surrounding environment, hovering above the water on stilts and offering unobstructed views of the bay and city.
Inside, the Centro Botín is a hub for visual arts, featuring rotating exhibitions from some of the world's leading contemporary artists and emerging talents. The centre also hosts various cultural events, including music concerts, film screenings, and educational workshops. One of the unique aspects of the Centro Botín is its focus on fostering creativity and critical thinking, with programs specifically designed for children and young adults. The building's rooftop terrace is another highlight, providing a serene space to enjoy the view and reflect on the art within.
The centre's location in the Jardines de Pereda park, which was also redesigned as part of the project, makes it an ideal starting point for a leisurely exploration of Santander's waterfront. The park is a lovely, relaxing place, with shaded walkways, fountains, and art installations that enhance visitors' experience.
Web: Centro Botín
Santander Cathedral (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción)
The Santander Cathedral is a testament to the city's long and storied history. Originally built over the remains of a Roman settlement, the cathedral has been a focal point of religious life in Santander for centuries. The cathedral is composed of two churches, stacked one on top of the other, each representing different periods in the city's history.
The Lower Church, also known as the Church of the Christ (Iglesia del Cristo), dates back to the 8th century and is one of the oldest structures in Santander. It is a sombre, intimate space where visitors can see the tombs of early Christian martyrs and the crypt of Saint Emeterius, the city's patron saint. The Upper Church, built in the 13th century, is more grandiose, featuring Gothic architecture with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and stunning stained glass windows that fill the interior with colourful light.
The cathedral's cloisters are a particular highlight, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city outside. These cloisters were initially built in the 14th century and feature intricate carvings on their columns and capitals. Visitors can also explore the Diocesan Museum, housed within the cathedral complex. The museum offers exhibits on the region's religious history, including a collection of sacred art, manuscripts, and liturgical objects.
Parque de Mataleñas
Parque de Mataleñas is a hidden gem in Santander, offering a perfect escape into nature just minutes from the city centre. The park is situated on a promontory, providing some of the best views of Santander's coastline, including sweeping vistas of the Cantabrian Sea and the rugged cliffs that define this part of Spain. The park is a local favourite for its tranquillity and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, a morning jog, or a relaxing picnic.
One of the park's most notable features is the Mataleñas Golf Course, known for its challenging layout and spectacular views. Even if you're not a golfer, the area surrounding the course offers some of Santander's most scenic walking trails. These trails wind through the park's pine forests and along the cliff edges, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife, including various seabirds.
The park is also home to Mataleñas Beach, a secluded cove popular with those seeking a quieter alternative to the more crowded El Sardinero. The beach is small but beautifully situated, surrounded by steep cliffs that provide shelter from the wind. The clear, calm waters make it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkelling. For the more adventurous, the park's cliffs are also a popular spot for rock climbing, with routes suitable for climbers of all levels.
Cabo Mayor Lighthouse (Faro de Cabo Mayor)
The Cabo Mayor Lighthouse is one of Santander's most striking landmarks, standing tall on a dramatic cliff at the city's northernmost point. Built in 1839, the lighthouse has guided ships safely into Santander's harbour for over 180 years. The lighthouse is surrounded by rugged coastal scenery, with crashing waves below and expansive views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors to the lighthouse can explore the surrounding area on foot, following trails that wind along the cliffs and through the coastal heathland. These trails offer spectacular coastline views, with the opportunity to spot seabirds such as gulls, cormorants, and even the occasional peregrine falcon.
The Cabo Mayor Lighthouse also has an art centre, which occupies part of the original lighthouse keeper's residence. The centre hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, many of which focus on themes related to the sea and maritime history. The combination of natural beauty and cultural enrichment makes visiting Cabo Mayor an enriching experience.
Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
The Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico is an essential stop for anyone interested in Santander's deep connection to the sea. Located on the waterfront, this museum comprehensively explores Cantabria's maritime history from prehistoric times to the present. The museum's exhibits cover various topics, including shipbuilding, navigation, fishing, and marine biology, providing a detailed look at how the sea has shaped the region's culture and economy.
One of the museum's highlights is its extensive collection of ship models, which includes meticulously crafted replicas of ships from various historical periods, ranging from ancient vessels used by the Cantabrian people to modern fishing boats and naval ships. These models offer a fascinating glimpse into maritime technology's evolution and essential role in the region's development.
The museum's aquarium is another major attraction, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Cantabrian Sea. The aquarium houses various marine species, including sharks, rays, and colourful fish, and exhibits marine ecosystems and conservation efforts. This part of the museum is particularly popular with families, as it offers interactive displays and educational programs that are fun and informative.
The Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico also features a section dedicated to marine archaeology, with artefacts recovered from shipwrecks off the Cantabrian coast. These include ancient pottery, weapons, and even pieces of treasure, offering a tangible connection to the past and the stories of the sailors who once navigated these waters. Overall, the museum provides a deep and engaging exploration of Cantabria's maritime heritage, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the sea.
Paseo de Pereda
The Paseo de Pereda is the beating heart of Santander's social and cultural life. This elegant promenade, named after the renowned Cantabrian novelist José María de Pereda, stretches along the city's waterfront and is lined with historic buildings, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The promenade is a lively place where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the fresh sea air, take in the views of the bay, and watch the world go by.
The Paseo de Pereda is also home to some of Santander's most important cultural institutions, including the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria. This museum offers a fascinating journey through the region's ancient history, with exhibits ranging from prehistoric tools and pottery to Roman artefacts and medieval relics. The museum's collection is particularly strong in items from the Paleolithic period, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in early human history.
As you stroll along the Paseo de Pereda, you'll find plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The Jardines de Pereda, a beautifully landscaped park parallel to the promenade, is a perfect spot to sit and unwind. The park features fountains, sculptures, shaded pathways, and a children's playground, making it a popular destination for families.
