You can visit the Cabárceno Nature Reserve to see tigers, deer and giraffes up close and enjoy spectacular views from the cable car.
If you want to go deeper into nature, you can also go up to the Cabo Mayor lighthouse viewpoint, with a unique perspective of the coast. The route can be done on foot to contemplate the imposing cliffs.
The reconstruction of the historic area, a journey back in time
Strolling through its streets, on any of our free tours, you can admire the buildings that the royals used as a place of rest during the summer. Among them is the majestic Palacio de la Magdalena, responsible for the fame Santander achieved among the aristocracy.
Barely a few remains of the old part of the city remain and some religious buildings, such as the cathedral, have been rebuilt. The terrible fire left a large part of its heritage in ruins in 1941.
It was a disaster that would mark this municipality forever. However, Santander did not collapse and managed to rise from the ashes with even more strength. For this reason, many of the monuments that today inhabit its old quarter are relatively recent, such as the iconic Plaza Porticada.
Santander is also home to its more modern side, reflected to perfection in the Botín Centre, the work of architect and Pritzker Prize winner Renzo Piano. The main mission of this facility is artistic research, training and dissemination.
Straight from the sea to the palate
The maritime route of the Paseo de Pereda, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, goes from the Puertochico neighbourhood to the Post Office Building, one of the survivors of the flames. You can admire the statues of Los Raqueros and take a boat trip around the bay or some of its nearby spots such as Somo or Puntal beach.
Activities in Santander also include its fabulous gastronomy with the smell of saltpetre. The best place to try some rabas or fried squid is, without a doubt, the fishing quarter.
The Esperanza market is another place to find the best fresh fish and seafood or the region's popular anchovies.
Nearby visits from Santander beyond Cabárceno
In addition to its cultural agenda and events such as the Baños de Ola, a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, there are other nearby destinations worth visiting if you are in this corner of Cantabria.
We can travel to Potes, Santillana del Mar and Altamira and visit three of the region's emblematic places in the same day by booking our excursions.
Another essential trip is a visit to Comillas to discover Gaudí's Capricho, one of the most surprising modernist constructions in northern Spain.
Admiring the impressive central massif of the Picos de Europa, one of the most important protected areas in Spain, or following in the footsteps of the Camino Lebaniego in the Monastery of Santo Toribio, are other alternatives not to be missed near the capital of Cantabria.
And if you want to see the Santina and complete your stay with a spiritual experience in a privileged setting, then the Lakes of Covadonga and Cangas de Onís are the perfect opportunity to put the finishing touch to your stay in Santander.
