Santander Local Attractions

You can see most of the city attractions by foot. We have mapped out a route to ensure that you don't miss anything of this beautiful city.

The buildings and landmarks in Santander run from the City Hall to Puerto Chico. It is best to start your tour at the Plaza del Generalísimo which is just opposite the modernist style City Hall which fronts the busy Esperanza market. From the north side of the market you can see San Francisco Church. Head down Cervantes Street to the Fine Arts Museum and the Biblioteca y Casa-Museo Menéndez Pelayo in Rubio Street which is the former home and now museum and library of the famous writer. By heading down Jesús de Monasterio Street and Avenida de Calvo Sotelo you come to Plaza de Alfonso XIII and the Cathedral with La Cripta del Cristo(Christ's Crypt).

In the north of the city you will find Paseo de Pereda which is lined with beautiful buildings and the Iglesia de la Anunciación which dates from the 17th century and is now Banco Santander's headquarters. Walk through the arch of this building into the Calle Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola and the Ensanche district which is where the city first grew beyond the old walls. Here is the Plaza de José Antonio with the impressive Casa Pombo or the building known as Botín's Arches, and Santa Lucía Church next to Plaza de Cañadío.

By heading east to return to Paseo de Pereda you will find all the new buildings of Santander. The beautiful Plaza de Matías Montero is close to the Regional Historical and Archaeological Museum, and by crossing back over to the dockside you arrive at Castelar Street which is one of the prettiest in Santander. Finally you will reach Puerto Chico with its dock and the Real Club Marítimo (Royal Yacht Club).

If you are planning to explore the area outside of the city centre and play some golf or go to some of the more out of the way beaches then you might consider hiring a car. There are a number of car hire firms based at Santander Airport who will be pleased to have a vehicle awaiting your arrival. This also cuts down on transfer costs for you and your family.

We also provide information on other sporting and leisure amenities in Santander including an Area Guide to Santander which contains information on Santander local attractions, golf courses in Santander, the best places to shop in Santander, Santander market days and where the best Santander beaches are. We have also included a list of recommended Santander restaurants.