Landmarks in Santander

Tours Day Trips & Excursions in Santander - Things to do in Santander

Discover the best experiences and adventures in Santander. Explore our curated selection of top-rated tours, activities, and excursions that showcase the beauty and culture of this destination.

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57 Available Tour Excursions in Santander

Free Cancellation
(28 reviews)

Sr. Buelga is a knowledgeable guide with a bachelor in geology and lots of experience touring Spain. Included in the price are: quality meals/drinks (lunch in one of the best restaurants of the area, snacks and if desired dinner), tickets to the amazing Fuente De cable car and a professionally made photographic report of your tour. Let's design a customized tour from Santander to the Picos de Europa and back to the city stopping in selected places and villages throughout the journey. This is a private tour with a maximum of four people, it can be completely customized to the likes of the customer. Vehicle: 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser. I am focused in tourism & geology but some people consider I am a true foodie so I always point to my customers to the type of food that they like. The Picos de Europa National Park offers some of Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery. This is only a one day tour but it is just enough for an unforgettable visit to the Picos de Europa and Cantabria.

Price: $516.60

Duration: 8-11 hours

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Free Cancellation
(7 reviews)

Visit the unknown capital of "Green Spain" with a female historian on a tour where we will combine History and Culture in an enjoyable way.

Price: $20.42

Duration: 2 hours

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Free Cancellation
(6 reviews)

FEATURED You will.. - visit the church of San Sebasitián - visit the village of San Sebastián de Garabandal - visit the sanctuary of the pines - participate in the village mass at 11:00 (only for the morning tours). - participate in the public recitation of the Rosary in the pines (only for the Saturday afternoon tours). SUMMARY Discover the village of San Sebastian de Garabandal, a small and cozy village where the Virgin Mary appeared to some little girls in the early 1960s. You will learn about this fascinating story as we drive through the beautiful mountain scenery of the Saja Nansa Park. Upon arrival, we will visit the church of San Sebastian and participate in mass (morning tours). We will also visit the village and take a short walk to the sanctuary of the pine trees where the Virgin Mary usually appeared to the girls. On Saturday afternoon there is a public recitation of the Rosary which you can join.

Price: $81.70

Duration: 5 hours

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Free Cancellation
(6 reviews)

In this tour, you will discover the charms of the most important villages on the western coast of Cantabria. It will be a fascinating journey through the historic ensemble of San Vicente de la Barquera, its rías, and bay; Comillas, with its elegant Modernist buildings; and Santillana del Mar, with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings. As a grand finale, you will visit the neocave of Altamira and its magnificent cave paintings, an exact replica of the original cave, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

Price: $102.12

Duration: 9 hours

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Free Cancellation
(4 reviews)

You will discover in a different way the most important and special spaces of the Bay of Santander, considered internationally as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. This experience will be an unforgettable memory for you and your companions on your holidays in Santander.

Price: $36.04

Duration: 1 hours

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Free Cancellation
(1 reviews)

On this incredible day, we will visit Bilbao and Castro Urdiales, two vibrant cities rich in history and culture. Upon arrival, you'll embark on a 2.5-hour guided tour through the charming Old Town. Strolling through its lively streets, you'll discover architectural gems such as the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago and the beautiful Church of San Nicolás. Continuing along the promenade of the Nervión River up to Guggenheim Museum—a true icon of contemporary architecture. After the guided tour, you will have nearly four hours of free time in Bilbao to enjoy lunch and explore at your own pace or doing suggested activities like visiting the Guggenheim Museum or taking a boat trip along the Nerbion River. After our visit to Bilbao, we will head to Castro Urdiales. This charming fishing village, with its stunning historic center, taking in the beauty of this seaside gem.

Price: $80.49

Duration: 9 hours

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(1 reviews)

The northern regions of Spain are often less visited by tourists and mostly unknown to foreign visitors. However, the north of Spain boasts some of the most fascinating places in the country: from amazing mountainous landscapes to charming beaches. Here you’ll find friendly people, top-notch gastronomy and expansive nature reserves. This sevent-day tour takes you to some of the finest places in Spain for an incredible northern adventure. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Bilbao: Discover this famous Basque city and see the famous Guggenheim Museum and other sites and attractions Logroño: Explore the capital of La Rioja and get to know this important wine-producing area Burgos: Admire the imposing Gothic cathedral and the magnificent Miraflores Carthusian Monastery Santander: Without a doubt, one of the most elegant and beautiful cities on the northern coast of Spain

Price: $910.91

Duration: 168 hours

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Free Cancellation
(1 reviews)

HIGHLIGHTS • Visit Cullalvera Cave • Enjoy some of the nicest landscapes in Cantabria • Cross the Natural Park of “Collados del Ason” • See the birthplace of the river Gandara • See the birthplace of the river Ason • Enjoy canoeing the Ason river (municipality of Udalla) SUMMARY Feel the excitement of taking a canoe trip down the Ason River, fall in love with the landscape of Collados del Ason Natural Park and discover one of the famous caves in Ramales de la Victoria.

