11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Santander At Least Once In Your Lifetime

The capital of Spain’s region of Cantabria is the coastal city of Santander. It is not the prettiest of Spain’s cities, due to a huge fire that destroyed most of it in 1941, but it still has lots of fascinating sights. Here are 11 reasons why you should visit Santander at least once in your lifetime.

To Visit the Beach

Santander has many great city beaches to enjoy, for sunbathing and swimming in summer and for walking along in winter. You can choose between Playa de Mataleñas, Playa de Los Molinucos, Sardinero Beach and Playa de la Magdalena.

1. To Learn About the Past

Museum

The Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria is a fascinating place, which houses over 1,200 objects dating from the Upper Palaeolithic period to the Iron Age. There are also artefacts from Roman and medieval times. Some of the most notable objects on display are the huge pieces of prehistoric rock art and the finds from the Santa María de Hito archaeological site.

Calle Bailén, Santander, Cantabria, Spain +34 942209922

Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, Santander | © Valdavia / WikiCommons | ©Valdavia / WikiCommons

3. To Explore the Península de la Magdalena

Peninsula de la Magdalena, Santander | ©Maria Victoria Gomez Fernandez / wikimedia Commons

Surrounding the palace sits the Magdalena Peninsula, a vast green parkland. Filled with green meadows and dense forests, it is surrounded by coves and beaches. In summer you can spend time here picnicking, swimming and relaxing.

Magdalena Peninsula, Península de la Magdalena, Santander, Cantabria, Spain

Peninsula de la Magdalena, Santander | © Maria Victoria Gomez Fernandez / WikiCommons

4. To Stand in Awe Before the Catedral de la Asunción

Cathedral

The huge cream-coloured cathedral is an impressive sight in the centre of the city. The lower section was built in the 13th century, while the upper section is from the 14th century. Inside, you’ll find elegant 15th-century cloisters, columns, various chapels and pointed arcades. It also houses the grave of Menéndez Pelayo, a scholar, historian and literary critic from the city.

Catedral de Santander, Calle Somorrostro, s/n, 39002 Santander, Cantabria, Spain

Catedral de Santander, Spain | © Xavier Estruch / WikiCommons | © Xavier Estruch / WikiCommons

5. To Browse the Books at the Biblioteca de Menéndez Pelayo

Library

The immense Library of Menéndez Pelayo is definitely worth a visit while you’re in Santander. Constructed in 1915 by the architect Leonardo Rucabado Gómez, the library houses a whopping 42,000 books and 1,032 manuscripts, which once belonged to the writer. Inside you’ll find a vast room, filled from floor to ceiling with oak book shelves, beautifully carved columns and wrought-iron balconies. Don’t forget to look up at the stunning stained-glass window above.
Library of Menéndez Pelayo, Calle Rubio, 6, 39001 Santander, Cantabria, Spain

Biblioteca de Menédez Pelayo, Santander | © AVANTI / WikiCommons

6. To Shop in the Mercado La Esperanza

Market, Market, Shop

Santander’s main covered market dates back to the 19th century and is made from cast iron, brick and glass. Inside, you’ll find stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses. It’s the ideal place to pick up the ingredients for your picnic on the Magdalena Peninsula.

Mercado La Esperanza, 39002 Santander, Cantabria, Spain

Mercado La Esperanza, Santander | © Dagane / WikiCommons | ©Dagane / WikiCommons

7. To Visit Spain's the Centro Botín

The Centro Botín is Santander’s newest attraction and Spain’s newest arts centre, having opened in June 2017. Designed by the award-winning architect Renzo Piano, it features two huge pods joined together and fronted by glass. A vast space, it showcases the Fundación Botín’s contemporary art collection, as well as changing exhibitions from world-famous artists such as Francisco de Goya.
Centro Botín, Santander, Spain

Centro Botín, Santander | © Tony Rotondas / WikiCommons

8. To Drink on the Lively Plaza de Cañadío

To get to the heart of the action, head for the city’s Plaza de Cañadío. Surrounded by many cafes, bars and restaurants, this is the place to go if you’re looking for a lively night out.

Plaza de Cañadío, Santander, Spain

Plaza Cañadio, Santander, Spain | © Year of the dragon / WikiCommons

9. To Snap a Photo in the Plaza Porticada

Also known as the Plaza de Pedro Velarde, the Plaza Porticada is located in the centre of the city and is close to the town hall. It was built after a devastating fire destroyed most of the city in 1941. It is nicknamed Plaza Porticada because it is surrounded by 64 porticoes. Both grand and elegant, it’s definitely worth stopping here to take a photo.

Plaza Porticada, Santander, Spain

Plaza Porticada, Santander | © Zarateman / WikiCommons

To See the Old Medieval Walls

Also in the Plaza Porticada, you’ll find the Interpretation Centre of the Medieval Wall of Santander. Built on the site of Puebla Nueva, the old medieval village of Santander, it displays sections of the wall from the 12th century, as well as ceramics, paved streets and ancient towers.

Find out where to eat out in Santander.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.