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7 Available Tour Excursions in Santona
Discover an authentic experience, where we offer you a tour of our factory so you can see first-hand how we make our anchovies. From the selection of the best ingredients to the preparation process, we show you all the work behind our products. Additionally, at the end of the tour, you will be able to enjoy a tasting of our gourmet anchovies and other products we make, such as tuna and anchovies in vinegar. It is a unique opportunity to learn more about this delicious delicacy and savor it in its best form.
Price: $23.43
Duration: 1 hours
On this visit we discover the natural environment of the marsh reserve, the main wetland of the north of the peninsula, and its environmental importance. With the help of binoculars we will observe the marsh lemicola birds. Before that the mural of the meeting point allows us to present Santoña its history and culture. Then, we visit a canning factory where we can observe the daily work of the same and where we will explain first hand the process of making the anchovy fillet, all accompanied by a tasting of the products of the factory On Saturdays, holidays and bridge days, the factory may not be active. In that case, one of your employees will perform a live and live anchovy filleting demonstration. However, the rest of the visit will be equal to the established itinerary.
Price: $15.62
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the laborious work of Anchoa and discover all about its elaboration and test our products. Delve into one of the most intense flavors and enjoy one of the best guided tours of a Cannery of Santoña. It is not a tour, but a visit, it will not travel through the factory and on Saturdays and holidays there may not be staff working. The visit does not go to the processing areas, on Saturdays there are no staff working. And the visit consists of 3 parts: 1 Interactive and explained video. 2. Custom explanation 3. Tasting of 2 - 3 skewers with vermouth, wine or water. Fluent Spanish needs to be spoken.
Price: $8.41
Duration: 0 hours
We will meet at the start of the tour in the central San Antonio square. There we will start a tour of the urban center of Santoña knowing its many frescoes of marine themed murals, its squares, streets and monuments. The many seafaring murals we will find will tell us the history of Santoña and its fishing tradition. We will also visit places as noted as the palace and institute of Manzanedo. But so much walking and knowing whet our appetites. Well, there is no better place than Santoña to try a skewer so northern, so Cantabrian, so Santoñés than the Gilda! We will visit three establishments in the town and in each we will taste 2 gildas accompanied by a wine, must or water. The tour will conclude in the square of Manuel Andujar, commonly called in Santoña, del Peralvillo, where we will make our last gastronomic stop.
Price: $43.25
Duration: 1-2 hours
On this visit your guide will be the French emperor himself who will guide you through the fortifications of what was the impregnable square of the French troops in the War of Independence. Such was its strategic importance that it came to be called "The French Gibraltar" or the "Gibraltar of the North". Dare to have a fun and different time while learning about the history and culture of the place.
Price: $15.62
Duration: 1-2 hours
In this visit, which we offer in collaboration with the Anchovy Art Gallery of Conservas Ana María, it begins in the fishing port of our fishing village, touring the town's dock, thus learning about the arrival of the purse seine boats, the mechanism of auction, the walk of the Italian salters... Our steps will take us little by little to the Anchovy Gallery where, thanks to its varied contents and the explanations we receive there, we will be able to learn about the origin and production process of the anchovy fillet. The final touch comes with the tasting of such an exquisite delicacy!
Price: $20.42
Duration: 2 hours
This visit, which begins next to the monument to Juan de la Cosa, will take us to know the surroundings of the seafaring and fishing Santoña. We will begin by discovering the exploits of Juan de la Cosa and his role in the discovery of the Americas with Christopher Columbus. Next we will approach the Carnival monument where we will learn about the Northern Carnival and the unique story of the "Judgment at the Bottom of the Sea" The promenade, "the passage" will also be part of our tour in which we will take the opportunity to talk about Santoña as a stronghold, in addition to visiting places linked to the seafaring tradition of Santoña such as the "Aguada", the "Secadero", the "Inkwell", the "Machina". The marina and the Italian salters' walk will allow us to learn about the origin of the famous anchovy fillet. One of our last stages is the fishing port, and its auction room, which we will enter and where we will learn about the mechanism of selling the fish.