Price: $156.18

Duration: 10 hours

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Free Cancellation
(1 reviews)

Enjoy the wonderful places that Santander has to offer, with a guide just for you and your family or friends. We will take a walking tour, which can be modified to suit you. Discover the history, customs and traditions of the Cantabrian capital. We will begin with a visit to the Jardines de Pereda, next to the Santander extensions, where we will see the magnificent building of the Banco Santander and the internationally renowned art centre “Centro Botín”. We will continue with an explanation of the fire in Santander, what it destroyed and what it left behind. To continue with the Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción. In addition, we cannot forget the traditional Mercado de la Esperanza, next to the Town Hall. We will continue towards the Plaza Porticada, passing by the Church of “La Compañía” and ending in the Plaza de Pombo, without leaving aside the Mercado del Este and the spectacular building of the old Banco Mercantil.

Price: $222.26

Duration: 2 hours

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Free Cancellation
(1 reviews)

This private visit is a privilege: you can get to know the most emblematic places in the center of Santander, but also, the visit goes much further, because it gives you the opportunity to know two of its most cultural and historical points of interest: the Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción and the Centro Botín, the most important art center of the city and international reference. We will start with the Gardens of Pereda, the historical importance of the great fire that ravaged Santander and the exterior and interior visit of the Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción, the most important religious building in the capital. Later we will tour the Town Hall Square, Porticada Square, passing the Church of “The Company” and knowing the East Market, gastronomic reference of the city. At the end we will access the interior of the Botín Center, where we will make the guided tour of the fixed collection and move to the rooms where the temporary exhibitions are located.

Price: $254.70

Duration: 2 hours

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Free Cancellation
(1 reviews)

Enjoy one of the most emblematic areas of Santander with a guide just for you and your family and friends. We show you an itinerary of the walking tour, which can be modified at your convenience. We will start the guided tour, getting to know the interior of Palacio de la Magdalena. We will tour the most important rooms on the main floor, which is the one that is open to the public and you can learn the history of the kings of Spain: Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia, in their summers in Santander. Then we will tour the main points of interest of the Magdalene Peninsula, such as the open air museum: Man and the Sea, where you will know “The Raft” by explorer and adventurer Vital Alsar and the galleons who crossed the Atlantic imitating the route of Francisco de Orellana. We will visit the mini zoo and its sea lions, seals and Cape penguins, as well as the Royal Stables, which are currently facilities of the Menendez Pelayo International University.

Price: $222.26

Duration: 2 hours

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Free Cancellation
(1 reviews)

HIGHLIGHTS • Visit an anchovy factory and savor the famous Anchovy of Santoña • Visit a family-run wine cellar and enjoy a wine tasting • Learn about the history of the Sobao and visit a sobao maker in Selaya. • Enjoy a product tasting after each visit. • Enjoy a nice lunch in a local restaurant • Discover the beautiful fishing town of Santoña and the peaceful Pasiego Valleys SUMMARY Stimulate your five senses with this tour proposal: you will love the silence and peace of the vineyard fields, the aroma of the sobaos factory, the texture of the anchovy of Cantabria and the beauty of the Pasiego Valleys. A relaxed and fun day to learn more about the gastronomy of Cantabria and enjoy the beauty of its landscapes.

Price: $913.07

Duration: 9 hours

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Free Cancellation
(208 reviews)

Santander, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Elegant, stately, aristocratic, seafaring and scenic city. Even the best looking things can keep a sinister side behind, don't you know that he was a good neighbor and always waved? Walk the night of the capital of Cantabria, its streets, alleys and darker stories, while discovering the most macabre and peculiar cases of the city's criminal history in recent centuries. Fights, alcohol, blood, sex, violence to and from all genders and ages, ... No ghosts, myths, parapsychology or legends; 100% real cases and cataloged in the press and police. Santander, the calm, beautiful city and where nothing ever happens apparently, will you dare to peek into the back room? You decide, but then there will be no going back. Come and discover how Jack The Ripper looks like a simple hobbyist.

