On the lookout for the best tours in Santander? This northern Spanish city offers several worthwhile options. I’m especially fond of the Picos De Europa and Potes Guided Tour – it’s a fantastic way to experience both dramatic mountain scenery and authentic Spanish village life. The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus works well for first-timers, efficiently connecting you to must-sees like the Maritime Museum without the hassle of navigation.
For history buffs, the combined Potes, Santillana, and Altamira tour is a winner, packing prehistoric cave art and medieval towns into one day. The private 4WD mountain tours offer more flexibility and personal attention, while food lovers shouldn’t skip the fascinating Anchovy Factory Tour – it’s a uniquely local experience you won’t find in guidebooks.
Let’s explore our favorite Santander tours in detail:
Key Points
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The Picos De Europa and Potes Guided Tour offers a full-day small-group experience with cable car rides, hikes, and visits to Potes and a historic monastery.
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The City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour provides convenient access to 10 key stops in Santander, with flexible cancellation and wheelchair accessibility.
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The Potes, Santillana, and Altamira Day Tour combines visits to picturesque towns and the Altamira Museum for a comprehensive cultural experience.
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The Kayak Excursion in the Bay of Santander and the Soplao Cave Excursion offer unique adventure and exploration opportunities with high customer ratings.
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The Gastronomic Tour from Santander provides an immersive experience, including an anchovy factory tour, vineyard visit, and pastry factory tour.
Picos De Europa and Potes Guided Tour From Santander
Although Santander offers easy access to the breathtaking Picos de Europa range, exploring this iconic Spanish destination can be daunting for first-time visitors. The Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour from Santander provides an excellent solution, delivering a full-day, small-group experience that showcases the area’s stunning natural beauty.
Highlights include a cable car ride offering exceptional views of the park’s dramatic peaks, a visit to the charming village of Potes, and a tour of the historical Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana.
Along the way, the expert guide leads short hikes and nature walks, ensuring memorable experiences even in adverse weather. Travelers consistently praise the tour’s stunning vistas and knowledgeable guides, though some note mixed experiences with transportation and group size.
Priced from $83.73, the tour offers year-round availability, with flexible cancellation policies and group discounts.
Pickup is provided from the centrally located Abba Santander Hotel, making it an accessible and convenient option for visitors to Santander.
Read our full review: Picos De Europa and Potes Guided Tour From Santander Review
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Santander: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
For visitors to Santander looking to explore the city’s top attractions at their own pace, the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a convenient and flexible option. Priced at $21.60 per person, the tour allows passengers to hop on and off at any of the 10 stops, which include highlights like the Museo Maritimo, Palacio de la Magdalena, and the 12th-century Gothic cathedral.
The tour also showcases stunning sea views and the city’s architectural beauty. Flexibility is a key feature, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later. The tour is wheelchair accessible and runs daily from 10 am to 7 pm, with departures every 35-40 minutes.
Upgrade options, such as a guided tour of Magdalena Palace and a round-trip train ticket, are available for a more comprehensive experience. With an overall rating of 4/5 based on 117 reviews, the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour provides a reliable and enjoyable way to discover Santander at one’s own pace.
Read our full review: Santander: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Review
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City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Offering visitors a convenient and flexible way to explore Santander’s top attractions, the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour allows passengers to hop on and off at any of the 10 designated stops.
The open-top, double-decker buses provide a 24-hour pass, with the full loop taking approximately 40 minutes. Audio guides in multiple languages enhance the sightseeing experience, while the frequent bus intervals minimize wait times.
The tour covers key landmarks like the Santander Cathedral, Cantabrian Maritime Museum, and Paseo Pereda, as well as scenic beaches and parks. Passengers can also access cultural sites, local markets, and shops along the route.
Online booking options and discounts for children and seniors make the tour accessible for all.
Although reviews are mixed, with some noting issues with bus availability, the overall experience is praised for its convenience, flexibility, and value for money.
With a full refund policy for timely cancellations, the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour provides an ideal way to discover Santander at one’s own pace.
