Santander is the capital and the center of culture of Cantabria in the north of Spain. Every year the city attracts thousands of tourist thanks to its beaches, walks and festivals. The city’s origins go all the way back to 26 BC, so both the beach and the history lovers will find a lot to discover here.
1. Attend Cavalcade of Magi
The Cavalcade of Magi (or “Cabalgata de Reyes Magos” in Spanish) is an annual parade of kings coaches, held in many parts of Spain. The Magi ride through the streets, greeting all the visitors. It is celebrated every January 5 and is really a grand cultural event to visit.
Information
- Name: Cavalcade of Magi
- Type of activity: festival
- Price: free
- When: every January 5
- Where: all around the city
2. Visit Santander Cathedral
Source: James
Santander Cathedral (or “Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Santander” in Spanish) is situated in the center of the city. It is mainly built in Gothic style, although renovated many times later. The old majestic building attracts tourists by its architectural charm and beautiful views.
Information
- Name: Santander Cathedral
- Type of activity: cultural sightseeing
- Price: free
- When: every day
- Where: Calle de Somorrostro, s/n, 39002 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
3. Listen to the Festival Internacional de Santander
The Festival Internacional de Santander is amongst the oldest music festivals in Spain. It offers music for every classical music taste – opera, ballet, symphonic orchestra, etc. You can come for the whole event or just for one day, it’s up to you. Make sure to buy tickets in advance, as they are selling out very quickly!
Information
- Name: The Festival Internacional de Santander
- Type of activity: festival
- Price: €10-370
- When: August
- Where: Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria, Calle de Gamazo, s/n, 39004 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
4. Try local seafood at the market
If you are a fan of traditional local experiences, you have to visit La Esperanza market behind the City Hall. Since Santander is famous for its fish and seafood, there is plenty of choices here, for any taste and budget. People from all over the city come here in the morning to buy some. Make sure to come earlier in the day to catch the best bargain.
Information
- Name: La Esperanza market
- Type of activity: food shopping
- Price: €4-50
- When: every morning from 8 am
- Where: behind the City Hall
5. Eat at the seafood restaurant
When it comes to choosing a place to dine, Santander offers plenty to choose. But if you are going for seafood, you need to try Bar del Puerto! The interior of the restaurant is truly local and very impressive. It takes you back to 1970s and lets you enjoy your food while also admiring works of art on the walls. It is not the cheapest choice in the city, but definitely worth it.
Information
- Name: Bar Del Puerto
- Type of activity: dining
- Price: mains €18-34
- When: 10.30am-late Tue-Sat, 10.30am-4pm Sun
- Where: Calle de Hernán Cortés 63
6. Visit Bonfires of Saint John
Here’s another idea for local experience lovers out there. Northern Spain has a spectacular celebrations traditions for St. John’s Eve, which fall on 23 June. It is celebrated with bonfires, dancing, singing and fireworks. It is a great occasion to dress up, drink and dance all night long. Be careful not to get carried away!
Information
- Name: The Bonfires of Saint John
- Type of activity: festival
- Price: free
- When: 23 June
- Where: Everywhere in Northern Spain
7. See a local football game
Spain is a great place to feel the excitement of being in a football game. And Santander is no exception. The city is home to a few major football teams that play in the stadium. Also, games between other leading teams are often held here. If you are passionate abou the game or just want to be a part of the country’s number one sport – go for it!
Information
- Name: Campos de Sport de El Sardinero
- Type of activity: sport events
- Price: €10-80
- When: summer
- Where: Calle Real Racing Club, s/n, 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
8. Visit the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria
If you consider yourself a history geek or you are just curious about ancient civilizations, this museum is not to miss. It houses the remains of well-known sites – La Garma, El Castillo, Altamira. The museum shows the evolution from the Palaeolithic to the Middle Ages. It is highly interactive, which allows its visitors to truly immerse into the atmosphere of exhibitions.
Information
- Name: Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria
- Type of activity: museum
- Price: €5
- When: 10:00 till 14:00 17:00 till 20:00
- Where: s/n,Calle Bailén,39004 Santander,Cantabria, España
9. Visit Cantabrian Maritime Museum
Another notable museum experience is the local maritime museum. It has to be visited by everyone attracted by sea and wants to discover more about it. A huge exhibition takes its visitors on the tour of the history of the relationship between man and sea throughout history. Also, a great place for visiting with kids, who highly enjoy discovering the impressive ship models displayed here.
Information
- Name: El Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
- Type of activity: museum
- Price: €8
- When: 10:00 till 19:30
- Where: Calle Severiano Ballesteros, s/n,39004 Santander,Cantabria,España
10. Visit Palace of La Magdalena
Built at the highest point of La Magdalena Peninsula, it is truly an architectural masterpiece. It was initially designed to be a summer residence of Kings Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia. Nowadays, it is home to the prestigious Summer International University of Santander that takes place year every year. The building is open for visitors.
Information
- Name: Palacio de la Magdalena
- Type of activity: cultural sightseeing
- Price: €3
- When: 11:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 16:00 /17:00 / 18:00 (hourse for visits)
- Where: Av. Magdalena, s/n, 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
11. Sit and read in Menéndez Pelayo Library
The famous Cantabrian writer, Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, has donated his literary collection as well as the building. As a result, anyone can enjoy more than 42,000 volumes of Spanish classics. The collection includes works of Lope de de Vega and Menéndez Pelayo himself. If you get tired of Spanish heat and decide to spend a day relaxing with a book in relaxed athmosphere, this is the place for you.
Information
- Name: Biblioteca y Casa-Museo de Menéndez Pelayo
- Type of activity: library
- Price: free
- When: 9.00 till 13.30, 16.30 till 21.00
- Where: Calle de Rubio, 6, 39001 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
12. Walk along Paseo Pereda
Paseo Pereda along with its gardens is the best place to take a long walk and simply to relax. The bayside promenade goes along half of the city, offering magnificent views. In a chill afternoon, what can be better than just walk around a new city, watch its people and the life they live. Also, there are numerous shops along the way to wander into.
Information
- Name: Paseo Pereda
- Type of activity: sightseeing
- Price: free
- When: every day
- Where: Paseo Pereda
13. Take a ride on the funicular
Santander has a series of public escalators and elevators helping people get up and down the steep hillsides. It also offers some great views from the top. This might be the cheapest and most exciting option to see the whole city from the top. Get off at the last stop and simply admire the view.
Information
- Name: Funicular del Rio de la Pila
- Type of activity: sightseeing
- Price: free
- When: 6AM–12AM
- Where: calle del Río de la Pila con el Paseo de General Dávila
14. Go to the beach
Source: El Coleccionista de Instantes
Well, of course, you need to go to the beach while in Spain! This is probably what you came for. In Santander, the best one is said to be Playa de la Magdalena. This was once Spanish royal family closest beach during the summer. And it certainly lives up to its hype: thousands of locals and tourists come here to get some suntan, swim and play beach volleyball.
Information
- Name: Playa de la Magdalena
- Type of activity: beach
- Price: free
- When: every day
- Where: Playa de la Magdalena, Santander, Cantabria, Spain
15. Admire the city view at night
Information
- Name: Santander view
- Type of activity: sightseeing
- Price: free
- When: every night
- Where: high hill or a mountain
As you see, there are plenty of things to do in this vibrant Spanish city. Culture, architecture, festivals – you name it! But whatever you choose to do, make sure you take it slow and enjoy the true Spanish spirit of Santander.
Have a good trip and travel.
