Top-rated places to visit in Cantabria, Spain

4.0 Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabarceno (5.006 reviews)
- Brilliant nature
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos • Parks

Breathtaking natureressort with stunning views. Nearly all the shown animals are endangered and have a big area to move around. Especially the bears have a huge area with walkways in the mountains. All animals looked healthy to me, with nice, shiny fur and without running head down from one corner of their cage to another....... if captivity is neccessary, then it should be like this. The Restaurant in the park offers a menue, which is not worth it. Rather grap a quick snack or bring your own (tables available all over the park). Restrooms all over the park were very clean. 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
Wednesday: 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..
4.0 Museo de Altamira (2.632 reviews)
- Excellent Museum
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

This is a fantastic museum with exhibitions on the Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain. The museum also covers human evolution, stone age societies as well as the scientific study of prehistory. There’s English as well as Spanish labels and descriptions, but not for every exhibit. Anything really important will have both though. The finest exhibition in the museum is the replica cave and cave art, which sadly can no longer be visited for conservation reasons. The curators have done a superb job of recreating the sealed off caves. Totally worth the entrance fee. See more..
4.5 Palacio Real de La Magdalena (2.622 reviews)
- Cute Building
Wednesday: 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..
4.0 Zoo de Santillana (908 reviews)
- Great Zoo
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

Santillana Zoo is a 45 year old zoo where you will enjoy more than 2000 animals from all over the planet in a surface bigger than 6 football fields... You will enjoy the magic of the Butterfy house and 40 endangered species programmes like the Sumatran Orangutans', the European Bisons', the Sri Lanka Leopards' and many others that you will love as well. Come and visit us and you will find out a different Zoo indeed to enjoy with or without children See more..
4.0 Museo de la Tortura (884 reviews)
- A gruesome but interesting visit
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Speciality Museums

We went in on the off chance and were pleasantly surprised. The items were gruesome but well explained. It was reasonable at 4 euros. I would recommend this museum See more..
5.0 Logicamente Santander (867 reviews)
- Best escape room!
Wednesday: 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..
4.0 Teleferico Fuente De (813 reviews)
- Fuente De cable car
Trams

A superb ride up to the top of the mountain where some walking options were available for whatever distance you like. Views, obviously are fantastic. Had read some horror stories regarding long queues so we booked for 9.30am and didn't have to wait longer than 15 mins - because we were 15 mins early and had to wait for our slot. On our descent, about a couple of hours later, after walking and a coffee, we were the only ones in the cable car. At the bottom, however, the great queueing had begun! We were glad we'd booked an early slot and would recommend anyone else does too! See more..
4.0 Palacio de Sobrellano (809 reviews)
- Magnificent Neo-Gothic Palace
Architectural Buildings

This marvellous Neo-Gothic palace was once the summer home of the Marqués de Comillas. Designed by Modernista architect Joan Martorell, it also has an ornate wood-carved fireplace designed by Antoni Gaudí. The exterior is decorated with magnificent Gothic balconies with intricate traceries over Modernisme columns. The interior can only be seen on 30-minute guided tours (in Spanish), you’ll see the grand central hall with sweeping carved-stone staircases, a reception/billiard room, beautiful stained-glass windows and vibrant murals detailing a egotistical journey through the marquis’ life. 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..
4.0 Museo Maritimo del Cantabrico (609 reviews)
- Wonderful trip
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

This was a great visit. There were very few people visiting so the venue felt very safe. Clear instructions from the staff on which areas to visit and in which order. The upstairs was a wonderful journey of the history and very educational. The aquarium was brilliant, as there was a member staff in the tank itself feeding the fish which we captured on video. A really pleasant trip and great value at 8 euros for an adult. See more..
3.5 Catedral de Santander (602 reviews)
- The Cathedral that Providence didn`t keep. For 1 Euro.
Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues

Divine Providence did not preserve this Cathedral of the XII-XIV centuries. After surviving the middle ages, the Cathedral was severely damaged by the explosion of the steamship Cabo Machichaco on the roadstead. in 1893. There was enough dynamite to reach the Cathedral. Oddly enough, the Cathedral survived the civil war of 1936-1939, although Santander was stubbornly defended by the Republicans. However, 2 years later, Santander burned down in a fire in 1941. The restored Cathedral has an unusual structure. It consists of two churches and a cloister monastery. The lower Church, also called the Crypt earlier -XII century. The upper one was built in the 13th century in the Gothic style, as was the lower Church of Christ. A fire in 1941 destroyed most of the decor, except for the walls and columns. I liked the cloister best. It is very cozy. You can't visit the Cathedral for free. Only for 1 Euro. See more..
4.0 Cementerio de Comillas (558 reviews)
- An interesting graveyard to explore
Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings

