Updated May 2026 · Written by the Hostal La Mexicana team
Santander sits on a peninsula in Cantabria, in northern Spain, with the bay on the south side and the Cantabrian Sea to the north. The city centre is small and walkable: from Hostal La Mexicana on C/ Juan de Herrera, you can reach most highlights in under 15 minutes on foot. The main exception is the Cabo Mayor lighthouse, which requires a bus or taxi. Here is the essential list for a first-time visit.
Centro Botín — the flagship cultural landmark
Designed by Renzo Piano and opened in June 2017, Centro Botín is built partly over the bay of Santander, suspended between the Jardines de Pereda and the water on ceramic-clad piloti. It is one of the most ambitious contemporary buildings in Spain and the centrepiece of the city's cultural regeneration. The interior hosts rotating temporary exhibitions of international calibre; the upper walkway is free to access and offers one of the best views of the bay. From Hostal La Mexicana: 8 minutes on foot down towards the waterfront.
Paseo de Pereda — the bay promenade
Running along the southern edge of the city, Paseo de Pereda is the main seafront boulevard. Along it you'll find the Pereda Building (future home of Faro Santander, opening autumn 2026), the Stone Crane — a 1900 harbour crane now a listed monument — and the Palacete del Embarcadero, a 1931 royal landing stage now used as an exhibition hall. The walk from the city centre to Puertochico along Paseo de Pereda takes about 10–12 minutes.
MUPAC — prehistoric art in the city centre
The Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria (MUPAC) occupies the basement of the Mercado del Este, a restored 19th-century market building 5 minutes from the hostal. The permanent collection covers the Palaeolithic through to the Middle Ages with original portable art pieces and high-fidelity reproductions of cave paintings from El Castillo, Altamira and La Garma. Entry is free on Sunday afternoons from 17:00. See the MUPAC guide for hours and prices.
The Cathedral and old town
Santander's Cathedral, on C/ Somorrostro, is a double church — a 13th-century lower crypt church (Iglesia del Cristo) topped by a 14th-century upper nave rebuilt after the 1941 fire that destroyed much of the old city. The surrounding streets — C/ Alta, Calle del Sol, the Barrio Pesquero — retain the character of the pre-fire city and are pleasant for a short wander. From the hostal: 6 minutes on foot.
La Magdalena peninsula — the most beautiful walk in the city
La Magdalena peninsula is the defining landscape feature of Santander. The Palacio de la Magdalena, designed in 1909–1911 by Javier González de Riancho and given to King Alfonso XIII as a summer residence, stands on a hill with 270-degree views of the bay and the open sea. The perimeter walk around the peninsula is 3–4 km and takes about an hour, passing mini-zoo enclosures and sea-view benches. The palace itself can be visited on guided tours. From Puertochico: 15 minutes on foot.
El Sardinero beaches
Primera and Segunda del Sardinero are the two main urban beaches — fine sand, Blue Flag, facilities. They are about 5 km from the city centre, a pleasant 1h 15 min walk along the seafront, or a short ride on TUS bus line 4. The Gran Casino building (1916, now mostly a nightclub and events venue) and the surrounding belle époque architecture define the neighbourhood's character. Best in late afternoon on a clear day.
Puertochico — where the city meets the sea
Puertochico is the small marina between the city centre and La Magdalena. The neighbourhood retains more of the old Santander atmosphere than the rebuilt centre — lower buildings, a working harbour feel, seafront terraces with views of the moored boats. It is one of the most photographed corners of the city in low light. From the hostal: 7 minutes on foot.
Cabo Mayor lighthouse — the furthest plan from the centre
The Cabo Mayor lighthouse (1839, the first lighthouse in Spain) stands on the northern cliffs 6 km from the city centre. Since 2006 it has housed the Cabo Mayor Art Centre with a unique permanent collection; since May 2025 guided tours access the tower and a 360° terrace over the Cantabrian Sea. Requires a bus or taxi; worth a half-day trip if the weather is clear. See the lighthouse guide for details.
Key attractions at a glance
| Attraction | Distance from hostal | Entry | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centro Botín | 8 min on foot | €8–12 (exhibitions vary) | 1–2 h |
| MUPAC | 5 min on foot | €6 (free Sun pm) | 1–1.5 h |
| Cathedral | 6 min on foot | Free (guided tour extra) | 30 min |
| Paseo de Pereda + Stone Crane | 6 min on foot | Free | 45 min |
| Puertochico | 7 min on foot | Free | 30 min |
| La Magdalena (palace exterior) | 20 min on foot | Free (exterior) | 1–2 h |
| El Sardinero beaches | Bus line 4 or 75 min walk | Free | 2–4 h |
| Cabo Mayor lighthouse | Bus line 7 or taxi (15 min) | Varies | Half day |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction in Santander?
Centro Botín — the Renzo Piano building above the bay — is the most-visited cultural landmark. Combined with the 5 km seafront walk to El Sardinero, it forms the essential itinerary for a first visit. Entry to the upper walkway is free; exhibitions are ticketed.
How many days do you need to visit Santander?
Two full days cover the main highlights: day one for the centre (MUPAC, Cathedral, Paseo de Pereda, Centro Botín, Puertochico), day two for the bay walk to La Magdalena and Sardinero. A third day opens up the Cabo Mayor lighthouse, Faro Santander or a day trip to Santillana del Mar (30 km).
Is Santander easy to visit without a car?
Yes. The city centre, MUPAC, Centro Botín, Puertochico and La Magdalena are all walkable from the centre. Sardinero is on bus line 4. Cabo Mayor requires bus line 7 or a taxi. See the no-car guide for full details.