Price: $12.01
Duration: 1-1 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: EUR
- Languages: Spanish, English
- Climate: Oceanic
- Timezone: Europe/Madrid
- Population: Approximately 11,000 inhabitants
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is from May to September for pleasant weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from the EU, UK, and US do not require a visa for short stays up to 90 days. Citizens from many countries enjoy visa-free access or can obtain a Schengen visa in advance. No visa on arrival is available; travelers should check specific requirements based on nationality before arrival.
About Santona
Santona is a charming coastal town located in the Cantabria region of northern Spain, known for its picturesque fishing port and traditional maritime culture. Its unique appeal lies in the blend of natural beauty, historic significance, and culinary fame, especially for its anchovies, which are considered some of the best in the world. Visitors are drawn to Santona for its tranquil beaches, scenic cliffs, and vibrant local festivals that celebrate its seafaring heritage. The town offers a peaceful atmosphere with authentic Spanish coastal life, making it an excellent destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion. Its proximity to larger cities like Santander and Bilbao makes it easily accessible while retaining a distinct small-town charm. Santona’s blend of natural landscapes, gastronomy, and traditional industries provides a compelling reason for tourists to explore this hidden gem on Spain’s northern coast.
Santona Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Cantabria
- Duration Range: 2-8 hours
- Group Size: Private or shared tours
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is from May to September for pleasant weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes, beachwear, and light layers for cooler evenings. Respect local customs by greeting with a polite “hola” and using basic Spanish phrases. Santona is safe for tourists, but standard precautions apply. Euros are used for payments; credit cards are accepted in many places, but carrying some cash is advisable.
Average Tour Price: $65
Lowest Price Tour: $55
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. Playa de Laredo – A long sandy beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing. 2. Castillo de San Felipe – A historic fortress offering panoramic views of the bay and town. 3. Museo de las Anchoas – A museum dedicated to the anchovy industry and local maritime history. 4. Marismas de Santoña – A natural park known for birdwatching and scenic walking trails. 5. Puerto Pesquero (Fishing Port) – The lively harbor area showcasing traditional fishing boats and fresh seafood markets.
Popular Activities
Visitors to Santona can enjoy beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Hiking and birdwatching in the nearby Marismas de Santoña natural park offer opportunities for nature lovers. Cultural experiences include visiting the anchovy museum and exploring the historic fortress. Local festivals provide a chance to engage with traditional music, dance, and gastronomy. The town also offers boat tours and fishing excursions for those interested in maritime adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Santona’s cuisine centers on fresh seafood, with anchovies being the star specialty, often served salted or in olive oil. Other local dishes include grilled fish, seafood stews, and Cantabrian cheeses. Dining customs emphasize fresh, simple ingredients prepared traditionally. Noteworthy restaurants include those specializing in anchovy tapas and fresh catches from the bay, offering authentic flavors of the region.
Getting Around
Santona is reachable by car from Santander or Bilbao airports, approximately an hour’s drive away. Regional buses connect Santona with nearby towns and cities. Within Santona, walking is the best way to explore the compact town center and harbor area. Taxi services are available but limited. Transportation costs are generally affordable, with car rentals and bus fares being reasonable.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is from May to September for pleasant weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes, beachwear, and light layers for cooler evenings. Respect local customs by greeting with a polite “hola” and using basic Spanish phrases. Santona is safe for tourists, but standard precautions apply. Euros are used for payments; credit cards are accepted in many places, but carrying some cash is advisable.
Culture & Customs
Santona’s culture is deeply tied to its fishing heritage and maritime traditions. Social customs include friendly greetings and a relaxed pace of life. Important festivals include the Anchovy Festival and local religious celebrations. Visitors should be mindful of quiet hours in residential areas and show respect during religious events. Sharing meals and enjoying local food is an essential part of social interaction.
About The 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.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..