I love an old churchyard and whilst walking along the coast , we spotted the spectacular white angel statue and I had to visit. Its so interesting to walk around and read all the family gravestones and look at the beautiful statues. Doesn't take long to walk around but really interesting 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..
4.0 Centro Botín (497 reviews)
- Amazing building. Nice art museum. Must save you from top.
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

Centro Botín is an art centre designed to generate social development and wealth, making the most of the potential of the arts to awaken our creativity. 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..
5.0 Picos Xtreme (455 reviews)
- Thrilling Experience; I loved it!
Wednesday: 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 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..
4.0 Monumento a Los Raqueros (428 reviews)
- Joyful Scenes, But Sad Past
Monuments & Statues

This cute sculptural ensemble seemingly celebrates the joys of youth, but sadly hides a sad part of Santander. There was a time when beachcombers such as the poor and orphaned children, who frequented the docks of Santander Bay, survived through petty theft. Sometimes coins would be thrown into the sea from passengers of passing boats. The children would dive into the sea to find the coins as depicted in the sculptures. See more..
4.0 Mercado del Este (427 reviews)
- Fabulous tapas!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is where locals go for tapas ... it is authentic, busy and has a great atmosphere. Highly recommended! See more..
4.5 Prehistory and Archaeology Museum of Cantabria (416 reviews)
- Guided Visit
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 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..
4.0 Comillas' Beach (370 reviews)
- Excellent Beach
Beaches

After a 28 km day hiking the Camino this beach was a perfect place to rest and have a swim. Beautiful stretch of clean sand with ample bars for a cold beer. Highly recommended. See more..
4.5 Faro del Caballo (369 reviews)
- Wonderful trip on boat BUCIERO in Laredo (Cantabria)
Wednesday: 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..
4.0 Castillo del Rey (323 reviews)
- Interesting attraction
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The castle is a museum of the history of San Vicente de la Barquera, the layout of the city, old photographs, also has an observation deck with stunning views of the surrounding area. It is worth a visit. See more..
4.0 Gran Casino Sardinero (313 reviews)
- ~New Year’s Eve dinner in the Casino of Santander~
Casinos

We had our New Year’s Eve dinner in this monumental building overlooking the Sardinero beach in a privileged are in Santander city. Needless to say that the treatment given by their staff is excellence in capital letters. The menu was prepared with top quality ingredients and the atmosphere was one where every detail was so taken care of that you could literally leave your design handbag and go to the dance floor not worrying about it and dance such a special night away in a place that exudes richness and etiquette in every corner. A minus for me are the bathrooms which I found a bit outdated. Overall great experience in an impressive building where once you entere you’ll be admiring the beautiful stained glass. If we are in Spain this 2020 NYE we’ll have dinner there again. See more..
4.0 Edificio del Banco Santander (310 reviews)
- Historic icon of Santander's commercial greatness
Points of Interest & Landmarks

An extraordinary and distinctive fin-de-siecle building - actually two, joined by a huge arch - that was the original head office of what has gone on to become one of the most important banks in the world. Immense, and easily recognised from its arch, it may be best viewed from the Pereda Gardens (Jardines de Pereda) behind the sea-front near the raqueros monument. See more..
4.5 Bárcena Mayor Historic Village (309 reviews)
- Amazing find!!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

We loved visiting Barcena Mayor. We were staying two night at Santillana del Mar and were looking for a day trip. So glad we found this place. It is a gem!! We used our iphone map app to get us there and back without any problem. You cannot drive into town. You need to park right before and walk there, but the walk is not very far. It was worth going there and will definitely return when we can again. See more..
4.5 Cueva Las Monedas (294 reviews)
- Often overlooked - As world class and must see as the closer caves.
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

To get to these caves from the main entrance is a 15 minute walk that is flat. This experience is very different from the other caves. This is part of the overall experience of the caves and is also a MUST SEE!! See my review on the other caves as well. As a world traveler, this really is a MUST see when visiting Northern Spain. Truly a once in a lifetime experience. See more..
4.5 Escuela Cantabra De Surf (291 reviews)
- just fun!
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing

Do you to try a surf ? this is the one place in the europe where you can try this fantastic sport whit a great staff See more..
4.5 Playa del Camello (284 reviews)
- Camino2
Beaches

Awesome beach, just one of many in this area santander is blessed with so many brilliant beaches, early may bloody freezing but looks excellent for snorkelling water clear. See more..