Step into the heart of Spanish culinary tradition with a guided tour that unveils the captivating world of anchovies. From witnessing skilled craftsmanship to savoring award-winning delicacies, this immersive experience promises to delight the senses and uncover the rich history behind one of the country’s most iconic food products. Join us as we explore the intricate process that transforms humble anchovies into gourmet delights, and explore the museum that pays homage to this beloved seafood.
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary and Highlights
- Museum Experience
- Production Process
- Customer Feedback and Ratings
- Exploring the Cannery
- Sensory Journey Through the Museum
- Savoring the Award-Winning Anchovies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Purchase the Award-Winning Anchovies at the End of the Tour?
- Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
- Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Live Factory Visit?
- Can the Tour Be Conducted in Languages Other Than English?
- Is There a Minimum Group Size Required to Book the Tour?
- The Sum Up
- More Food & Drink Experiences in Santona
- More Tours in Santona
- More Tour Reviews in Santona
Key Points

- The 45-minute guided tour includes live production observation and anchovy and wine skewer tasting, with prices starting from $6.53 per person.
- The tour starts from C. Baldomero Villegas, 38 in Santoña and offers a live demonstration on making an octavillo, the tin container for anchovies.
- The Anchovy Museum features a unique sensory experience with an Anchovy Art Gallery, projection room, and engaging exhibits about the anchovy preservation process.
- Overall customer rating of 4.3 out of 5, with a perfect 5-star rating for guide quality and excellent value for money at 4.4/5.
- The factory visit is subject to the working calendar and described as a fascinating and immersive experience showcasing the rich heritage of the anchovy industry.
Tour Overview

The guided tour of the factory and Anchovy Museum offers visitors a comprehensive experience lasting 45 minutes, with prices starting from $6.53 per person.
Guests can explore the cannery through a guided tour, observe live production, and enjoy an anchovy and wine skewer tasting.
The tour provides a flexible cancellation policy, allowing visitors to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Plus, the "reserve now, pay later" option allows guests to secure their spot without making an immediate payment.
Looking for more options in Santona? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from the C. Baldomero Villegas, 38 in Santoña, the guided tour takes you on a journey through the cannery.
First, you’ll witness the live production process, observing the skilled craftsmanship of the workers.
Then, you’ll indulge in a tasting of award-winning anchovies from Conservas Ana María, renowned for producing the finest anchovies in the Cantabrian Sea.
The highlights continue with a live demonstration by a seasoned craftswoman, showcasing the intricate process of making an octavillo, the tin container used for preserving anchovies.
This immersive experience is a must for anyone seeking to uncover the rich history and traditions of the anchovy industry.
Museum Experience

After exploring the live production process, visitors can enjoy the captivating Anchovy Art Gallery, known as the Santoña Anchovy Museum.
This unique sensory experience allows guests to hear, see, smell, taste, and touch the rich history of the anchovy industry.
The museum features a recreation of a seabed, the remains of a stranded ship, and fishing utensils from the last century.
A projection room showcases a video that explains the anchovy preservation process in detail.
With its engaging exhibits, the museum offers a comprehensive understanding of this integral part of Santoña’s cultural heritage.
Production Process
During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to witness a live demonstration by a skilled craftswoman on the process of making an octavillo, the tin container used for storing anchovies. This hands-on experience allows guests to see the intricate and time-honored techniques employed in the production of these iconic Cantabrian delicacies.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Live Demonstration | Craftswoman showcases the making of an octavillo |
| Tasting | Visitors sample award-winning anchovies from Conservas Ana María |
| Guides | Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the anchovy preservation process |
| Museum | Anchovy Art Gallery and multimedia exhibits enhance the experience |
This immersive production process segment truly captivates visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the rich heritage of Santoña’s anchovy industry.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback and Ratings
Visitors to the Guided Tour of the Factory have consistently provided positive feedback, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 41 reviews.
Reviewers praise the quality of the guide, who earns a perfect 5-star rating. They also note the excellent value for money, with a 4.4/5 score in this category.
The museum experience, featuring the unique sensory displays and the live production demonstration, are highlighted as memorable highlights.
While the factory visit is subject to the working calendar, those who’ve experienced the tour describe it as a fascinating and immersive look into the anchovy preservation process.
Exploring the Cannery

What can visitors expect during the guided tour of the cannery? They’ll witness the live production as the factory workers skillfully craft the famous Santoña anchovies.
The tour takes them through the cannery, where they’ll observe the anchovy preservation process firsthand. Visitors will be amazed by the craftswoman’s demonstration of making the octavillo, the tin container for these delicacies.
The highlight of the tour is the anchovy and wine skewer tasting, allowing guests to savor the award-winning quality of these Cantabrian Sea anchovies.
The highlight of the tour is the anchovy and wine skewer tasting, allowing guests to savor the award-winning quality of these Cantabrian Sea anchovies.
This immersive experience combines sight, sound, and flavor, bringing the anchovy production to life.
Sensory Journey Through the Museum

The museum offers a unique sensory experience that transports visitors into the world of anchovies.
Visitors can:
-
Hear the sloshing sounds of the sea, the clanking of fishing tools, and the hum of the cannery.
-
See the recreation of a seabed, the remains of a stranded ship, and fishing utensils from the last century.
-
Smell the briny aroma of the sea and the savory scent of preserved anchovies.
Visitors can also taste the award-winning anchovies from Conservas Ana María and touch the various materials and textures associated with the anchovy industry.
This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for the rich history and craftsmanship behind the renowned Santoña anchovies.
Savoring the Award-Winning Anchovies
After seeing the museum’s sensory experience, visitors can savor the true highlight of the tour – the award-winning anchovies from Conservas Ana María.
A live demonstration by a skilled craftswoman showcases the meticulous process of making an octavillo, the tin container used for these prized anchovies.
The tasting allows guests to appreciate the flavors that have earned Conservas Ana María recognition for producing the best anchovies in the Cantabrian Sea.
This intimate encounter with the company’s artisanal techniques and premium products caps off a truly immersive and educational factory tour experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase the Award-Winning Anchovies at the End of the Tour?
Yes, you can purchase the award-winning anchovies from Conservas Ana María at the end of the tour. The tour includes a tasting of these renowned anchovies, and you’ll have the opportunity to buy them as souvenirs.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
Yes, there are restroom facilities available for visitors during the tour. The tour itinerary includes access to restrooms at the factory and museum locations to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Live Factory Visit?
You don’t need any special equipment for the live factory visit. The tour guide will provide any necessary protective gear like hairnets or gloves. Just wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to observe the anchovy production process up close.
Can the Tour Be Conducted in Languages Other Than English?
According to the overview, the tour can be conducted in languages other than English. The website indicates that the tour is available in multiple languages, so visitors can choose their preferred language for the guided experience.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Required to Book the Tour?
According to the tour details, there’s no minimum group size required to book the tour. Individuals are welcome to join the tour, which runs on a set schedule regardless of the number of participants.
The Sum Up
Discover the captivating world of anchovy production at this immersive guided tour. Witness skilled craftsmanship, explore the museum’s intriguing exhibits, and indulge in a tasting of the award-winning anchovies. With its flexible cancellation policy and excellent ratings, it’s a must-visit experience for anyone interested in the rich history and traditions of the anchovy industry.
You can check availability for your dates here: