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The 7 Best Tours & Experiences in Santander
Santander offers a surprising mix of attractions, history, and landscapes—all within walking distance or a short ride from the city center. Whether you’re into striking modern architecture, rugged mountain scenery, or exploring medieval villages, the region delivers. We especially love the Capricho Gaudí with entrance, Santillana del Mar and Sequoia Forest for its blend of architectural marvels and natural beauty—tickets included make it even better. Meanwhile, our pick for a truly immersive mountain experience is the Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour, which combines cable-car vistas with charming villages. Whatever your interests, Santander’s diverse offerings ensure every traveler finds a memorable way to explore.
From a straightforward guided tour of downtown Santander to private cave visits and hop-on hop-off bus adventures, this list covers a variety of tastes and budgets. Not sure which to pick? Read on for detailed insights into each, including practical tips to help you plan your days in this lively coastal city.
1. Capricho Gaudí with entrance, Santillana del Mar and Sequoia Forest
Enjoy the most beautiful villages of Cantabria on this full-day tour starting from Santander. It combines Gaudí’s modernist masterpiece, medieval charm, and nature walks—tickets to El Capricho are included. The tour begins with a short bus ride to the Sequoia Forest of Monte Cabezon for a quick walk among some of the tallest trees in Europe, perfect for stretching legs after travel.
Next, you’ll visit Comillas, a picture-perfect medieval town with colorful houses and narrow streets, for a quick break and a guided tour. The highlight is El Capricho de Gaudí, a stunning example of the architect’s early work, where your admission is covered, allowing you to marvel at Gaudí’s playful curves and bright colors. After lunch, the tour continues to Santillana del Mar, famed for its cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, where you’ll have some free time to explore or browse local shops.
This tour is rated 4.6/5 from 54 reviews, reflecting its well-organized itinerary and the chance to see both architectural wonders and natural beauty in one day. It’s perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone craving a taste of authentic Cantabrian villages.
Bottom line: For around $53, you get a balanced mix of nature, architecture, and old-world charm—all with tickets included. It’s a full, engaging day that showcases the diverse appeal of Cantabria.
2. Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour from Santander-small groups
This full-day adventure takes you into northern Spain’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Starting with a pickup from your Santander hotel, the tour quickly moves into the Cantabria countryside. The highlight is a ride on the cable car at Fuente De, which offers spectacular panoramic views—note the cable car costs extra, but the experience is well worth it.
You’ll also visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, home to the Lignum Crucis, a large relic believed to be part of the True Cross. The monastery’s peaceful setting and historical significance make it a must-see. The visit to Potes, a picturesque town with traditional architecture and winding streets, caps the day. Expect roughly two hours in Potes to wander, shop, or grab a snack.
Rated 4.5/5 from 83 reviews, this tour is praised for its personalized size (limited to 8 people), knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking scenery. The tour balances nature, history, and charming villages, making it ideal for active travelers and mountain lovers.
Bottom line: For just under $93, you’re transported through some of Spain’s most rugged landscapes, with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural stops. It’s a nature and scenery lover’s dream with the convenience of round-trip transport.
3. Guided visit in English around downtown Santander
If you want an introduction to Santander’s urban character and hidden stories, this 2-hour guided tour is perfect. Led by a passionate local, the walk explores the city’s key landmarks and lesser-known corners. The guide will introduce you to Santander’s maritime roots, the beautiful promenade, and the famous Cathedral, all while sharing stories that bring the city’s streets to life.
Rated a perfect 5/5 from 20 reviews, this tour is a favorite for its engaging storytelling and insider knowledge. It’s a great starting point if you’re new to Santander, giving you a sense of orientation and inspiration for your own explorations.
The tour is ideal for history and culture lovers who want a personal touch during their first hours in town. It’s also a great way to see the city’s architectural highlights without committing a full day.
Bottom line: For a short, lively overview, this tour offers a friendly, in-depth orientation that sets the tone for your stay in Santander.
4. Private Puente Viesgo Caves Full-Day Tour from Santander
For those interested in archaeology and history, this private full-day tour unlocks some of Spain’s most significant prehistoric caves. The day includes visits to the Cave of El Castillo and Cueva de las Monedas, both UNESCO World Heritage sites with remarkable cave paintings. Because the regular visits are in Spanish, you should contact the provider for a private guide or translation, which they can arrange.
