Cabárceno Natural Park

Cabárceno Natural Park is a nature reserve and zoo situated in Penagos–17 kilometres south of Santander. Consisting of 750 hectares, the park is located in a former open-pit iron mine on a karstic landscape. It is home to animals such as brown bears, elephants, tigers, gorillas and lions–to name a few.

• Web:

  www.parquedecabarceno.com

• Address:

  Carretera Obregón, Obregón

• Phone:

  +34 942 56 37 36

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9:30am–6pm

Centro Botín

This first-rate arts centre was designed by Pulitzer Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano. The west block is dedicated to art, while the east block is for cultural and educational activities. The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of Santander and its Bay.

• Web:

  www.centrobotin.org

• E-mail:

  info@centrobotin.org

• Address:

  Muelle de Albareda, Paseo de Pereda, Santander

• Phone:

  +34 942 04 71 47

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Fri 10am–2pm / 4pm–8pm; Sat & Sun 10am–8pm

Club Náutico La Horadada

This yacht club on Playa de la Magdalena offers a wealth of water sports for the active beach-goer, including windsurfing, surfing, sailing, waterskiing, and canoeing. Courses in multiple water sporting activities are offered to beginners (from bodyboarding to kayaking).

• Web:

  www.clubnauticolahoradada.es

• E-mail:

  clubnauticolahoradada@gmail.com

• Address:

  Calle la Horadada 10, Santander

• Phone:

  +34 609 04 33 97

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 10am–6pm

Cuevas de Monte Castillo

Check out the magnificent caves at Puente Viesgo (24 kilometres from Santander), where stalactites and stalagmites stretch among incredible prehistoric paintings. The village itself is also worth a look around. Tours start at the visitor centre 1.5 kilometres above the village.

• Web:

  cuevas.culturadecantabria.com

• E-mail:

  redes@srecd.es

• Address:

  Puente Viesgo, Santander

• Subway:

  Buses run to Puente Viesgo from Santander’s main bus station.

Forestal Park

TirolinasGo Santander Forestal Park is an adventure park with fun outdoor activities located in a pretty setting in the woods. Here you can slide down 220-metre-long zip lines, cross some rope bridges and walkways, or simply enjoy an active day outdoors with different games and circuits available for the whole family.

• Web:

  www.tirolinasgo.com/santander

• E-mail:

  santander@tirolinasgo.com

• Address:

  Avenida del Faro, Santander

• Phone:

  +34 608 11 71 16

Funicular del Rio de la Pila

If you find yourself by Río de la Pila street, do take a quick (a mere 3 minutes) ride up on the funicular to the Mirador Río de la Pila, from where spectacular views over the city below and the ocean waters unfold. The ride is free of charge, and the elevator has a maximum capacity of 20 people.

• Address:

  Calle Río de la Pila 36, Santander

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6am–midnight