Top Things to do in Santander
The 10 Best Things to Do in Santander, Spain
In Santander, enjoy the beautiful beaches of Playa de la Magdalena and El Sardinero, a historic city center, and an epic planetarium, all while breathing in glorious coastal air. Of course, there are plenty of gorgeous Gothic cathedrals that will impress and inspire.
Restaurants in Santander
1. Peninsula of Magdalena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By AndaLibra - Bucharest, Romania
The palace itself was not open for a visit, therefore we concentrated on the park itself. First we took a ride in the little tourist train. We received some information regarding the park and the castle, available only in Spanish and then we walked around on foot. We paid a visit to the penguins (they were hiding in their caves), seals and sea lions and then went to see 2 of the ships that conquered the New World. There are plenty of things to do if one wants to spend a full day: tennis courts, beach, horse riding or just walking around the peninsula and enjoying its beautiful scenery.
2. Playa de El Puntal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 521 reviews
Reviewed By Dalia S - Madrid, Spain
I love the Playa de el Puntal... endless walking from the Pedreñera boat stop to the end at "los tranquilos"... you have the ria where the setting is wild, the ferry landing where you have a couple of fantastic beach restaurants and quiet waters... overlooking Pedreña golf course, take a turn turn at the Puntal and Somo beach galore, with kite surf, european surfdom.. and kms of beach walking
NOT to be missed
3. Parque de Cabo Mayor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
Reviewed By BlueWindez - Washington DC, District of Columbia
This is a great place to get some fresh air and enjoy strolling about. We didn't go up into the lighthouse, which I bet offered some dramatic bird's eye views of the coastline. Nonetheless, do not miss walking out to the tip and looking back into Santander. It was a cloudy rainy day when we went, yet we still enjoyed ourselves and the natural beauty.
4. Playa Primera de El Sardinero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Mike B - Torquay, United Kingdom
So pleased we visited here while in Santander, the whole area is lovely, very open and spacious. The beach, supposedly one of the eight most unpolluted Beaches in Europe, is great for sunbathing or swimming. The adjacent Promenade is very pleasant to stroll on and the Gardens are beautifully maintained. There were lots of Seating areas, some in shade and various places to get a drink of snack. We parked for free on the road next to the Promenade.
5. Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueologia de Cantabria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By josebenjamin - Midland, Michigan
Last month, my wife and I enjoyed our visit to this Museum. Several things impressed us very much; the skillful use of new technologies, the collections of original prehistoric objects, and the almost mesmerizing morphing and graphic videos related to prehistoric art.
Our visit started at opening time, and it turned out that we essentially had the entire Museum to ourselves. By the time we left after 2 hours or so, a few other visitors were around, mostly young families with children.
It is difficult to describe the emotions you feel observing all the hand crafted (bone and stone) tools from ancient times, and the very attractive and large carved stones with mysterious symbols dating from the Cantabrian tribes of long ago. Now you can find the same graphic designs on souvenirs and T-shorts all around this province.
In my case, I was fascinated by the videos of Neanderthal skulls morphing into actual faces, and by the ones in which you see graphic recreations of rupestrian paintings and carvings found all our Cantabria.
The small entry fee (about 5 euros) is well worth the learning experience when you visit this Museum. By the way, it is located in the underground space of a market, and the entrance is a little difficult to identify. Otherwise, it is centrally located, close to other attractions in Santander.
6. Playa de Matalenas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By El-Pescador007 - Vancouver Island
This is a beautiful beach a couple of km from El Sardinero heading towards El Faro (the Lighthouse). The stairs to reach the beach of Mataleñas are steep but safe. This beach is very popular during the summer, and swimming in its pristine waters can be a great experience with good weather, but it can also turn deadly if there is ground swell. Always watch for the flag (red is don't swim, yellow is exercise caution, and green it's safe to swim). Great area for snorkeling as well. Recommended.
7. Ermita de la Virgen del Mar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
The hermitage, which only opens for mass and for the annual celebrations, is a very simple building that was constructed in the 17th century to house the statue of Nuestra Señora del Mar (Our Lady of the Sea), Santander's much-loved patron saint.
Reviewed By Val3000 - Madrid
An Island with an small church in a very beautifull place full of Beaches. On the bad part, its very close to the City Graveyard
8. Palacio Real de La Magdalena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By nnmercman - Camberley, United Kingdom
The Palace is on the highest point of Magdalena peninsula - built as a summer residence for King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenie, where they vacationed every July and during their stay the city became Spains political capital. Currently the building is a museum, conference/wedding venue and headquarters for the UIMP (University International Menendez Pelayo). 45 minute tours conducted in Spanish are available (see my pic for details). A vantage point out over the headland has a nice view towards Mouro Island with lighthouse atop - which I understand becomes spectacular when high seas are running.
9. Jardines de Piquio
10. Playa del Camello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By Robby G C - Toronto, Canada
I had seen a view of this beach and I was attracted by the rock formation on the sea that named this beach: The beach of the camel “Playa del Camello.”
It had rained quite a lot last night and once at Santander, the weather still looked ominous! However, I was fascinated by this Camel rock. Two seagulls were standing on it the whole time. I guess that they think it’s their territory.
There were a few other rock formations in the sea, one that was easy to climb on, the other way further in the sea. There too, there was a large bird on it.
Behind me some people were playing a game with a ball.
I can imagine how popular this beach must be. If it had been a sunny day, I would have swum to the Camel Rock. Maybe next time!
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