After exploring the caves, the tour continues to Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, with beautiful streets and historic buildings. You’ll also visit the Altamira Museum, which features a replica of the famed cave, giving you context and a chance to see the prehistoric art without the need to crawl through narrow passages.
Rated 5/5 from 12 reviews, this private experience is ideal for history buffs, archaeology lovers, or those who appreciate personalized attention. The inclusion of hotel transfers and cave entrance fees makes it a seamless, hassle-free experience.
A potential drawback is the need to arrange guides for English speakers, as the standard visits are in Spanish. However, with advance notice, this can be sorted easily.
Bottom line: At approximately $260, this full-day tour offers deep dives into Spain’s ancient past with private guides and insider access—a must for serious archaeology enthusiasts.
5. Santander: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Train
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a practical and fun way to see Santander’s main sights. Valid for 24 hours from first use, this open-top, double-decker bus covers popular spots such as the Palacio de la Magdalena, Matalenas Beach, and the Cathedral.
Rated 4/5 from 130 reviews, it’s praised for the convenience, informative commentary, and the freedom to hop on and off. The onboard audio commentary offers insights into the city’s landmarks, making it more than just a bus ride.
The tour includes a return train ticket to the Magdalena Palace, adding value if you want to connect different parts of the city easily. It’s perfect for travelers who want flexibility and a relaxed way to see Santander’s seaside charm.
Bottom line: For about $30, you get a flexible, easy way to cover all the highlights, especially if your time is limited or you prefer a no-stress approach.
6. EXCURSION TO CANTABRIA: Santander | Santoña | Laredo
This full-day tour offers a taste of Santoña and Laredo, two charming coastal towns. Starting from Santander, you’ll visit the Anchovy Museum and, depending on the season, the Faro del Caballo lighthouse for scenic views. The tour includes free time in each town, allowing you to explore or relax at your own pace.
Rated highly (exact rating not provided), it’s ideal for travelers who want to see more of Cantabria’s coast without the hassle of planning multiple visits. The itinerary balances cultural stops with free exploration—perfect if you enjoy discovering places at your own pace.
The tour covers historic centers, local markets, and unique sights like the Faro del Caballo, depending on availability. It’s suited for those keen on coastal scenery, local cuisine, and small-town charm.
Bottom line: For around 10 hours, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of coastal Cantabria, perfect for a relaxed day out with plenty of flexibility.
7. City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
If you want a quick and affordable way to see Santander, this 1-hour 5-minute hop-on hop-off tour is a good choice. Operating with a 24-hour ticket, it covers key attractions such as Parque de Mataleñas, El Sardinero, and the Cathedral.
Rated 3.5/5 from 97 reviews, it’s a more basic option but still useful if you want to get your bearings or revisit favorite spots. The audio commentary gives background on each stop, making for a convenient sightseeing shortcut.
It’s especially suited for travelers on a tight schedule or those who prefer a low-cost overview of Santander’s main sights.
Bottom line: At about $30, it’s a budget-friendly way to get a snapshot of Santander, especially if combined with other activities or walking tours.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your ideal experience, consider your budget, time, and interests. Want a comprehensive day covering architecture, nature, and villages? The Capricho Gaudí and nearby villages tour offers a balanced mix. Into mountains and small towns? The Picos de Europa trip is perfect. Interested in caves and archaeology? The private Puente Viesgo caves offers a personalized experience.
For those who prefer a flexible, self-guided approach, the hop-on hop-off buses provide a simple way to see various sights at your pace. The guided city tour is ideal for first-timers wanting a quick overview, while the full-day excursions delve deeper into Cantabria’s landscapes and history.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to ensure availability and secure the best times.
Final Thoughts
Santander offers a wide range of tours, from cultural explorations and scenic mountain rides to relaxing city sightseeing. The Capricho Gaudí tour stands out if you want an architectural highlight paired with scenic villages, while the Picos de Europa is perfect for mountain scenery and outdoor enthusiasts. For a quick city overview, the hop-on hop-off buses provide flexibility and convenience.
No matter your style or schedule, Santander’s varied landscape and attractions are well worth exploring. Planning ahead and choosing the right experience will ensure your trip is memorable and well-paced. Book your preferred tour early, and enjoy discovering this lively, beautiful corner of Spain at your own pace.