The Paseo de Pereda is also great to experience Santander's vibrant café culture. The promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a coffee, a glass of wine, or a meal while taking in the views of the bay. In the evening, the area comes alive with people out for a paseo, the traditional Spanish evening stroll and the atmosphere is lively and welcoming.
Los Raqueros Monument
The Los Vaqueros Monument is one of Santander's most iconic and poignant landmarks. Located along the Paseo Marítimo, this group of bronze statues commemorates the "raqueros," a term used to describe the impoverished children who lived on the streets of Santander in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These children would dive into the harbour to retrieve coins thrown by passersby, often risking their lives in the process.
The monument, created by the sculptor José Cobo Calderón, depicts four boys diving into the water in various stages. The statues are remarkably lifelike, capturing the energy and determination of these young boys as they plunged into the sea. The placement of the statues, right at the water's edge, adds to the realism, making it seem as though the boys are about to leap into the bay.
El Capricho de Gaudí in Comillas
El Capricho, located in the nearby town of Comillas, is one of Antoni Gaudí's most enchanting creations and a testament to his architectural genius. Built between 1883 and 1885 for the wealthy businessman Máximo Díaz de Quijano, this summer villa is a stunning example of Gaudí's early work. It combines elements of Oriental and neo-Mudejar architecture with his signature use of organic forms and vibrant colors.
The exterior of El Capricho is a feast for the eyes, with its distinctive cylindrical tower adorned with ceramic tiles in bright sunflower patterns. The building's facade is richly decorated with intricate ironwork, ceramic mosaics, and decorative brickwork, all reflecting Gaudí's love of nature and innovative design approach. The house's interior is equally impressive, with rooms designed to maximise natural light and create a seamless indoor and outdoor connection.
Visitors to El Capricho can explore the house and its beautiful gardens, filled with exotic plants and trees. The guided tours offer fascinating insights into Gaudí's creative process and the cultural context in which the house was built. For fans of Gaudí's work, visiting El Capricho is an absolute must. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the early development of the architectural style that would later culminate in masterpieces like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell.
Comillas is a charming town with a rich architectural heritage, including the nearby Palacio de Sobrellano, another impressive example of 19th-century architecture. A visit to El Capricho can easily be combined with a town tour, making for a delightful day trip from Santander.
Picos de Europa National Park
The Picos de Europa National Park is one of Spain's most spectacular natural landscapes, offering an awe-inspiring backdrop of jagged peaks, deep gorges, and lush valleys. Located about an hour's drive from Santander, the park spans three provinces—Cantabria, Asturias, and Castilla y León—and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognised for its outstanding biodiversity and cultural significance.
The park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a vast network of hiking trails catering to all experience levels. One of the most famous routes is the Ruta del Cares, a 12-kilometre trail that runs through the heart of the park, following the course of the Cares River as it winds through a narrow gorge. The trail offers breathtaking views of the mountains, with sheer cliffs rising on either side and the river flowing far below. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the park also offers routes that lead to the high peaks, such as the ascent to the Naranjo de Bulnes, one of the most iconic mountains in the Picos de Europa.
In addition to hiking, the park is an excellent destination for wildlife watching, with species such as chamois, brown bears, and golden eagles inhabiting the area. The park is also home to traditional mountain villages, where visitors can experience the local culture and sample regional specialities like fabada (a rich bean stew) and cabrales cheese, one of Spain's most famous blue cheeses.
The Picos de Europa is also steeped in history, with ancient pilgrimage routes and religious sites, such as the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, believed to house a piece of the True Cross. Whether you're drawn to the park's natural beauty, cultural heritage, or outdoor activities, visiting the Picos de Europa is a must for anyone exploring the Santander region.
Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar is often described as a living museum, and it's easy to see why. This beautifully preserved medieval village is one of Spain's most picturesque destinations, offering a window into the country's past. Despite its name—Santillana del Mar is neither holy (Santa), flat (llana), nor by the sea (mar)—the village is a true gem, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and timeless atmosphere.
The village's centrepiece is the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a Romanesque masterpiece from the 12th century. Originally founded as a monastery, the church is dedicated to Santa Juliana, whose relics are said to be housed within its walls. The church is one of Cantabria's most significant examples of Romanesque architecture, featuring a stunning cloister with intricately carved capitals depicting biblical scenes, mythical creatures, and everyday life during the Middle Ages. The serene atmosphere of the cloister makes it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of the artistry that went into its construction.
Its narrow, winding streets are lined with well-preserved stone buildings, many dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. These buildings, once home to noble families, now house museums, artisan shops, and cosy cafes where you can sample local delicacies. As you explore, you'll come across charming squares, such as the Plaza Mayor, where you can sit and soak in the historic ambience.
One of the most famous attractions near Santillana del Mar is the Altamira Cave, often called the "Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art." The cave, discovered in 1868, contains some of the world's most well-preserved Paleolithic cave paintings, dating back over 36,000 years. The paintings include vivid depictions of bison, horses, and other animals in rich red and black hues. While the original cave is closed to the public to protect the fragile artwork, visitors can explore a meticulously crafted replica at the nearby Altamira Museum. The museum offers an immersive experience, with exhibits on the life and culture of the people who created the paintings and the techniques they used.
Beyond the historic sites, Santillana del Mar is surrounded by lush countryside, making it ideal for exploring Cantabria's natural beauty. The village is close to several scenic trails that lead through rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. These trails are perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply taking a leisurely stroll to enjoy the peaceful rural landscapes.
Santillana del Mar hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including medieval fairs, music festivals, and traditional religious processions. These events bring the village to life and offer visitors a chance to experience local customs and traditions firsthand.
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