15 Activities
Santander: A Stroll Through the Most Stately City of the Cantabrian Sea
Starts from
Gijón
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
15
Duration
11 hrs 25 min
Length
51 mi
Route details
Starts from
Gijón
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
11 hrs 25 min
Length
51 mi
Marta Carnero
Travel Expert
- Discover San Vicente de la Barquera, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
- Admire the stately buildings full of history of the city of Santander.
- Taste typical Cantabrian sweets such as sobaos or quesadas pasiegas.
Few one-day routes can be more inspiring than the one that separates Gijón from Santander. On this route you can admire the beauty of San Vicente de la Barquera, discover the fascinating history of the Altamira Cave or stroll along stunning beaches such as El Sardinero. Nor will you miss palaces, museums, stately buildings or the best seafood cuisine offered by the Bay of Biscay.
Few one-day routes can be more inspiring than the one that separates Gijón from Santander. On this route you can admire the beauty of San Vicente de la Barquera, discover the fascinating history of the Altamira Cave or stroll along stunning beaches such as El Sardinero. Nor will you miss palaces, museums, stately buildings or the best seafood cuisine offered by the Bay of Biscay.
Marta Carnero
Travel Expert
- Discover San Vicente de la Barquera, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
- Admire the stately buildings full of history of the city of Santander.
- Taste typical Cantabrian sweets such as sobaos or quesadas pasiegas.
Day Itinerary
15 Activities
Day 1
49 mi2 mi
A Walk Through the History, Architecture and Flavors of Santander
Magdalena Palace, Sardinero beach, cathedral, Centro Botín... The Cantabrian capital is a box of surprises and one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, with beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine. This modern and stately city, surrounded by sea and mountains, rises around a beautiful bay that will make you fall in love with it. Check out the main places to see in Santander on this route.
San Vicente de la Barquera
City Centre
Open Details
On the way to Santander you will stop in one of the most beautiful villages of Cantabria, San Vicente de la Barquera. There you can admire the Castle of San Vicente, built in the early twelfth century and of Cultural Interest since 2002, the Plaza Mayor del Fuero, the Provost's Tower or the Palacio de los Corro.
23.5 mi
30 min
Cave of Altamira
Historic Site
Open Details
Although the Altamira cave has a very controlled access regime (only 260 people per year), it is possible to access its replica, the Neocueva, located a few meters from the original cave in the museum of the same name. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, and located 2 kilometers from the Cantabrian town of Santillana del Mar, its polychrome ceiling has been described as "the Sistine Chapel of Paleolithic art".
The paintings and engravings of the cave belong to different periods (Magdalenian and Solutrense, mainly), which ensures that it was used during several periods, adding up to about 22,000 years of occupation within the Upper Paleolithic. A fascinating visit!
The paintings and engravings of the cave belong to different periods (Magdalenian and Solutrense, mainly), which ensures that it was used during several periods, adding up to about 22,000 years of occupation within the Upper Paleolithic. A fascinating visit!
22.5 mi
50 min
The Magdalena Palace
Palace
Open Details
This true icon is your first stop in Santander. Declared a historic-artistic monument in 1982, it is one of its most emblematic buildings. Built between 1909 and 1911 by architects Javier González Riancho and Gonzalo Bringas Vega, it can be visited on a guided tour that will show you the gala dining room or the royal lounge.
These visits are subject to the celebration of events, so we recommend that you visit their official website for more information and to buy tickets. During the summer, due to the UIMP courses, they only take place on weekends, while the rest of the year they take place from Monday to Sunday.
These visits are subject to the celebration of events, so we recommend that you visit their official website for more information and to buy tickets. During the summer, due to the UIMP courses, they only take place on weekends, while the rest of the year they take place from Monday to Sunday.
0.7 mi
5 min
Balneario la Magdalena
Restaurant
Open Details
With the best sea views you can imagine, the Balneario de la Magdalena has a wonderful terrace on the beach of the same name. Perfect time and place for an aperitif or snack before continuing your route through Santander.
0.5 mi
5 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
Park your car here while you take a pleasant stroll along Santander's largest beach.
0.2 mi
5 min
Primera Playa del Sardinero
Beach
Open Details
Located in the heart of Santander, the First Sardinero Beach boasts almost 2 kilometers of fine sands. For a long time it was a sardine fishing ground (where the freshly caught fish was processed), hence its suggestive name. Enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city while breathing the smell of the Cantabrian Sea.
1.9 mi
10 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
Park your car here to continue on foot this route through Santander. You will walk through its historic center and your legs will be your best ally.
0.1 mi
5 min
El Diocesano
Restaurant
Open Details
In a privileged location, next to the bay of Santander, in its menu you will find a wide variety of dishes and portions with seafood flavor: the typical rabas, mussels, cuttlefish, squid or Cantabrian anchovies.
0.3 mi
10 min
Mercado del Este
Market
Open Details
Work of the architect Antonio Zabaleta and declared of Cultural Interest, it was built in 1842. In it you will find stores with as much history as Mantequerías Cántabras, opened in 1860, or a branch of the Tourist Office of Santander, in case you have any questions during your visit.
0.3 mi
10 min
Santander Cathedral
Church
Open Details
The Gothic structure and apparently austere in comparison with other cathedrals, the present building is composed of two superimposed churches.
0.3 mi
5 min
Centro Botín
Art Museum
Open Details
This spectacular art center designed by Renzo Piano is cantilevered over the sea, suspended on pillars and columns at the height of the treetops of the Jardines de Pereda, without ever touching land. Check out its extensive exhibition program to see which of its many activities suits your tastes and dates of visit.
0.3 mi
5 min
Plaza Porticada
Plaza
Open Details
Created during the reconstruction of Santander after the great fire of 1941, in the basement of the Plaza Porticada lie archaeological remains of the old medieval wall and the Puerta del Mar (main maritime entrance in the Middle Ages), as well as bunkers and air raid shelters from the Civil War.
0.2 mi
5 min
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Plaza
Open Details
Meeting point for locals and tourists, the beautiful Plaza del Ayuntamiento is one of the most photographed spots. In its surroundings you will find one of the most commercial areas of the city, with the presence of most fashion brands and accessories.
0.1 mi
5 min
Sobaos y Quesadas Luca
Bakery
Open Details
Sobaos, Quesadas and Galletas Pasiegas are some of the most traditional sweet delicacies of Cantabria. In Sobaos y Quesadas Luca they have been making these products since 1968 with the same secret recipe handed down from parents to children. All their products are made daily with high quality raw materials.
0.4 mi
10 min
La Casa del Indiano
Restaurant
Open Details
Seasonal products with traditional recipes from Cantabria await you in this restaurant located inside the Mercado del Este. Warm octopus salad, peppers with anchovies and cheese, pan-fried clams, grilled cod with vegetables, turbot... The best flavors of the Bay of Biscay to regain strength before returning home.