Have you had the “bad” luck of experiencing a rainy day in Santander or Cantabria?

If you’re on vacation in Cantabria, it’s not unusual to encounter a rain day in Santander and Cantabria. While it’s less common in the summer, during the spring and autumn seasons, rain is a significant factor to consider in this part of Spain.

In summer, you might experience light rain or short showers alongside thunderstorms. Late autumn and winter can bring more challenging weather conditions, known as “temporales,” which involve strong winds, rain, and cold temperatures lasting several days. In spring or early summer, you may also encounter periods of light rain that can last for several days.

On average, it rains in Santander and Cantabria about 170 days a year, so it’s a good idea to pack an umbrella in your bag (along with some sunglasses, of course).

If you’re reading this article, it’s likely because you’ve found yourself on a rainy day in Santander and aren’t quite sure what to do beyond buying an umbrella and taking walks in the rain. Let us help with some alternatives in Santander and Cantabria!

1- Visit museums in Santander

One of the best options on a rainy day in Santander is to visit some of the museums that the capital of Cantabria has to offer.

In case you are passionate about art, we highly recommend the Centro Botín. Its exterior architecture is worth seeing, as are its temporary exhibitions.

If you’re more interested in the sea, check out the Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico (MMC). It provides an excellent showcase of Santander’s maritime relationship and features a surprising aquarium with specimens from the Cantabrian Sea.

You can find more information about the Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico in our Activities section.

For history enthusiasts, you have the option to visit the Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria (Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria) or explore a relic from the Spanish Civil War, the Antiaerial Shelter, located in the city center.

You can also visit the Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo de Santander y Cantabria (MAS) (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Santander and Cantabria).

Soon, the Bank Santander Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum in Santander will also open their doors.

2- Go on a pinchos and bar crawl

On a rainy day, one of the locals’ favorite options is to head to bars for eating and drinking. Why not do the same?

We recommend starting your route at “El Mercado del Este,” where you’ll find various bars sheltered from the rain, offering a chance to try different pinchos and even local cheeses.

Once you’re done there, you can visit other bars, such as those recommended in our “Bars in Santander and Cantabria” section.

3- Enjoy the cultural options in the city

A great plan could be to enjoy ballet, classical music, theater, or even opera at the Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria. Make sure to check the schedule to find something that suits your tastes.

You can also enjoy a movie, with some theaters offering original versions (subtitled in Spanish). We recommend checking out Cines Groucho, Cine Los Ángeles, and Filmoteca Cantabria.

4- Go shopping on a rainy day in Santander

A good option on a rainy day is to take advantage of the weather and go shopping. There are many great stores in the city center, but be prepared to get wet while visiting them.

You have the option to visit large shopping malls, which offer shelter and heating in winter and air conditioning in summer. They are easily accessible by car or public transport, as we mentioned in our “During Your Stay” section.

We especially recommend “El Corte Inglés” which offers the best selection of both international brands and local products. You can buy clothing, electronics, books, music, home goods, and food. It is easily accessible by municipal bus.

Another option is the shopping center “Valle Real” which also offers a great selection of more budget-friendly stores. It is very easy to access by train and is conveniently located close to Santander Airport.

5- Visit a cave

When we talk about Cantabria, we talk about nature. A great plan on a rainy day is to visit a cave, where you definitely won’t get wet!

For these trips, you’ll need a car as they are far from Santander.

We recommend visiting Cueva El Soplao, which we’ve mentioned in our Activities section.

You should also consider visiting the Cueva de Las Monedas, the Cueva del Monte Castillo, Cueva Chufín, or Cueva El Pendo.

Finally, if you’re interested in history, you might want to consider the replica of the Altamira Cave.

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5 things to do in Santander (Spain) on a rainy day

Have you had the “bad” luck of experiencing a rainy day in Santander or Cantabria?

1- Visit museums in Santander

2- Go on a pinchos and bar crawl

3- Enjoy the cultural options in the city

4- Go shopping on a rainy day in Santander

5- Visit a cave

Do you need more information about Santander or Cantabria?

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