Read our full review: City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Review
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From Santander: Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour
Departing from Santander, this day tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Cantabria’s picturesque inland towns and the renowned Altamira Museum. Priced from $40.11 per person, the tour provides a rundown of the region, with a duration of one day and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include the charming town of Potes, named the most beautiful inland village in Spain by Lonely Planet in 2020, and the medieval atmosphere of Santillana del Mar, with its stone houses and historic architecture.
The tour also includes a visit to the Altamira Museum, where visitors can explore the Palaeolithic cave art through a guided tour.
Transportation is provided via a low-emission bus, with pickup in Santander. The tour is led by a live guide fluent in Spanish and English, offering the opportunity to savor local Cantabrian cuisine.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on 17 reviews, this day tour promises an enjoyable and informative experience.
Read our full review: From Santander: Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour Review
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Full Day Private 4WD Tour From Santander to Picos De Europa. Excellent Meals.
Travelers seeking an immersive exploration of Cantabria’s stunning Picos de Europa region can embark on a full-day private 4WD tour from Santander. This exclusive excursion offers a blend of cultural, geological, and ethnographic interpretation, providing scenic views and wildlife observation opportunities.
The day includes meals at top local restaurants, emphasizing the region’s renowned cuisine. The tour includes snacks, finger food options, and a delectable lunch at a highly-rated eatery. The main meal location is determined by availability and client preferences.
Guests can expect a guided route featuring cultural insights and natural attractions. Pickup is available from Santander airport, hotels, or other nearby locations, with the option to start from Bilbao as well.
This personalized experience ensures accessibility, with stroller and infant seat options, and service animals permitted. Booking changes and refunds are handled with flexibility, and customer support is available for any inquiries.
Read our full review: Full Day Private 4WD Tour From Santander to Picos De Europa. Excellent Meals. Review
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Santander: Guided Tour by Electric Bike
For those eager to explore Santander from a unique perspective, the Santander: Guided Tour by Electric Bike offers an exhilarating way to discover the city’s highlights.
This 3-hour tour, priced from €50 per person, allows up to 6 participants to effortlessly navigate Santander’s streets and landmarks on electric bikes. Accompanied by an official, accredited guide, the tour takes riders to must-see sights like the Cathedral, Church of Christ, and Porticada Square, as well as the picturesque Centro Botín, Jardines de Pereda, and beaches of Sardinero.
Riders can also admire the Disco de Gamazo, Palacio de la Magdalena, and Faro de Cabo Mayor. With equipment like helmets, padlocks, and reflective vests provided, participants can focus on the panoramic experience of exploring the city primarily via bike lanes.
Rated 4.9/5 based on 7 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for an active and engaging way to see Santander’s top attractions.
Read our full review: Santander: Guided Tour by Electric Bike Review
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Full Day Private 4WD Tour From Bilbao to Picos De Europa. Fine Meals.
Those seeking an immersive adventure in the breathtaking Picos de Europa National Park can embark on a full-day private 4WD tour from Bilbao.
This guided tour focuses on local culture and cuisine, with opportunities to savor tapas, beverages, and full meals. Private transportation is provided throughout the tour, and hotel pickup in Bilbao is included.
The tour includes a tasting of snacks and finger foods, a lunch at a top local restaurant, and a selection of pinchos and tapas at various locations. Alcoholic beverages are also included, and the Fuente De cable car tickets and entrance fees are covered.
Multiple pickup points are available, and the tour starts at 9:00 AM with flexible arrangements for specific requests.
This is an exclusively private tour, ensuring a personalized service. Operated by Northern Spain Private Tours, the tour is designed for most travelers and features a clear cancellation policy, with a full refund available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Full Day Private 4WD Tour From Bilbao to Picos De Europa. Fine Meals. Review
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From Santander: Santillana Del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour
Visitors exploring Santander can embark on a captivating 4.5-hour tour that combines the medieval charm of Santillana del Mar with the remarkable Altamira Museum. Priced from $63.76 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience, with pickup from your accommodation in Santander and an expert guide to lead the way.
