A city that is a symbol of elegance, with unique historical sites and, of course, idyllic beaches. There is so much on offer that it can make it difficult to choose which of all the things to do in Santander! We make it easy for you with a complete proposal for this summer. A plan that is even more enjoyable by car because of the beauty of the landscapes.
Things to do in Santander: an unforgettable plan
In summer, Santander is a particularly attractive spot. Its mild climate, away from the sweltering heat of other areas, makes it a very desirable destination. If we add those long days, with late sunsets (up to 10 p.m.), it is only logical to want to take advantage of every minute, and you won’t be short of things to do in Santander!
The stately city reborn from its ashes
Santander was the ‘official seat’ chosen by the monarchy and the aristocracy to spend their summers in the early 20th century. This had an impact on its architecture, with the Palacio de la Magdalena as its epicentre. Around it, palaces were built overlooking the beach of El Sardinero and a whole set of luxury hotels (Hotel Real) and other emblematic facilities such as the Gran Casino or the Bellavista Racecourse.
Enjoy your most stately summer, parking in the vicinity of El Sardinero, for example, in the stadium car park). The Second Beach of El Sardinero or Malateñas Beach are ideal for a swim in the Bay of Biscay. And, afterwards, a stroll through the Jardines de Piquío enjoying a Regma ice cream (cheese or mocha flavours are a must-try).
Round off the afternoon with a visit to the Magdalena Peninsula. In summer, make the most of the "Magdaleno" (the tourist train) that travels around the area. If you are lucky, you might be there for the Santander Music or Magdalena en Vivo concerts. Take the car and finish with a dinner by the sea on any of the terraces on the way to the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse.
Beach plans and summer atmosphere
With the car you can reach the Bay of Santander and park in Puertochico (use the Castelar car park). There are several options here. We recommend taking a "pedreñera" (municipal boat) for a ride around the bay. You can get off at Playa de Somo to enjoy its long coastline or in the town of Pedreña if you feel like eating some good fish.
You can't miss a visit to the Botín Centre, a connection between the sea and the historic centre. This floating architecture is perfect for enjoying the panoramic views.
And any night is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the summer atmosphere of the Plaza de Cañadío and its adjacent streets. It is the heart of Santander's nightlife, a hive of people dining on pinchos.
If you are still wondering what there is to do in Santander, other essential beach spots are:
- Mataleñas Beach, a jewel of the city wedged between cliffs. Leave the car at the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse car park and walk down the trail.
- Playa de la Arnía (15 min by car from the centre). Unmissable at sunset! A wild geological landscape that looks like something out of a movie with its ‘urros’ (rock islets) poking out from the sea.
A culture that brings together past and future
In this final section you will find some of the historical and cultural options that you can’t miss in Santander.
To begin with, you should know that the city keeps much of its history preserved underground. This is what is known as the ‘Anillo Cultural’ (Cultural Ring), with visits such as the Air Raid Shelter and the Medieval Wall, where they explain how the fire of 1941 changed the city forever.
Interested in prehistory? Then don’t miss the MUPAC, one of the best museums of its kind in Europe and a great place to spend a perfect day if the thermometer rises a little too high, or, conversely, on a rainy day.
Just 30 minutes away by car (towards Oviedo), there are two destinations that you can’t miss if you are in Santander. One, of course, is the famous cave of Altamira. Now, the part you visit is the Neocave, an exact replica capable of withstanding the tides of visitors.
The second is Santillana del Mar, the beautiful medieval town known as the town of the three lies: It is neither holy (Santi), nor is it flat (llana), nor is it by the sea (del Mar). A pedestrianised historic centre with must-stops at the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, its Plaza Mayor (curious for its triangular shape) and the unique Museum of Torture of the Spanish Inquisition.
Have you made a note of what to do in Santander this summer? Visit the OK Mobility website, rent a car in Santander and get ready to enjoy unlimited freedom.
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