Things to do & places to visit in Cantabria, Spain

Cantabria #13 destination in Spain 2023. The average rating score is 4.34 based on 60.1k traveler reviews, of 784 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Madrid, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 11:15.

Cantabria Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in April

60°F - 44°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze

Feels like

35%

Chance of rain

125.0 millimeters

Amount

11.4 mph

Wind speed

78%

Humidity

13.4

Daylight length

7:45 AM

Sunrise

9:07 PM

Sunset

43%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (34)

Top destinations in Cantabria 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Logicamente Santander (867 reviews)
- Best escape room!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Rides & Activities • Game & Entertainment Centers

It was so fun! The theme, decorations, and storyline were great. Very cool and immersive experience with some hard puzzles! See more..
5.0 Picos Xtreme (455 reviews)
- Thrilling Experience; I loved it!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

I wanted to give up just after ten metres of climbing. But I had confidence that Oscar knew very well what he was doing. Not only he was super attentive from start to finish, but he also had wit and made us laugh along the way and caring for our safety until the end. I managed to walk the wire bridge, which was one of the highlights of my life. I recommend it. See more..
4.5 Peninsula of Magdalena (3.825 reviews)
- Large Park & Walking Area
National Parks

This 28 hectare of woodlands and gardens is a popular recreational destination for both tourists and locals. As you can imagine, the grounds are extensive, although sticking to just the walking path would probably be a 2 hour event, but equally you could spend all day walking the paths, enjoy the beaches and admire the former royal palace. For those who find walking too old school, there’s even a tourist train. Probably the best place to see in Santander. The park also contains several statues honouring natives of Santander and Cantabria. Worth a visit if you have more than a few days in the city. See more..
4.5 El Capricho de Gaudí (3.171 reviews)
- A Gaudi gem in Comillas
Monday: 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings

The Caprice is a palace designed by the amazing architect Antoni Gaudí i Cornet and is considered to be one of the jewels of European Modernism. While exploring the interior, exterior and the gardens, you will discover a work of great colour, inspired in nature and full of symbolism. See more..
4.5 Palacio Real de La Magdalena (2.622 reviews)
- Cute Building
Monday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Castles

The former summer residence of King Alfonso XIII until the end of his reign, and now owned by the city of Santander. The exterior of the building is built in a bizarre mix of different styles, especially the south-east facing side which looked like it could’ve been several houses joined together. There’s Neo-Gothic, Neo Renaissance, Flemish and Catabrian influences everywhere. See more..
4.5 Cueva El Soplao (2.186 reviews)
- Excellent adventure
Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves

A brief train ride I to this superb cave system and then on foot. I was in awe viewing the magnificent Stalagmites and Stalagtights in many different formations, colours and development. Well worth a visit if in the area. See more..
4.5 Playa Primera de El Sardinero (1.384 reviews)
- Cantabrian Delight
Beaches

Beautiful beach and in the lovely October weather it was easy to dream about going for a swim in the clean, clear waters. Can't wait to come back in the summer. See more..
4.5 Colegiata de Santillana del Mar (920 reviews)
- Colegiata de Santillana del Mar
Churches & Cathedrals

The Collegiate church and cloister of St Juliana is a fine example of Romanesque architecture and can be found in the historic centre of Santillana del Mar. The building has a magnificent dome, transept, and tower. While the exterior has fine examples of archivolts not just on arches, but on windows too. Well worth a visit along with Museo de Altamira. It's just a shame the building is on the verge of falling into ruin due to lack of maintenance. See more..
4.5 Plaza Mayor de Ramon y Pelayo (791 reviews)
- Charming Plaza
Neighborhoods

One of the larger public squares in the town of Santillana del Mar, though not the historic centre. Some of the principal sites of the town including Torre del Merino, Torre de Don Borja and the Town Hall are located here. You’ll also find wonderful examples of charming Cantabrian architecture at the square. The only downside is that the square isn’t overly endowed with cafes, but it’s only a small town. See more..
4.5 Cave of El Castillo (714 reviews)
- A MUST see. One of top experiences in the WORLD.
Caverns & Caves

