Top Santander Culture in 2026

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.

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.

Rather than following the typical tourist trail, discover a side of Santander that’s usually reserved for locals on a day trip to the western coast of Cantabria. Traveling by vehicle lets you explore the rugged region with ease—without having to tackle roads you don’t know—while guide commentary adds context to what you see at each stop.

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.

This is an excellent choice for travelers interested in medieval sights, beautiful architecture, and museums. Take the stress out of traveling on crowded public transport and opt for a stress-free alternative—a day trip with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Visit the stunning village of Santillana de Mar, see the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, the Altamira Museum and its Neocave, the Museum of Jesus Otero, and have time for shopping too.

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.

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.

Discover the magical city of Santander at your own pace with this guided tour With a tour of more than 2 hours, you can explore emblematic attractions such as the Cathedral, Porticada Square, Paseo Pereda or Prince Square. This option without schedules or groups allows you to enjoy the city flexibly, including recommendations on gastronomy and family activities. Available in six languages, this experience is ideal for those looking for hassle-free personalized tourism. - 3h self-guided tour with + 15 points of interest - Access to information in 6 languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, Italian and German Explore iconic attractions and receive food recommendations. - No groups or schedules, ideal for traveling at your own pace.

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.

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.

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.

Discover how a catastrophic fire in 1941 erased Santander's medieval heart, only to birth one of the world's most advanced Smart Cities. Join Tom, a grounded urban planner, and Claudia, a passionate local expert, as they peel back the physical and digital layers of the city. You will explore the scars of the past and the invisible, algorithmic nervous system that manages the present. - A 1.0 km self-guided tour with 4 stops over 51 min - Ideal for travelers interested in Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation and History & Memory - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

Explore Santander's rich history and stunning coastal scenery on this comprehensive city tour: - Guided walking tour of Santander’s historic center and landmarks - Guided visit to the Cathedral of Santander - Visit the Peninsula of la Magdalena and its iconic Palace - Panoramic drive through the elegant El Sardinero district - Conclude with stunning views at Cabo Mayor Lighthouse TOUR DESCRIPTION Begin with a guided walk through the historic center, featuring landmarks like the striking Santander Cathedral, the lush Pereda Gardens, or a stop to enjoy amazing views over the bay from the Botín Centre. Continue to the majestic "Palacio de la Magdalena", famous for its stunning coastal views and elegant seaside setting. It also offers a rich royal history and impressive early-20th-century architecture. Experience the elegant district of El Sardinero on a panoramic minivan tour, and conclude at Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, where breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Sea await.

Fast and Easy Access. Visit one of the most famous landmarks with a pre-booked entry ticket and start exploring right away. Your ticket will be sent to you by email 24 hours before your visit — please remember to check your inbox and spam folder. Centro Botín’s Striking Architecture – Admire the innovative design by Renzo Piano, with its futuristic structure floating above the waterfront. Inspiring Exhibition Halls – Step inside world-class galleries showcasing contemporary art, thought-provoking installations, and cultural masterpieces. The Rooftop Terrace – Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Santander Bay and the Cantabrian Sea from one of the center’s most scenic spots. Pereda Gardens and Scenic Walkways – Wander through lush green spaces, artistic sculptures, and serene pathways connecting the city to the sea.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Spain is famous for its anchovies and this small-group day trip from Santander takes you to the heart of Spanish anchovies. Visit the village of Santoña and its anchovy factory to learn about the process. Then take a boat trip around the bays and marshes for beautiful views of the Cantabria region. This trip is a must for anchovy lovers!

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.

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.

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.