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To put it short – Absolutely! There are many reasons to visit Santander, whether to explore the architecture of the incredible Magdalena Palace or to walk the scenic Paseo de Pereda.
Apr 4, 2024 · Although this coastal city may not be as popular as Barcelona, Alicante, or Valencia, there are so many amazing things to do in Santander. With breathtaking beaches, authentic tapas restaurants, and a wealth of attractions, this place really does have everything.
- To Learn About the Past. The Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria is a fascinating place, which houses over 1,200 objects dating from the Upper Palaeolithic period to the Iron Age.
- To Marvel at the Palacio de la Magdalena. Santander’s magnificent royal Magdalena Palace has become a symbol of the city. The palace was constructed between 1908 and 1912 and sits on a peninsula, looking out to sea.
- To Explore the Península de la Magdalena. Surrounding the palace sits the Magdalena Peninsula, a vast green parkland. Filled with green meadows and dense forests, it is surrounded by coves and beaches.
- To Stand in Awe Before the Catedral de la Asunción. The huge cream-coloured cathedral is an impressive sight in the centre of the city. The lower section was built in the 13th century, while the upper section is from the 14th century.
Santander (Cantabria), in the north of Spain, is a combination of green mountain landscapes with white sand beaches, elegant mansions and palatial architecture with avant-garde buildings and the unmistakeable echo of its seafaring past. Many cities within a city, perfect for discovering.
- Things to Do in Santander
- Where to Stay in Santander
- Where to Eat in Santander
- Day Trips from Santander
- Other Useful Information About Santander
- Conclusion on The Best Things to Do in Santander
- Other Travel Guides About Spain
1. Discover Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
A few minutes’ walk from Centro Botín Museum, you’ll find Santander’s cathedral, known in English as Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary of Santander. This beautiful Gothic cathedral was built between the end of the 12th century and the start of the 14th. Although you can still appreciate Gothic architecture, there are many parts of the cathedral that have been rebuilt due to damages from the Santander Fire of 1941. As you enter the cathedral, you’ll see a small squared co...
2. Feel like a royal at Real Palacio de La Magdelena
One of the unmissable places to visit in Santander is Real Palacio de la Magdalena. This beautiful palace, located at the top of the Magdalena peninsula, is one of the best things to do in Santander (and my favourite too!). The palace is surrounded by breathtaking views of the sea, impressive rock formations and another part of Santander City. It’s an amazing place to admire from the outside and the inside. The palace looks like a fairytale castle that you see in films and has a lot of histor...
3. Go on a free walking tour
The best way to learn about Santander, its attractions, and the local life is by taking a free walking tour. If you do a free walking tour with a local guide, you’ll save time planning and discover hidden gems as well as the secrets of some historical buildings. Botin Centre, the cathedral, the funicular, the Magdalena Palace and the Town Hall Square are some of the places you will probably visit during a free walking tour in Santander. Check out this free walking tourin Santander
Hotel NH Ciudad de Santanderis located in the heart of the city, a few minutes walk from Santander’s promenade. The hotel is perfect if you want to stay central in Santander. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped with comfortable bedding, flat-screen TV, safe, complimentary water, a kettle with a wide range of tea and an en-suite bathroom. I loved my stay at NH Ciudad de Santander. The staff was very friendly and allowed us to check in earlier than expected. My booking included a buffet br...
Whether you fancy traditional food or international cuisine, you’ll find endless options in Santander. If you want to try local gastronomy, there are some dishes that you can’t miss the chance to try. For example, tortillas with ham and cheese, fresh fish and seafood and sobaos (a delicious buttery cake). Here is a list of my recommended restaurant...
Day Trip to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
One of the most popular day trips from Santander is Bilbao. This vibrant northern city has great things to do – from eating pintxos (tapas) to contemplating outstanding art at the Guggenheim Museum. Although one day isn’t enough to see everything that Bilbao offers, you can visit the main attractions, such as the Guggenheim Museum or Bilbao Cathedral. Getting to Bilbao from Santander is easy by car and public transport. If you opt for public transport, then travelling by busis the best option...
Day Trip to Santillana del Mar
Who doesn’t love discovering hidden gems? Santillana Del Mar is a quaint town to add to your Santander itinerary. It’s known for its rich history, art, and architecture, which you can contemplate in its medieval towers and Renaissance palaces. Here you can visit the Collegiate church and cloister of St Juliana as well as quirky museums, like Museo de la Tortura (the Torture Museum), and galleries. In addition to this, if you love hiking, Santillana del Mar is packed with amazing trails that l...
When to visit Santander
The best time to visit Santander is summer. It’s the perfect holiday for those who don’t want a very hot summer in Spain but still want pleasant weather. Santander is a less touristy city with beautiful beaches, incredible green landscapes and good food.
Getting into Santander
The cheapest way to get to Santander from the airport is by getting the bus S4, which leaves you at Santander coach station. The journey takes about 15 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 2.90 €. Alternatively, you can get a taxi for approximately €20 or rent a car if you’re planning to travel around Northern Spain.
The weather in Santander
The weather in Santander is cooler, cloudier and rainier than in the south of Spain. In winter, you’ll expect a maximum of 13ºC degrees (55.4°F) and a minimum of 8ºC (46.4°F); in summer, you can enjoy a maximum of 23ºC (73.4°F) and a minimum of 17ºC degrees (62.6°F).
Santander is a very underrated destination, and you’ll be surprised by how beautiful and peaceful it is. Although it isn’t a city packed with many attractions, the ones you can find in Santander are unique. I recommend staying longer than a day, but if you want to visit Santander in a day, you can always take thishop-on-hop-off bus to move around e...
On Spain's north coast you will find one of its most beautiful cities, Santander. It boasts natural wonders, graceful mansions, and iconic palatial architecture. This capital of the Cantabria province used to be called “Portus Victoriae Iuliobrigensium” during the Roman colony of Portus Victoriae.
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Jul 4, 2017 · “Santander is a very beautiful city; we have the sea, the mountains, and real culture”, says my host Carolina, as I gaze across the glassy Bay of Santander, admiring the rising peaks in the distance.