The Cave of El Castillo contains a very well preserved cave art ensemble and an archaeological deposit with a stratigraphic sequence dating back from the Lower Paleolithic Era (about 150,000 years ago) to the Bronze Age (about 6,000 years ago). See more..
4.5 Parque de Cabo Mayor (705 reviews)
- Lighthouse and Arts Centre
Lighthouses • Parks • Geologic Formations

This arts centre is still a functioning lighthouse guiding ships over the entrance to the Bay of Santander. The lighthouse has been here since 1839 and after the lighthouse operations were automated, the formerly living areas were converted into an arts centre where there’s plenty of nautical themed exhibits. Even from outside of the lighthouse, the views of the bay are awesome. Worth visiting when in Santander. See more..
4.5 Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor (705 reviews)
- Lighthouse and Arts Centre
Lighthouses • Parks • Geologic Formations

This arts centre is still a functioning lighthouse guiding ships over the entrance to the Bay of Santander. The lighthouse has been here since 1839 and after the lighthouse operations were automated, the formerly living areas were converted into an arts centre where there’s plenty of nautical themed exhibits. Even from outside of the lighthouse, the views of the bay are awesome. Worth visiting when in Santander. See more..
4.5 Playa de El Puntal (638 reviews)
- City Sailboats
Beaches

Few cities in the world allow you to have it all in the summer. However, Playa de El Puntal in Santander gets you pretty close. With sweeping views of the city and the sea and surrounded by tiny sail boats this gem of a beach is well worth a day of your travel itinerary. If, you're not one of the many lucky souls in who the city their own water vessel, then you can jump on the public ferry for a scenic ride across the Bahia for the low low price of 4,10€. The terminal stop is pretty understated and is located off the main water front promenade; Jardines de Pereda. Once on the island, the water is super calm and clear, and you can often spot fish swimming between you and anchored boats. I'd suggest you head to the right of the island's bustling restaurant; Chiringuito El Puntal Tricio. To the right, the dunes are a bit more isolated, but you'll still be within ear shot of them calling your table number, lol. Prepare for the best tan ever. See more..
4.5 Cantur (616 reviews)
- Cable car to mountain top
Trams

The cable car from Fuente De to the top of the Picos Massif is a very brief experience: slickly run and efficient, though it lasts only a disappoining (and expensive) three minutes. A family will expect to pay 70+ euros for the return trip. The great glory is the scenery, so it only really pays off to go on a clear day, and above all to turn up early: it says in most guide books that it opens at 10, but in fact it opens at 9. We arrived shortly after 9 one clear day last week and waited only a few minutes: by midday there were queues which looked like thousands! See more..
4.5 Playa De Berria (550 reviews)
- Such Quantities of Sand
Beaches

This is a beautiful beach, over a mile long with acres of golden sand and impeccably clean, as there are only two hotels it does not get very crowded, but it does attract surfers. I do not swim myself. so cannot comment on this aspect, but everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves See more..
4.5 Playa de Ris (543 reviews)
- Breathtaking just like Ireland
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

Super for walking, swimming (great waves for kids perfect size), water sports. Clean, safe, scenic - just simply great See more..
4.5 Iglesia de Santa Maria (481 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Beautiful church beside the sea. Very peaceful inside. Loved the ceiling and unusual baptismal font that looked like a large sea shell. See more..
4.5 Laberinto de Villapresente (463 reviews)
- Funny plan with family or friends
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

¡Atrévete y vive la aventura en el laberinto de cipreses más grande de España! Ven y piérdete en sus 5625 metros cuadrados de entramado de pasillos de apenas 1 metros de anchura. (No apto para claustrofóbicos.) La duración media está entre los 30 minutos y la hora. No hace falta reservar*, la entrada solo se compra en taquilla. Excepto grupo de 20 personas o más. See more..
4.5 Natural Monument of the Sequoias of Monte Cabezón (445 reviews)
- Coast Redwoods on the Iberian Coast
Nature & Wildlife Areas

