Santander

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Santander

Santander is famous for its fabulous beaches and its elegant holidaymakers: King Alfonso XIII used to spend his summers here nearly a hundred years ago, and the town is still popular among fashionable madrileños who like to be seen sauntering along the El Sardinero seafront with its belle époque architecture. When the sun goes down, the town is busy, with great restaurants and a lively bar scene. It is also a good place from which to explore the pristine countryside of Cantabria.

The City

Santander is an upmarket beach resort where kings have rubbed shoulders with fishermen, and where university students in flip-flops kick back with well-heeled holidaymakers. The most popular of its beaches is El Sardinero, which, with its fine white sand and elegant architecture, lies a couple of kilometres from the town centre. Playa de la Magdalena, on the southern side of the headland, has a water sports centre while Playa del Bikini is good for snorkelling. If they are all too crowded, visitors can take a boat over to the long stretches of sand at Somo. Away from the seafront, the city centre is lively, especially after dark. Many of the older buildings were lost in a huge fire in 1941, but there is still some beautiful architecture from bygone times. The elegant cathedral has been restored, and there are also some interesting museums to be discovered.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Santander is a city favoured by Spanish holidaymakers–the abundance of beautiful sandy beaches, natural parks, and dramatic cliffs make it perfect for the outdoorsy. However, a lively nightlife and curious museums (one that certainly deserves attention is the Cantabrian Prehistory and Archaeology museum) ensure there is something for everyone. For a day trip out of town, head to the scenic village of Santanilla del Mar or the prehistoric caves at Puente Viesgo.

Menéndez Pelayo Library

The impressive collection contains 41,500 volumes gifted to the town by writer and thinker Menéndez Pelayo. The building right behind the historic (early 20th century) library used to be the former home of this celebrated …

Playa Somo

The beach across the bay from Santander is much-loved for its soft sand and relative tranquillity. There is a surf school–the first of its kind in Spain–on the beach, too (Escuela Cántabra de Surf, Calle Isla De Mouro, 12). The best way to get there is by regular boat service run by Los Reginas …

Forestal Park

TirolinasGo Santander Forestal Park is an adventure park with fun outdoor activities located in a pretty setting in the woods. Here you can slide down 220-metre-long zip lines, cross some rope bridges and walkways, or simply enjoy an active day outdoors with different games and circuits available for the whole …

Magdalena Peninsula

The well-maintained Magdalena Peninsula is the city's most attractive area for a pleasant walk, enjoying the views over Santander's two scenic bays, and taking some memorable photographs. The Magdalena Castle is located here, too. There is also a small animal corner with live seals and …

Funicular del Rio de la Pila

If you find yourself by Río de la Pila street, do take a quick (a mere 3 minutes) ride up on the funicular to the Mirador Río de la Pila, from where spectacular views over the city below and the ocean waters unfold. The ride is free of charge, and the elevator has a …

Paseo Marítimo

This one-kilometre-long boardwalk stretches from the Estación Marítima (Ferry Station) to Puerto Chico and features several points of interest including the Palacete de Embardadero and sculptures of the raqueros–children who used to dive naked into the sea to gather coins thrown by …

Puerto Chico

Puerto Chico is one of Santander's liveliest areas, with a waterside promenade and several curious statues. Once a busier port, Puerto Chico is still home to sea vessels coming in and out. Take a walk by the harbour and watch local fishermen arrive with the catch of the day. There are some good-value bars, …

Cuevas de Monte Castillo

Check out the magnificent caves at Puente Viesgo (24 kilometres from Santander), where stalactites and stalagmites stretch among incredible prehistoric paintings. The village itself is also worth a look around. Tours start at the visitor centre 1.5 kilometres above the …

Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico

With exhibits ranging from model boats to fish skeletons and sixteen aquariums, this is a superb museum about all things nautical. Look out for the two-headed sardine and the famous 60-ton whale skeleton. If after your visit you get hungry, there's a on-site restaurant with bay …

Club Náutico La Horadada

This yacht club on Playa de la Magdalena offers a wealth of water sports for the active beach-goer, including windsurfing, surfing, sailing, waterskiing, and canoeing. Courses in multiple water sporting activities are offered to beginners (from bodyboarding to …

Playa del Sardinero

This beach is the largest and the most popular one in Santander. It is divided into three parts: Playa de la Concha to the south, Primera Playa, and Segunda Playa to the north. A short walk from Segunda Playa is the Cabo Mayor lighthouse, perched on picturesque, towering …

Santillana del Mar

Enjoy a day trip to this sensationally pretty village, 26 kilometres west of Santander. Santillana del Mar is a historic Spanish town with some interesting architectural treasures. To get there, take one of the Autobuses La Cantabria buses from the main bus station in …

Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art of Santander & Cantabria

This museum of modern and contemporary art features works by Goya, including his portrait of Fernando VII and Zurbarán, as well as lesser-known modern pieces. There are more than 225 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, prints, video creations, and sound …