In Santillana del Mar, you’ll explore the 12th-century Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a Romanesque gem, and wander the town’s cobbled streets, admiring the medieval houses, towers, and palaces. Afterward, you’ll have free time to shop or enjoy refreshments.
The tour then takes you to the Altamira Museum and Research Center, home to the “Sistine Chapel of Rock Art.” Here, you’ll tour the Neo-cave, a replica of the original Altamira Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With a 4.8/5 rating based on 67 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Santander.
Read our full review: From Santander: Santillana Del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour Review
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Kayak Excursion Through the Bay of Santander.
Setting out on a kayak excursion through the scenic Bay of Santander provides visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural splendor of this coastal region.
The experience, which has an overall 5.0-star rating based on 2 reviews, offers a guided tour that highlights historical insights and local details. The starting price of $31.40 is competitive, and the value includes the guided tour and necessary equipment.
For inquiries, visitors can check the Viator Help Centre, using the product code 358075P1. The Help Center provides FAQs and contact options to ensure user-friendly support.
Reviewers praised the safety and attentiveness of the monitors, who prioritize participant well-being throughout the tour. They also suggested improvements for the kayak dismount process to enhance overall safety.
The excursion allows for enjoyable group participation, with the opportunity to observe notable wildlife and natural beauty, including the unique encounter with coconuts.
With established emergency protocols and regularly checked equipment, the kayak tour through the Bay of Santander promises a memorable and safe adventure.
Read our full review: Kayak Excursion Through the Bay of Santander. Review
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From Santander or Torrelavega: Soplao Cave Excursion
For those seeking a more immersive exploration of Cantabria’s natural wonders, the excursion to the Soplao Cave offers a captivating underground adventure. Priced at €65.00 per person, this 4.5-5 hour tour departs from Santander or Torrelavega, transporting visitors by private minivan to the magnificent cave system.
Along the way, guests will enjoy a photo stop at the Mirador de Pechón, taking in scenic views of the Cantabrian countryside and sea.
Once at the cave, a 75-minute guided tour immerses participants in the cave’s remarkable geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and cave pearls. The bilingual guide provides in-depth commentary on the cave’s history and discovery in the early 20th century.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 24 reviews, this tour is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable underground adventure during their time in Santander. The tour includes round-trip transportation, cave entrance fees, and liability insurance, making it an excellent value for money.
Read our full review: From Santander or Torrelavega: Soplao Cave Excursion Review
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Private Puente Viesgo Caves Full-Day Tour From Santander
Exploring the captivating caves of Puente Viesgo is a must-do adventure for visitors to Santander. This private full-day tour from Santander takes you on an 8-hour journey to discover the region’s rich archaeological and geological wonders.
The tour includes pickup service from your Santander hotel and visits to Cueva el Castillo, Cueva las Monedas, and replicas of the renowned Altamira caves. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the Valles Pasiegos mountains, with opportunities to photograph the breathtaking natural landscape.
Guided by knowledgeable experts, you’ll explore the history and significance of these UNESCO-designated caves, home to impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and prehistoric art dating back 37,000 years.
The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, and you can even explore the picturesque village of Santillana del Mar.
With a cancellation policy allowing full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour, this experience is a must-book for those seeking an immersive adventure into Cantabria’s captivating past.
Read our full review: Private Puente Viesgo Caves Full-Day Tour From Santander Review
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From Santander: Gastronomic Tour
Visitors seeking to enjoy the gastronomic delights of Cantabria can embark on a captivating 9.5-hour tour from Santander. Priced from SEK 1,381 per person, the small-group experience is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized journey.
The tour kicks off with a departure from Santander at 9:15 AM, followed by a visit to the fishing village of Santoña, renowned for its anchovy manufacturing. Participants will then tour an anchovy factory, learning the preparation methods behind this local delicacy.
