What to do in Santander

Activities, attractions and tours
Palacio de la Magdalena showing a park and heritage architecture

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Top places to visit

1. El Sardinero Beach

El Sardinero Beach is one of the most popular and lively strands in Santander. Surrounded by scenic verdant gardens and jagged bluffs, the beach offers stunning views in all directions. Take your whole family for a swim in the calm and shallow waters of the Bay of Biscay.
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El Sardinero Beach which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

2. Palacio de la Magdalena

Enter the richly decorated rooms and salons of the Palacio de la Magdalena where Spanish royals used to enjoy their vacations. This magnificent early 20th-century building was the summer residence of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia de Battenberg for 18 years. They ruled Spain until the country became a republic for the second time, in 1931.
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Palacio de la Magdalena which includes a park, a house and heritage architecture

3. Santander Cathedral

Santander Cathedral has been a dominant presence since the 13th century, an austere Gothic structure on the incline of a hill. Explore this grandiose medieval church which occupies a site that once housed Roman baths and later an abbey.
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Santander Cathedral which includes heritage architecture

4. Banco Santander

Banco Santander is the headquarters of the multinational bank of worldwide renown. As the location of the bank’s founding, its neoclassical building is suitably majestic, featuring a large burrowed arch at its center and a rectangular pediment on its roof with a Spanish flag flying in the breeze. Pass through the central arch and gaze up at the enormous building as you consider its rich history.
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Banco Santander showing heritage architecture

5. Magdalena Beach

Plan to spend some time at Magdalena Beach (Playa de la Magdalena) and unwind at a popular and attractive sandy sanctuary. It sits within a sheltered bay at the foot of the Palacio de la Magdalena and extends for approximately 2,953 feet (900 meters).
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Magdalena Beach featuring a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Santander

Banco Santander showing heritage architecture

Santander City Centre

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Wander through the picturesque gardens and along the coastal boulevard, enter the vast cathedral and examine the fascinating monuments in the heart of Santander.

Santander City Centre
Monumento a Los Raqueros showing outdoor art, a statue or sculpture and a bay or harbour

Puertochico

The pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Puertochico. A stop by Chico Port or Bay of Biscay might round out your trip.

Puertochico
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Cabildo de Arriba

The beaches and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Cabildo de Arriba. A stop by Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Consolacion or Sotileza Mural might round out your trip.

Cabildo de Arriba
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Castilla-Hermida

Beaches and waterfront views are well-reviewed features of Castilla-Hermida. Make a stop by top sights like La Marga Park while you're exploring the area.

Castilla-Hermida
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Tetuán

Pristine beaches and captivating waterfront views are well-reviewed features of Tetuán. Make a stop by top sights like The Cathedral while you're exploring the area.

Tetuán
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La Albericia

Some popular features of La Albericia include its beaches and waterfront views. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Ermita de la Virgen del Mar or Parque de las Llamas are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

La Albericia