Santander Cathedral

This Gothic building was restored after the 1941 fire and now, it welcomes visitors to its renovated interior. Relics include the skulls of Santander's patron saints and the tomb of legendary local writer Marcelino Menéndez y …

Cabárceno Natural Park

Cabárceno Natural Park is a nature reserve and zoo situated in Penagos–17 kilometres south of Santander. Consisting of 750 hectares, the park is located in a former open-pit iron mine on a karstic landscape. It is home to animals such as brown bears, elephants, tigers, gorillas and lions–to name a …

Jardines de Piquío

Stroll around this garden park located between two beautiful beaches in Santander. Here you can admire the views over the Cantabric Sea. Besides tree-lined alleys and flowers, there are lots of play areas for children as well as well-maintained, lush green …

Museum of Prehistory & Archaeology of Cantabria

This compact yet informative museum details the history of Cantabria with artefacts from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, plus interactive exhibits. Explanations are provided in both English and …

Parque de Cabo Mayor

The area around Cabo Mayor lighthouse is a spectacular sight to behold–on stormy days, waves scenically break against the cliffs leading up to the lighthouse. Entry to the lighthouse is free of …

Mercado de la Esperanza

This large indoor market is a profusion of high-quality, fresh, local produce. Best known for its seafood, the market also stocks artisan foods, meats, cheese, fruit and veg. An authentic establishment, this market is devoid of tourist shops and closes from 2 pm to 5 pm for siesta each …

Centro Botín

This first-rate arts centre was designed by Pulitzer Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano. The west block is dedicated to art, while the east block is for cultural and educational activities. The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of Santander and its …

Las Dunas de Liencres Natural Park

This sprawling parkland featuring pine forests and dunes is said to resemble something from another planet. This is a protected area and wild birds are abundant. There are also lovely beach areas for those interested in …

Dining

Cantabrian cuisine is as varied as its landscapes–fish and seafood turn up alongside game, veal, and beef on local restaurant's menus. Some specialities typical of the region include rice cooked Santander-style (with milk and salmon), hake fish in green sauce, fried calamari rings (rabas), tuna pot (sorropotun), anchovies, sardines, and hearty stews (try the venison stew or the so-called "mountain-stew", cocido montanes with beans, chorizo sausage bits, greens, and black pudding).

La Bombi

La Bombi is a long-standing, upscale restaurant serving seafood dishes and regional Spanish classics in a stylish setting. Reservations are highly …

Casa Lita

Casa Lita is a popular tapas bar offering a huge array of northern Spanish pincho appetizers –approximately three hundred different types–made daily and with the best quality produce. Plus, a selection of cheeses, Iberian sausages, tuna from the north, and some artisan anchovies from Santoña to be enjoyed in a lively atmosphere, with a …

Cañadío

Right in the centre of Santander, you'll find Cañadío, one of Santander’s most renowned restaurants, which specializes in Cantabrian cuisine. There is also an array of mouth-watering tapas and pinchos at the …

Los Peñucas

This place is located down by the fishing port and offers wonderfully simple food straight from the sea. The menu features mouth-watering seafood paella, grilled sardines, lobster, deep-fried calamari, squid with onions, and the fish of the day, among other excellent …

Frida Street Food

Frida Street Food serves creative Tex-Mex cuisine, gourmet burgers, and cocktails in a very casual setting and at very decent …

Casa Mariano

Casa Mariano is an off-the-beaten path, hugely popular with locals, homely restaurant serving traditional dishes such as stews, sausages, and so on. It is especially known for its good-value fixed daily lunch menu, which includes two courses and a glass of …

Restaurante Tatami

If you're craving Japanese food while in Santander, this restaurant might be something for you. Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine as well as some Chinese fare, such as sushi, sashimi, tempura dishes, and fried rice with shrimp, in a modern dining room or sitting down in the tatami …

Pizzeria Mamma Mia

As the name reveals, this one is an Italian restaurant that serves pizza (and not only–the menu also lists antipasti, salads, and pasta). The highly qualified chefs have ample experience when it comes to Italian food. If you are craving something sweet, there is a tempting menu with homemade …

El Serbal

El Serbal is an elegant restaurant overlooking the beach offering northern Spanish food with a modern touch. Dishes are prepared with market-fresh ingredients to satisfy the most discerning of palates. Try the tasting menu with wine …

La Tagliatella

La Tagliatella is a restaurant chain with currently more than 140 restaurants and counting. The Santander instalment serves Italian cuisine, the main specialities being thin-crusted pizza and fresh …

Marucho

Marucho is a very casual seafood restaurant with an overwhelming selection of fresh fish and seafood, such as hake, spider crab, mussels, and the catch of the day on display in the glass casings for guests to …

Cafes

The selection of cafes in Santander is very decent, ranging from the ubiquitous tapas bars to bakeries and ice cream parlours serving high-quality homemade gelato. Many cafes double as bars in the evening when beer and wine come to replace the daytime "lungo" and "cortado". Santander is also famous for its pastries and delicious cheesecakes (quesadas pasiegas).