This small but impressive grove of coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) is so close to the A8 motorway that it would be a shame to miss them. Be aware that you can't turn left into the small parking area but must go a short distance up the road, turn around and come back. It is a short but easy stroll down a wide boardwalk to the grove of several hundred specimens. Take a moment to ponder the fact that they are so far from their natural range but so much at home in these growing conditions. See more..
4.5 Playa de Oyambre (444 reviews)
- Sunshine and sea
Beaches

Beautiful amd. Reathtaking scenery. The countryside is wonderful, mountains and sea and sandy beaches. See more..
4.5 Prehistory and Archaeology Museum of Cantabria (416 reviews)
- Guided Visit
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums

This is a great museum in Santander. It took me a while to find it because it is located in a hidden street. I highly recommend the guided visit. The guy that showed us the museum was very knowledgeable about the Prehistoric period and the different artifacts. The visit started at 5.15 p.m. and lasted two hours. See more..
4.5 Jardines de Piquío (395 reviews)
- Beautiful view
Gardens

Beautiful view of the Sardinero beaches, very nice shadow of the trees, and nice windy ventilation to enjoy a little cool on a warm day. See more..
4.5 Faro del Caballo (369 reviews)
- Wonderful trip on boat BUCIERO in Laredo (Cantabria)
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Lighthouses

On the cliffs of Mount Buciero, point of entry to the Bay of Santona (Cantabria), you will find this magic place of turquoise waters which is accessed after almost 700 steps. See more..
4.5 Universidad Pontificia (364 reviews)
- Outside is great: do a tour to get inside
Spent More than 3 hours Architectural Buildings

Stunning building from the outside which can be seen from miles around. The only way to get in is to go on a tour (check times before) and again the only tour available was in Spanish - but we took it just to get in. Quite impressive inside and that's just the tiny bit you see. Seemed to us that they were missing a trick here by not offering more guided tours and some in English! See more..
4.5 Playa de Trengandin (361 reviews)
- UNBELIVABLY SCENIC BEACH
Beaches

Fantastic beach with spectacular rock formations. Soft sand and clean sea - blue flag beach. Very few foreign tourists when we were in town. See more..
4.5 Playa La Salvé (359 reviews)
- Extensive sandy beach
Beaches

The extensive sandy beach “La Salve” (about 7km long) – which is nearly deserted in the pre-season – invites to long walks. Dogs are admissible at “La Salve” from the start of October until the end of April. See more..
4.5 Playa Somo (351 reviews)
- Gorgeous beach
Spent 1-2 hours Beaches

We stayed in pedrena so got the ferry to somo. 6 euros return for two people about 10 min ride. Once you get off just veer left and follow the boardwalk. When you get to the first major opening that takes you onto the beach. It was near the life guard and first aid section. The beach is gorgeous. Nice fine sand. Stretches for miles so wasn’t crowded on a Monday afternoon. The view of the two light houses and Santander were amazing. Small waves so need see surfers The town somo is nice, clean and quite a few places to eat. Definitely makes for a great holiday! See more..
4.5 Nacimiento del Río Ebro (345 reviews)
- A small spring, a big river, a magic place
Bodies of Water

Ideal to make kids realize how geography influences our lives. A few panels read the things to know about River Ebro in a pleasant little park. A few yards away, a model of river Ebro (very functional to understand the span of the river, not very esthetical). We spent more time there than we had thought in the first place. See more..
4.5 Puerto Chico (343 reviews)
- Really nice place to stroll around the waterfront
Marinas • Piers & Boardwalks

Puerto Chico (Little Harbor) is the very core of Santander, from earlier times when it was the home of the city's fishing fleet. Pleasure craft moor here today and it offers splendid views of the bay and access to the Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria. See more..
4.5 Playa de Langre (333 reviews)
- Golden Beach, Nice Surf!
Beaches

The beach is golden brown and the sea is a beautiful turquoise colour. If you are a swimmer, surfer or sun worshiper then this place could be just for you. However due to the steps it is not advisable to venture down if you have limited walking ability. If you are prudish then beware, although the majority of people we saw had swimwear on, a number of people were naturists! Well worth a visit anyway if you can manage the steps. Car parking is free and there is plenty of space. See more..