Top 8 food & drink things to do in Cantabria

1. Guided walking tour of Santoña with anchovy tasting

Two hours of walking through central Santoña — historic murals, notable landmarks, and tasting anchovy skewers paired with local drinks at three stops.

2. Tour of Santoña's fishing port and Anchovy Museum

Two-hour guided tour of Santoña's fishing port, Anchovy Museum, and product tasting.

3. Laredo: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of its Seaside and Old Town

Laredo’s compact old quarter still resembles the medieval Castilian port that protected merchants and sailors from pirates raiding the northern coast. On this walking tour, you’ll follow streets that once connected the walled centre with the working port below, and discover how this strategic harbor town evolved from a fortified enclosure into a seaside destination. This circular tour starts and ends at Pisuco Salvé guesthouse on Calle Ruamayor, the medieval main street where carts were loaded with wool, iron, and wine bound for Flanders. You’ll pass through sections of the outer wall, now integrated into modern buildings, and descend through the Puerta de San Lorenzo, where the walled town gave way to expansion and growth.

4. Tour of Santoña Anchovy Factory with tasting

Two-hour factory tour in Santoña — observe anchovy production and enjoy a tasting of gourmet anchovies, tuna, and anchovies in vinegar.

“I highly recommend both the experience and the products. I'm grateful to Olga for allowing us to tour the factory and for introducing us to Sole, who made us feel right at home during our visit. Thank you!”— 811miguelangeli

5. Private wine tasting tour at Miradorio Bodega in Santillana del Mar

Two hours, private tour — taste handcrafted wines at Miradorio Bodega, with sweeping views and rich history.

6. Anchovy factory tour and Santoña Marshes visit

Half-day tour exploring Santoña’s marshes and canning factory, including a tasting of anchovy products.

“The information provided at the meeting point and in the marshes was both fascinating and engaging. The factory tour was also enjoyable. All the guides were excellent.”— maryrD9113HS

7. Guided tasting tour of Santoña anchovies

Two hours in a local cannery — an interactive video, custom explanation, and tasting of anchovies with vermouth or wine.

“This experience felt like a scam. You're placed in a room to watch a video and see virtually nothing. The entire thing only takes half an hour, and the real aim seems to be pushing their anchovies for sale, making the visit feel pointless.”— herm7828

8. Cantabria wine tasting tour at a local distillery

Two hours at a small distillery—wine cellar, barrels, and tastings of local wines, cheeses, and gourmet spreads.

“The pastry had too much cheese and the filling was extremely rare, which felt quite unusual. Overall, it did not leave me wanting to return.”— yannickt681