Top Santander Day Trips

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.

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.

When you visit the Monte Castillo caves, be sure to see them the right way: with a professional local guide, in an intimate group that’s capped at just eight people. You’ll visit two UNESCO-listed caves, El Castillo and Las Monedas, to admire the wealth of cave art, and spend time in Puente Viesgo village and the Museum of Vega de Pas, too. Note that this is a Spanish-language tour.

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.

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.

Get out of Santander for the day without the hassle of driving or catching public transport, on this private full-day tour to the caves at Puente Viesgo and Las Monedas. As well as checking out the archeologically significant cave paintings, you’ll visit the village of Puente Viesgo and drive up the Valles Pasiegos into the mountains. Add an optional e-bike tour if you want to get more active.

Getting to the Picos de Europa National Park isn't easy on your own, especially if you don't have a car—but this full-day, private tour makes your visiting experience seamless. Following pickup from your hotel, travel in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle, and immerse yourself in nature. Pause at the park's beauty spots, opt to travel in the Fuente Dé cable car, or forgo the tourist trails for a personalized route through the mountains, with a special lunch stop en route.

Embark on a day trip from Santander and discover some of the most authentic landscapes and towns in Cantabria, combining mountain, history and sea in one experience. The route begins in Mogrovejo, one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Stroll among its stone houses and learn about its history and traditions, in a privileged setting within the Picos de Europa. Continue to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, one of the main pilgrimage centers of Spain, a place of historical and spiritual importance in a unique natural enclave. Afterwards, you will arrive at Potes, one of the most beautiful villages in Cantabria. Tour its historic center and enjoy free time to taste the local gastronomy and soak up its atmosphere. In the afternoon, you will discover San Vicente de la Barquera, a charming seaside villa with stunning views of the sea and the Picos de Europa. A perfect place to stroll and relax before returning to Santander.

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.

Feast on the flavors of northern Spain on a small-group food tour through Cantabria. Overcome the language barrier and discover dishes beyond Spanish tortillas and patatas bravas as you visit local businesses to learn about the production of wine, anchovies, and sobao sweet cakes. Travel comfortably with included hotel pickup and drop-off, enjoying a relaxed pace through fishing villages and valleys.

Learn all about the Picos de Europa National Park with this guided tour of the area from Bilbao, and make sure to come hungry. Your guide will be a foodie, and they will share the culture of this area with you partly through food. You’ll be tasting tapas, alcoholic beverages, and a full meal along the way. Your guide will take photos of you in the natural beauty, and tell you stories about the history, too.