Are you looking for a getaway from Santander far from the crowds of tourists to visit unusual sites?
So, get ready to discover some off-the-beaten-path tours near Santander. Explore a region with little tourism yet full of wonders that can be visited very easily from Santander.
Indeed, from this town in the north ofSpain, you have access to preserved nature and spectacular landscapes that will not fail to amaze you. Whether you are a fan of hiking, unusual sites or history, this off-the-beaten-track itinerary has many surprises in store for you.
Off the beaten track tour from Santander
This summer I discovered part of the Castilla y Leon region, particularly the provinces of Palencia, Burgos and León, which I loved!
I visited it with an itinerary that allows you to discover the historical, cultural and natural richness of this beautiful region, while savoring the local gastronomy.
To make things easier for you, here on Google maps is the tourist circuit that I did from Santander for unusual visits far from mass tourism:
5-7 day off-the-beaten-track itinerary
Here is in detail the off-the-beaten-track itinerary to do from Santander in 5, 6 or 7 days:
Day 1: Visit to Santander
- Start your day with a walk along the bay of Santander.
- Head to the Botín Center, a contemporary art center designed by architect Renzo Piano.
- Then, stroll through the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) and its picturesque medieval streets.
- For lunch, try El Riojano Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and traditional Cantabrian cuisine.
- Visit Santander Cathedral, whose origins date back to the 13th century.
- Next, visit the majestic Magdalena Palace, former summer residence of the Spanish royal family.
- End your day with a walk on El Sardinero beach.
- Recommended restaurant for the last evening: El Serbal, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative cuisine based on local products.
- Night at the hotel: Hotel Rhin Garden. This hotel is ideally located to enjoy the most beautiful beach in Santander and also very close to the center.
Day 2: Mirador de Covalruyo – Monumento Natural de Ojo Guareña
- Leave Santander and the Cantabrian coast behind and head inland to explore the hidden gems of Castile and León.
- First stop at the Mirador de Covalruyo, offering panoramic views of the Valderredible valley.
- Continue to the Monumento Natural de Ojo Guareña, one of the largest karst complexes in Europe.
This site represents more than 110 km of explored galleries spread over 6 different levels. Around 400 caves are interconnected over an area of 18 km².
The site was continuously inhabited from the Middle Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. The oldest traces date back 70 years. In addition, cave paintings dating back more than 000 years have been discovered.
- Visit the Ermita de San Tirso y San Bernabé. Remember to book online on the official website: cuevaojoguarena.com/entradas
- Return journey to San Martin de Perapertu and overnight at Casa Rural Piedra Abierta.
Day 3: Barruelo Mine and Monasterio de Santa Maria la Real
- Start your day by driving to Barruelo De Santullán near the hotel.
- Visit the reconstructed mine and witness to the mining history of the region. The museum in the small village of Barruelo also offers a fascinating insight into the harsh life of miners in the 19th century.
- Take the road towards Aguilar de Campoo.
- At midday, take a lunch break at the La Posada de Santa María la Real restaurant, located in the old monastery.
- In the afternoon, visit the Monastery of Santa Maria la Real, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages:
The monastery was built in the 13th century, shortly after the Catholic reconquest of Majorca. More precisely, its construction began in 1266 at the initiative of Abbot Poblet, to respond to the wishes of the King of Aragon. The name "Santa María la Real" refers to the place where Jaume I's troops camped during the battle against the Muslims during the reconquest.
The cloister is a central element of the monastery, with at its center a statue of Ramón Llull, a famous 1265th-century philosopher and teacher who lived in the monastery from 1269 to XNUMX.
The visit ends with a sound and light show in the heart of the church.
- Night in San Martin de Perapertu: Casa Rural Piedra Abierta.
Day 4: Las Tuerces – Cañón de la Horadada
- Start with a visit to Aguilar de Campoo, a medieval town known for its 14th century castle.
- Continue your journey to Villaescusa de Las Torres.
- Hike Las Tuerces, a unique karst landscape with spectacular panoramic views. See instructions on: LABERINTO DE LAS TUERCES
- Then explore the Cañón de la Horadada, a spectacular gorge carved by the Pisuerga River.
- The Horadada Canyon is an impressive gorge of karst origin sculpted by the Pisuerga River.
- You can go up to the viewpoint and then go back for a hike in these beautiful landscapes.
- Park the car at the exit of Mave, on the road that connects it to Olleros de Pisuerga, there is a vertical sign that says Horadada canyon and a parking lot.
- From there you can take a nice hike. See details on Horadada Canyon.
- End the day in Olleros de Pisuerga to visit the rock church of Saints Justo y Pastor.
This church, often called the “Cathedral of the Stone”, is carved into the rock. It has a barrel vault and columns that imitate the Romanesque style. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages and it is surrounded by impressive natural landscapes, which makes it an unusual and unmissable place to visit!
- Return and overnight in San Martin de Perapertu: Casa Rural Piedra Abierta
Day 5: Return to Santander
- Take the road to make the way back to Santander.
- Make a stop in Reinosa to visit the source of the Ebro, Spain's most important river.
- In Santander, take advantage of your last evening to taste pintxos in the lively Cañadío district.
- Night atHotel Rhin Garden.
Tour ideas for days 6 and 7 near Santander
Use these two days to deepen your discovery of the surroundings of Santander. Here are some ideas for off-the-beaten-track visits:
- Take a trip to Cabo Mayor lighthouse to enjoy spectacular views of the coast.
- Dive into the crystal clear waters of the El Puntal beach, explore the picturesque village of Santillana del Mar and visit the impressive Altamira Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the Las Natural Park Marshes of Santoña, Victoria y Joyel, a true paradise for lovers of ornithology and nature walks.
- Visit the nature reserve of dunes of Liancres, where you can lose yourself in breathtaking dune landscapes. Located around 30 minutes from Santander, this park is famous for its magnificent beaches, including Valdearenas and Canallave, as well as its dune system, the largest in northern Spain. It is an ideal place for surfing and seaside walks.
- Or spend your 2 days in the Picos de Europa Natural Park located approximately 2 hours drive from Santander. This park offers spectacular mountainous landscapes, with peaks exceeding 2500 meters above sea level. There you can go on superb hikes and observe local wildlife such as chamois and vultures.
- Visit the Altamira caves, famous for their cave paintings dating from the Paleolithic period. Although the original is closed to the public, a faithful reproduction allows you to admire these works which are more than 14 years old.