Top Santander Outdoor Activities

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.

This activity has been designed by a local ‘expert’, who has created a fun experience that takes you to some of the town’s highlights and the lesser-known places, away from all the tourists. The puzzles are designed to help you experience the place from a different perspective – using landmarks, murals, statues etc - and you’ll even learn some ‘fun facts’ along the way. The self-guided aspect of this activity means that you can rush through as fast as you like or stop for a drink or something to eat as you like. The app remembers your progress and even allows you to complete your Adventure Hunt another day. This activity aims to strike a fun balance between challenging puzzles, a fun outing with friends and family, and a pleasant walk around outside.

Discover some of the essentials of the Principality of Asturias on this day trip from Santander: ✔ Heading to the Picos de Europa Our guide waits for you at the meeting point to set out for the Picos de Europa National Park. Relax on the bus and enjoy the guide’s explanations of this unique natural environment in which the Lakes of Covadonga are located. Here we will have free time to appreciate the lakes Enol and Ercina, as well as discover the flora and fauna of the area. ✔ Visit to La Santina Afterwards, we will go to the Sanctuary of Covadonga, where we will know the history and importance of this place. ✔ Cangas de Onís, former capital of the Kingdom of Asturias Cangas de Onís will be the last stop, where we will travel its streets on a guided tour that will take us to its famous medieval bridge. In addition, we will have free time to enjoy the gastronomic wealth of the area.

Cabarceno Natural Park hosts more than 150 animal species living in semi-freedom. On this guided visit from Santander, explore the park comfortably by minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Entrance tickets are provided, along with opportunities to see sea lion and raptor bird demonstrations.

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 one of the most prominent caves in Europe on a half-day tour to El Soplao from Santander. Join a small group and cross forests to reach the mouth of the cave system. Then, enjoy a guided tour through the cave, learning about the unique geological formations from the tour guide. After, head to a nearby lookout where you can enjoy views of the Estuary of Tina Menor.

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.

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.

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.