With its mountainous backdrop and majestic sea views, Santander boasts spectacular scenery and many attractions that are easy to reach by car. You’ll also be able to head further afield to explore more of northern Spain - just make sure you don’t leave Santander until you’ve taken in these highlights.
Artistic hub
A great place to begin your visit is the modern cultural centre, Centro Botin. First opened to the public in 2017, this distinctive building almost gives the appearance of floating over the water. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions of modern art on its first and second-floor galleries, but perhaps the main attractions are the viewing platforms that jut out over the water, offering spectacular views of the bay.
You’ll need to buy tickets to enter the exhibition rooms, but it’s free to wander around the building and take in the stunning surroundings. Parking is available at the nearby Town Hall and Alfonso XIII garage.
Historic palace
Another of Santander’s top attractions is the Palacio de la Magdelena, located on the peninsula of the same name on the outskirts of the city. Built in the early 20th century, this was once a summer residence for the kings and queens of Spain.
The peninsula and palace grounds offer beautiful views of the coastline, and for a small entry fee you can even head inside to explore the lavishly furnished rooms. Parking is available, but try to arrive early as the palace and peninsula do attract crowds, particularly during the summer months.
Hit the beach
If you’re planning to soak up some sun during your stay, you’ll find plenty of options in and around Santander. The main beach is El Sardinero, a long stretch of golden stand with a picturesque promenade, divided in two by the Jardines de Piquio. This is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike, and in the winter months you will see surfers hitting the waves.
Other popular city beaches include La Magdalena, located below the palace of the same name, and Playa del Camello. Slightly quieter is the small cove of Playa de Matalenas, just a short distance north of the city, home to scenic cliffs and golden sand. Also within easy driving distance away is Playa de Langre, backed by rocky cliffs and popular for snorkelling.
Ancient art
With car hire from Santander Airport you can also take a break from the beach to visit the Monte Castillo caves in Puente Viesgo. This ancient site includes four Unesco World Heritage-listed caves, which are famous for their Paleolithic cave art.
Two of the caves – Las Monedas and the spectacular El Castillo – are open to the public. El Castillo contains cave art thought to date back up to 40,000 years, and as you head inside you will see drawings depicting horses, bison, goats, bears and even a mammoth. Tickets for both caves can be booked online, and guided tours are available in Spanish only.
Just a short drive away is perhaps the most famous of all Cantabria’s caves, Altamira, near the town of Santillana del Mar. The cave itself is no longer open to the public, but you can explore an impressive replica and take in its detailed prehistoric drawings. With a hire car at Santander Airport, all this and more is within easy reach.