Price: $18.02

Duration: 2 hours

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Free Cancellation
(12 reviews)

HIGHLIGHTS • Visit caves of El Castillo and Las Monedas, both with cave paintings • Visit the village of Puente Viesgo  • Visit the Neocave in the Altamira Museum • Visit the villages of Santillana del Mar and Puente Viesgo SUMMARY On this unforgettable day, you will visit the Altamira Museum and its Neocave (this is a replica of the famous Altamira Cave), this first visit will serve us as a good introduction to the history of Paleolithic art in Cantabria. You will also enjoy a private visit to the famous caves of “El Castillo” and “Las Monedas” in Puente Viesgo (both declared World Heritage by Unesco since 2008). This proposal to visit a real cave with cave art in a private visit is a rare opportunity you cannot miss out if you like paleolithic art!. To complete this day, you will also visit the village of Puente Viesgo and Santillana del Mar, one of the nicest and best-conserved villages of the middle-age in Spain.

Price: $264.31

Duration: 9 hours

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Free Cancellation
(10 reviews)

HIGHLIGHTS • Discover how the anchovy of Cantabria is manufactured • Have fun doing a boat trip though Santoña's bay and marshes (optiona) or enjoy free time to visit Santoña on your pace • Visit the village of Santoña • Get in love with the beautiful marshes of Santoña, Vitoria and Joel SUMMARY Discover how the famous anchovies of Santoña are made by visiting a small anchovy factory in Santoña. Also, visit this small fishing village and enjoy an optional unforgettable boat trip through its bay and marshes.

Price: $74.49

Duration: 4 hours

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Free Cancellation
(9 reviews)

Taxi2Spain offers the best service through its easy, quick and safe way to book a taxi. 365 days a year, we can transfer you to and from the airport in a punctual and uncomplicated way. Our drivers are professionals and adapt to the number of passengers and volume of luggage so you can enjoy your transfer comfortably. Our door-to-door service is personalized. There will always be a driver identified with the company logo who will be carrying a nameplate with your name and who will be waiting for you so you can feel protected and safe. Given that we are an experienced company, you will not have to worry about advanced landings or delays, as we will have all of your airline’s information, and will wait for you for up to 45 minutes at the airport with no extra charge. Our customer service is always open, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide you with all the information you need to clear up any doubt you may have, while keeping in touch at all times. To be safe is to be calm.

Price: $48.06

Duration: 0-0 hours

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Free Cancellation
(30 reviews)

HIGHLIGHTS • Visit the caves of El Castillo and Las Monedas, both world heritage caves for their cave paintings • Walk around the cozy village of Puente Viesgo  • Enjoy the views over the Pas River SUMMARY After picking you up at your hotel, we will travel to Puente Viesgo to visit the famous caves of "El Castillo" and "Las Monedas", both World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, 2008. The "El Castillo" Cave has paintings considered among the oldest preserved in the world. The silhouettes of hands in negative are famous, which according to archaeologists belong to more than 50 different people. Las Monedas cave will offer us beautiful silhouettes drawn in charcoal from the Magdalenian period. This cave also has a high geological value. Finally, we will take a short walk through the village of Puente Viesgo

Price: $120.14

Duration: 5 hours

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Free Cancellation
(48 reviews)

HIGHLIGHTS • Discover one of the few buildings constructed by Gaudí out of Catalonia  • Visit the awesome building of the Old Major Seminary of Comillas • Enjoy a scenic tour to see the Sobrellano Palace, the port of Comillas, and the sculpture of the “Exterminator Angel”.  • Take a short walking tour to see the historical center of Comillas TOUR DETAILS • Departure: 9:30 am • Finish Time: 14:30 pm (approx.) • Pick-up from your city hotel in Santander or in Pabellón de la Habana Vieja in Torrelavega.

Price: $78.09

Duration: 5 hours

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Key Info for Visitors

  • Currency: EUR
  • Languages: Spanish
  • Climate: Oceanic
  • Timezone: Europe/Madrid
  • Population: Approximately 172,000
  • Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is from May to September for pleasant weather.
  • Visa Requirements Visitors from the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not require a visa for short stays up to 90 days in Spain, including Santander. Schengen visa rules apply. Some nationalities can obtain an e-visa or visa on arrival depending on agreements. Travelers should have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds.