Chocolatería Valor

To enjoy a quintessential Spanish dessert, try the very popular waterside Chocolatería Valor. The menu features, of course, freshly-made churros (long, deep-fried sticks of special dough) with hot chocolate to serve as a dip. The menu also features other desserts, such as pancakes and tea …

Café Suizo

Located directly on the city's main promenade, Café Suizo is a local institution and longstanding cafe with a view. It offers outdoor seating and serves great value breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and very decent …

Mercado del Este

This market isn't known for its shops as much as its selection of pleasant cafes ideal for a short break or a people-watching session. Sit down and enjoy authentic tapas with a nice glass of wine — get a bottle from one of the wine shops to bring back with you if you …

Gallofa&Co

Gallofa&Co is a wildly popular local bakery offering an overwhelming array of tasty bread, pastries, and …

Heladeria Via Mazzini 43

Siboney

This cafe/restaurant in Puerto Chico is a good choice for lunch or dinner. With its outdoor seating and a great array of delicious foods —pizza, patatas bravas, meat and chicken skewers —Siboney is a great pick for those looking for sit-down dining in the …

Bars & Nightlife

Santander is a university town and, as such, boasts quite a busy nightlife. The Plaza de Cañadío, Calle de Santa Lucίa, and Calle Río de la Pila (and surrounding streets) all teem with bars that remain crowded well into the morning hours. As with everywhere else in Spain, plan on going out after 11 o’clock or so, otherwise, you run the risk of finding yourself drinking alone. On weekend nights, the Spanish like to party late. If you are going out to a club after some evening drinks only do so at around 2 or 3 am, and prepare to stay up till dawn.

Plaza de Cañadío

The centre of it all with regards to nightlife, Plaza de Cañadío is a bustling town square that really comes to life at night, when crowds pour into the many small bars around the perimeter. Pick a standing table for some banter with the locals, and be ready to stay well into the wee …

Little Bobby Speakeasy

The bar's elaborate, Prohibition-inspired interior stands in stark contrast to the vibes of most other Santander bars. Marvel at the curious pieces found within its walls. Enjoy the two areas with different music styles played and try the not-so-prohibitionist cocktails from the bar …

Malaspina

La Rana Verde

This is not a place to go for a formal meal, but a lively joint that is popular with a young clientele grabbing a bite before embarking on a long night out. La Rana Verde is famous for its patatas bravas, but also serves hamburgers and sandwiches. Located in the Cañadío bar …

Terrace Lounge BNS

This waterfront venue on la Concha beach in el Sardinero is rather popular with students and local party-goers. Music beats fill the air till dawn when guests often choose to end the night by taking a dip in the ocean. Live music shows are hosted …

Stop

With one of the best front-row seats to the Cantabrian sunset, Stop has grown to become a local favourite for an evening drink in a relaxing environment. It offers an excellent array of tapas as well as an impressive assortment of gins and …

Bar Caribe

A local bar scene classic, Caribe is a great spot for a very low-key evening drink. Its location in el Sardinero just behind the Casino is hard to miss. Choose from the multiple varieties of gin on display behind the bar, or order one of the many "copas" with snacks to go …

Bar Canela

One of the little bars in the oh-so-popular-by-night Plaza de Cañadío, Canela is one of the best spots to grab a drink and take your place by one of the tall standing tables in the square. If the pub proves too crowded, there is no need to look too far for a watering …

La Barruca de Calderón

Bar and grill known for its juicy burgers offered at very reasonable prices. La Barruca de Calderón is, perhaps, more of an eatery than a watering hole, but it is certainly fit for a pleasant evening …

Gran Casino del Sardinero

If trying your luck at roulette or one of the card games sounds more like your kind of fun, do check out Cantabria's finest casino located right across from the city beach. The elegant venue offers not only endless gambling but also excellent dining at the in-house …

Moondog

Moondog is a bar on the classier side, attracting a slightly older clientele (aged above 30 or even 40, on average). It serves quality drinks — the bar is especially known for its well-crafted cocktails — and places special emphasis on playing good music (DJs are hosted frequently for that …

Discoteca Amarras

The Amarras disco is popular with the local 40-and-above crowd. Nights here are filled with Latin beats and couples livening up the dance floor with salsa, rumba, and cha-cha moves. Events such as dance shows and live music performances are often …

Shopping

Santander’s shopping district is in its bustling centre. The streets around the Ayuntamiento–Artigas, Juan Herrera, Burgos and Cubo, for example, are good for everything from clothing to shoes to sportswear, as are Vargas and San Fernando. For boutiques and upmarket clothing, take a stroll along the Avenida de Calvo Sotelo. There are two large commercial centres in Santander, both located a short drive out of town — Valle Real and the well-known Spanish department store chain instalment El Corte Inglés.