Next, the group will venture to Bodegas Vidular, a vineyard, to explore the production of white wines and enjoy a tasting session. After a lunch stop in the Pasiego Valleys, the tour culminates with a visit to Sobaos Joselín, the largest sobao-pastry factory, where travelers can sample these traditional sweets.
With hotel pickup, private transport, and an English-speaking guide, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cantabria’s gastronomic treasures.
Read our full review: From Santander: Gastronomic Tour Review
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Santander: Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour
Departing from Santander, this 9-hour day tour immerses visitors in the captivating natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Liébana region.
The tour begins with a visit to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, home to the Lignum Crucis, a significant Christian relic. Guests then have the option to ascend the Picos de Europa mountains via a 4-minute cable car ride to an elevation of 1,823 meters, offering panoramic vistas.
After free time to enjoy the views, lunch, or optional horseback riding, the tour continues to the picturesque town of Potes, known for its cobbled streets and Torre del Infantado.
Throughout the journey, a knowledgeable guide shares insights, and comfortable transportation is provided. With small group availability, free cancellation, and the ability to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers a convenient and immersive experience for exploring the highlights of the Santander region.
Read our full review: Santander: Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour Review
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Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip
After discovering the rich cultural heritage of Liébana, the tour now shifts its focus to the picturesque town of Santoña. Visitors can enjoy the local anchovy industry with the Santoña Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip.
This 4.5-hour experience includes a scenic drive, a visit to the Conservas Lavin anchovy factory, and a one-hour boat trip along the bay.
The tour offers insights into the production of the region’s renowned anchovies, as well as the opportunity to admire the stunning natural surroundings, including the marshes of Santoña, Vitoria, and Joel.
Participants can also spot diverse birdlife during the boat excursion to the El Caballo lighthouse. With pickup and drop-off included, as well as a professional guide, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to explore Santoña’s history and culture.
Customer reviews highlight the tour’s excellent value, organization, and service, making it a must-do activity for those visiting Santander.
Read our full review: Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip Review
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From Santander: Cantabria Private Tour
This private tour from Santander offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the stunning Cantabrian region.
Priced from $473.04 per group (up to 4 people), the 9-hour excursion allows visitors to choose from various personalized routes, including the Eastern Coast, Western Coast, Picos de Europa & Potes, or the Pasiego Valleys and Liérganes.
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation in a 9-seater van, and a knowledgeable guide who speaks multiple languages.
Entrance fees are covered, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, though not suitable for those with mobility impairments.
With an overall rating of 4/5 based on 4 reviews, customers praise the value for money, safety, service, and organization.
Some note translation challenges, but the positive feedback suggests an enjoyable and well-executed experience.
Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes and plan their route with the assistance provided.
Read our full review: From Santander: Cantabria Private Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Get to Santander From Other Major Cities?
Travelers can reach Santander from other major cities by air, train, or bus. Flights connect Santander to many hubs, while high-speed trains and long-distance buses provide overland options. The city’s convenient transportation links make it accessible from across Spain and beyond.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Santander?
The best time to visit Santander is during the summer months of June through August when the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, the city can be enjoyed year-round with its mild climate.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Tours?
Many tour providers in Santander offer discounts and packages to attract visitors. Some common deals include combo tickets for multiple attractions, group discounts, and seasonal promotions. It’s worth checking with individual tour companies to see what savings are available.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Interests?
Yes, many tour operators allow you to customize the itinerary to suit your interests. This gives you more flexibility to focus on the sights and activities that most appeal to you, enhancing your overall tour experience.
What Are the Transportation Options for Getting Around Santander?
There are several transportation options for getting around Santander, including public buses, taxis, and rental cars. Many travelers prefer to use public transportation or taxis to avoid the hassle of driving and parking in the city.
The Sum Up
Santander offers a variety of engaging tours that showcase the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. From guided excursions to the Picos de Europa mountains and picturesque towns like Potes, to hop-on hop-off city tours and gastronomic experiences, there’s something for every traveler. These tours provide an excellent way to explore the diverse attractions and unique character of Cantabria.