About Santander

Santander is a charming coastal city in northern Spain, known for its elegant architecture, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled on the Bay of Biscay, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Visitors are drawn to its wide sandy shores, such as Playa del Sardinero, and the scenic Magdalena Peninsula, which features a historic palace and botanical gardens. The city’s maritime heritage is reflected in its bustling port and excellent seafood cuisine. Santander’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, with a lively promenade, quaint neighborhoods, and numerous museums and galleries. Its mild oceanic climate ensures pleasant weather year-round, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and outdoor activities. The city also hosts various festivals and events that showcase Cantabrian traditions and contemporary arts. Whether interested in history, gastronomy, or nature, Santander offers a rich and authentic Spanish experience away from the more crowded tourist spots.

Santander Tours & Experiences

  • Top Attractions: Highlights of Spain
  • Duration Range: 2 to 10 hours
  • Group Size: Flexible group sizes
  • Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
  • Recommended For: The best time to visit is from May to September for pleasant weather. Pack layers as coastal weather can be variable. Respect local customs such as greeting with a handshake and punctuality for appointments. Safety is generally good, but standard precautions against petty theft apply. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases. Learning basic Spanish phrases enhances interactions. Be mindful of siesta hours when some shops may close midday.

Average Tour Price: $80

Lowest Price Tour: $39

Highest Price Tour: $180

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Important Tour Information

  • Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
  • Check tour cancellation and refund policies
  • Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
  • Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation

Top Attractions

1. Magdalena Peninsula – A scenic park area with the historic Magdalena Palace, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the bay. 2. Playa del Sardinero – Santander’s most famous beach, known for its golden sand, clear waters, and lively atmosphere. 3. Centro Botín – A modern art center and cultural hub located on the waterfront, offering exhibitions, workshops, and stunning architecture. 4. Santander Cathedral – A Gothic-style cathedral with impressive architecture and a peaceful cloister in the city center. 5. Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico – A maritime museum showcasing the region’s seafaring history, marine life, and local culture.

Popular Activities

Visitors to Santander can enjoy a variety of activities including beach sports like surfing and paddleboarding, hiking along coastal trails, and cycling around the city and nearby natural parks. Cultural experiences include visiting museums, attending live music and theater performances, and exploring local markets. Sailing and boat tours on the Bay of Biscay offer spectacular views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Food lovers can take cooking classes focused on Cantabrian cuisine or join guided culinary tours. For relaxation, the city’s spas and seaside promenades provide tranquil settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Santander is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are enjoyable.

Yes, Santander offers beautiful beaches like Playa del Sardinero, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Santander has a reliable public bus system, taxis, and is very walkable. Renting a bike is also popular for exploring the city and nearby areas.

We have tours designed for various age groups and fitness levels. Each tour description includes specific requirements and recommendations.

Local Food & Cuisine

Santander’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its coastal location, featuring fresh seafood such as anchovies, sardines, and hake. Signature dishes include “rabas” (fried squid rings), “cocido montañés” (a hearty local bean stew), and “sobao pasiego” (a traditional sponge cake). Tapas bars and seafood restaurants line the waterfront and city center, offering authentic flavors. Noteworthy dining spots include Restaurante Cañadío and El Serbal, both praised for their innovative takes on regional dishes. Dining customs emphasize sharing plates and enjoying leisurely meals with wine from nearby regions.

Getting Around

Santander is accessible by air via Santander Airport, with flights connecting to major Spanish cities and some European destinations. The city is also served by train and bus networks linking it to other parts of Spain. Within the city, public buses cover most areas, and taxis are readily available. Walking is convenient in the compact city center. Bicycle rentals are popular for short trips. Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable public transit fares and reasonable taxi rates.

Travel Tips

The best time to visit is from May to September for pleasant weather. Pack layers as coastal weather can be variable. Respect local customs such as greeting with a handshake and punctuality for appointments. Safety is generally good, but standard precautions against petty theft apply. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases. Learning basic Spanish phrases enhances interactions. Be mindful of siesta hours when some shops may close midday.

Culture & Customs

Santander’s culture blends traditional Cantabrian customs with modern Spanish influences. Social life often revolves around family, food, and festivals. Important events include the Santander International Festival and local celebrations honoring maritime heritage. Politeness and formality are valued in social interactions. It is customary to greet with a handshake or two kisses on the cheek among acquaintances. Dining is a social affair, often extending into the evening. Respect for local traditions and the environment is appreciated by residents.

About The Author

Calvin Author

Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.

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