Top 10 attractions you must visit in Santander!

Santaner is a must visit city because of its famous character with a rich nature, beautiful beaches and many cultural activities. Let's see the top 10 attractions that you cannot miss!

1. Walk to the lighthouse.

During this walk you will enjoy of one of the most beautiful views of Santander rich nature.

If you are at the city centre and don't want to walk to the lighthouse (a 4 kms walk) you can take the bus, line one or two to the Parque de Mataleñas direction. If you enter the park and take the path on your right hand you go in the direction of the coastline with a beach called Playa de Molinucos. In front of the exit to the coastline you will see this beautiful garden. If you continue the path in front of Playa de Molinucos you can turn left and take a walk along several small and beautiful beaches. At the corner called Cabo Menor you can stand next to the Golf course and see the lighthouse at Cabo Mayor. At different points you will find information about the panoramic views, islands and beaches.

2. Peninsula the Magdalenas

This is an excellent place to spend a day especially when you are with the family.

When you enter this peninsula on the right hand you have the Playa de Los Bikinis next to a kids garden and the Cavalry students residence. First you will find a fun little zoo with penguins and seals. Behind the zoo starts a small open air museum with real life ships and information about important figures and sailors. At the top of the peninsula is located the Parque de la Magdalena. If you walk through the park in direction of the top of the peninsula you will find the Royal Palace . This Palace is sometimes opened for public so if you are lucky you will be able to visit it!

3. Beautiful Beaches

• Playa de los Peligros (Dangers beach): This beach has 200 meters of coast and in combination with Playa de La Magdalena and Playa de Los Bikinis gives visitors 1500 meters of beautiful coastline that invites you to take a walk from here to the peninsula. You will have quiet waters and a soft breeze which will let you go sunbathing surrounded by a very nice atmosphere.
• Playa El Camello (Camel Beach): Every kid in Santander has their first memories here! The beach is small, the water is calm, so you can see where the kids are playing and taking a bath.
• Playa de La Concha. A beautiful beach located in front of the Casino.
• Primera playa El Sardinero: This beach offers excellent access facilities: if you have mobility restrictions you can enter through an elevator. The beach also has an ISO 1400 certification which means that its quality is outstanding.
• Segunda playa El Sardinero: The biggest beach of the city with several parks, here you can stay in the shadow and chill a little bit when the sun is on its highest point during the afternoon.

4. Casino

The Casino is a must see destination in Santander. Amazing and huge from the outside, you will need proper clothing to enter and save some of the money you would like to spend during an amazing night in this gambling castle.

Why not make the most of your night at Santander’s casino and practise beforehand? If your hotel room has internet access, you can try a game or two of poker online – you’ll really shock your travel companions at the tables having already had experience! Playing online is a great way to keep up your hobby too and don’t forget, the prizes are just as good as they are in the real casinos!

5. Museums

Because of the young character of the city museums, the best one is the Museum of Fine Arts, located in the city centre. You should also visit the Palacio de Festivales where many festivals, concerts and musicals are held.

6. Old centre and the shopping area

The shopping area located between the City Hall, Avd. Calvo sotello, Guevarra and Plaza Antonio Pombo is not big but have excellent stores to shop! You will always find something exclusive and beautiful to take home.

7. Churches

You have to visit The Catedral del Cristo. The beautiful exterior is only a preview of how wonderful is inside.

8. Boat trips

From the beginning of June until the end of September you can take a boat from El Embarcadero. The trip will take you out of the Santander bay and will show you the beautiful coast and Cantabrian Sea.

9. Golf course

Go to the Santander Golf course and enjoy a pleasant game with a panoramic view over the sea. You only have to remember about the wind while you make your best swing!

10. Beautiful little towns near Santander .

Visit the most idilic little villages near Santander: Suances, San Vicente de la Barquera and Santoña are one of them!