Quick Summary: The capital of Cantabria, the port city of Santander is one of the most beautiful places to explore when vacationing in Spain. Much of the historic architecture which comprised structures made of small stone and wood were destroyed during the Great Fire of 1941, so much of what you will see today has a more modern design. Famous tourist sites that shouldn’t be missed are the Cathedral of Santander, the Lighthouse of Cabo Mayor, El Sardinero Beach, and the Palacio de la Magdalena. Our list also has a great number of restaurants where you can try authentic Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, making it the perfect addition to any trip in Santander.


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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Palacio de la Magdalena ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Palacio de la Magdalena | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© beyo_pl/stock.adobe.com

2. Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© Museos de Cantabria

3. Santander Cathedral

Santander Cathedral | Attractions in Santander, Spain
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4. Magdalena Peninsula

Magdalena Peninsula | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com

5. Jardines & Paseo de Pereda

Jardines & Paseo de Pereda | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© franky 28/stock.adobe.com

6. Faro de Cabo Mayor

Faro de Cabo Mayor | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© RuslanKphoto/stock.adobe.com

7. Mercado de la Esperanza

Mercado de la Esperanza | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© Anibal Trejo/stock.adobe.com

8. Restaurante El Serbal

Category: Food & Drink
Restaurante El Serbal | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© Restaurante El Serbal

9. CANADIO

CANADIO | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© CANADIO

10. Bodega del Riojano

Bodega del Riojano | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© Bodega del Riojano

11. Restaurante La Ventana

Category: Food & Drink
Restaurante La Ventana | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© Ivan/stock.adobe.com

12. Cadelo Restaurante

Category: Food & Drink
Cadelo Restaurante | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© Cadelo Restaurante

13. Vermuteria Solorzano

Vermuteria Solorzano | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© Vermuteria Solorzano

14. Casa Lita

Casa Lita | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© Gregory Lee/stock.adobe.com

15. Taberna El Machi

Taberna El Machi | Attractions in Santander, Spain
© Taberna El Machi

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