Top Santander Cultural Tours

Step back into a vanished world of aristocratic glamour, high-stakes gambling, and royal ambition. Discover how a humble fishing port transformed itself into the glittering summer court of King Alfonso 13. Beneath the limestone facades and Art Nouveau curves lies a story of displaced locals, invisible labor, and a desperate gamble for cosmopolitan relevance. Join this self-guided tour to uncover the beautiful, fragile illusion of Santander’s Belle Époque. - A 2.9 km self-guided tour with 4 stops over 79 minutes - Ideal for those interested in History & Memory and Art, Design & Aesthetics - Engagingly told in podcast style by experts and locals - Audio content, AI guide and navigation via the app

Immerse yourself in some of northern Spain’s most spectacular mountain scenery—and enjoy a seamless way to explore—on this small-group, full-day tour. Following morning pickup from your Santander hotel, head into the Cantabria countryside. You’ll take a cable-car (separate expense) up to the Picos de Europa for spectacular vistas, will visit the historical Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, will explore the charming village of Potes, and more.

Visit some of the most impressive places in Asturias on this excursion to Covadonga from Santander, traveling comfortably in a small group of a maximum of 8 people. Your journey to the Picos de Europa will begin to visit the spectacular Lakes of Covadonga. It will know the Lake of Ercina and the Entrelagos viewpoint, surrounded by a unique mountain landscape. It will continue to the Sanctuary of Covadonga, where it will visit the Holy Cave, home of the Santina and the remains of Don Pelayo, and the Basilica of Santa María la Real. Afterward, it will go to Cangas de Onís to see its famous Roman bridge and enjoy free time to tour the town and eat on your own. Before returning to Santander, he will visit the historic chapel of Santa Cruz. A comfortable and special way to discover Covadonga and some of the most emblematic corners of Asturias in a small group.

This is not just a museum visit — it’s a fully personalized cultural experience inside the iconic Centro Botín. Your expert guide adapts the visit to your interests, whether you’re passionate about contemporary art, architecture, or simply curious to understand the stories behind the exhibitions. What truly makes this tour special is the depth of interpretation. Rather than just walking through galleries, you’ll gain meaningful insight into the artworks, the creative process, and the vision behind the museum itself — including the innovative design by Renzo Piano. You’ll also experience the building as a space, not just a museum: its connection to the sea, its light-filled design, and its role in transforming Santander into a modern cultural destination. With no crowds, no rush, and full attention from your guide, this experience offers a more engaging, relaxed, and enriching way to discover one of Spain’s most unique cultural landmarks.

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.

Swap the busy streets of Santander for the lush landscapes of Covadonga Natural Park on a day trip that navigates winding mountain roads so that you don’t have to. Don’t worry about hidden costs, as admission to each attraction saves you forking out more, while free time at major stops lets you explore the attractions at your own pace, rather than rushing in a big group.

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.

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.

When you’re in Santander, immerse yourself in the area’s architecture with visits to the mansion house known as El Capricho de Gaudí and the town of Comillas. You’ll head inside the Antoni Gaudí-designed house with a prebooked ticket to save time, and get all the background info on the architecture from a guide. Then, you’ll explore Comillas, seeing Palacio de Sobrellano, a cemetery, and more.

Discover Santander’s history, culture and heritage on this 2 hour 30 minute guided walking tour of the historic city centre. Accompanied by an official guide, you will walk through the most emblematic streets, squares and monuments as you learn about Santander’s origins, its historical evolution, architecture and local traditions. The tour takes place entirely outdoors and includes explanations from the outside of the main monuments and sights of the tour. Tickets and indoor visits are not included.

Come and embark on an adventure during this full-day pilgrimage tour of the Monastery Of Santo Toribio and San Sebastian De Garabandal. Cross La Hermida’s Gorge, marvel at awe-inspiring landscapes, join in for spiritual mass service, and experience local cuisine firsthand. Bring along your faith as you visit Pote's village followed by the hermitages of San Miguel before ending our journey at the beautiful Garabandal sanctuary. It will be one unforgettable day.

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.

Discover northern Spain with a local. Customized experiences for those who wish to get to know northern Spain calmly, without rigid itineraries and enjoying the essence of each place.

Get introduced to Santander in the most authentic way: through its highlights, history, local flavors, and with a trusted local guide by your side. Along the way, you will explore iconic landmarks such as the Catedral de Santander and the Centro Botín, as well as local favorites and hidden corners loved by locals. Engaging anecdotes and personal insights from your local guide will connect Santander history, culture, and tradition, bringing the city to life in an authentic and memorable way. To complete the experience, enjoy a tasting of a local specialty. Whether sweet, savory, or regional, you will taste a real part of Santander everyday culture and traditions. By the end of the tour, you will have a great introduction to Santander, its local culture, and how to explore it on your own. You will walk away with personal recommendations and local tips on where to eat and what to see next, helping you make the most of your time in the city.