The best museums in Cantabria in September 2025

These are the top 50 best museums in Cantabria, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Cantabria, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Cantabria.

Looking for the best museums in Cantabria? These are the best ones:

  1. El Soplao Cave1

    El Soplao Cave

     Celis
    El Soplao is a cave situated in the municipalities of Rionansa, Valdáliga, and Herrerías in Cantabria, Spain. This location is known for its unique geological formations, making it a point of interest for those interested in geology and natural wonders.
  2. El Capricho de Gaudí2

    El Capricho de Gaudí

     Comillas
  3. Cabarceno Natural Park3

    Cabarceno Natural Park

     Villaescusa
    Cabárceno Natural Park, located in the town of Penagos, Spain, is a unique combination of a zoo and nature reserve. It is situated just 17 kilometres south of Santander, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. The park offers a unique opportunity to observe a variety of animal species in semi-captive conditions, within a naturalised space reclaimed from former open-pit mines.
  4. Centro Botín4

    Centro Botín

     Santander
  5. Embarcadero Palace5

    Embarcadero Palace

     Santander
    El Palacete del Embarcadero is a significant building located in the city of Santander, in the region of Cantabria, Spain. This architectural gem is a part of the city's rich history and cultural heritage, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
  6. National Museum and Research Center of Altamira6

    National Museum and Research Center of Altamira

     Santillana del Mar
    Visitors to the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira can participate in prehistoric technology workshops, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the tools and techniques used by early humans. The museum also hosts a permanent exhibition, 'Times of Altamira', which showcases objects not only from the Altamira cave but also from other palaeolithic caves in the Cantabria region.
  7. Vital Alsar7

    Vital Alsar

     Santander
    Vital Alsar Ramírez was a renowned sailor and scientist known for his extremely long sailing expeditions. His life was deeply intertwined with nature and the sea, and his adventures have left a significant mark on the world of sailing. Visitors interested in maritime history and exploration will find his story fascinating.
  8. Tower of Infantado8

    Tower of Infantado

     Potes
    Today, the Tower of Infantado serves as an exhibition center, showcasing various displays that reflect its rich history. Recognized as a Site of Cultural Interest since 1985, it offers visitors a unique insight into the region's past.
  9. Ecomuseum Fluviarium of Liérganes9

    Ecomuseum Fluviarium of Liérganes

     Liérganes
  10. Santillana Zoo10

    Santillana Zoo

     Santillana del Mar
    Santillana Zoo, also known as El Zoológico y Parque Cuaternario de Santillana del Mar, is a six-hectare zoo located in the municipality of Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, Spain. It is a privately initiated and managed institution, founded by José Ignacio Pardo de Santayana in 1977. The zoo is easily accessible as it is situated at the entrance of Santillana on the Puente San Miguel road.
  11. Trasmiera Ecopark11

    Trasmiera Ecopark

     Arnuero
    The Trasmiera Ecopark is not just about the natural environment, but also about the rich cultural heritage of the region. The ecopark includes centers that showcase the diverse cultural aspects associated with the four towns that make up the municipality - Castillo Siete Villas, Isla, Soano, and Arnuero. Each town contributes its unique cultural elements to the overall experience of the ecopark.
  12. Museum of Torture12

    Museum of Torture

     Santillana del Mar
    The Museum of Torture, located in the picturesque town of Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, is a unique historical site. It houses an extensive collection of over fifty original torture and capital punishment instruments. These artifacts, which originate from Europe, span a period from the 15th to the 19th centuries. This provides a fascinating, albeit grim, insight into the methods of punishment used in the past.
  13. Julióbriga Roman City and Domus Museum13

    Julióbriga Roman City and Domus Museum

     Campoo de Enmedio
    The site of Juliobriga is traditionally associated with the ruins found in the village of Retortillo and its Villafría district, located in the municipality of Campoo de Enmedio. These ruins provide a tangible connection to the past, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of this once significant Roman city.
  14. Museo De La Naturaleza De Cantabria14

    Museo De La Naturaleza De Cantabria

     Cabezón de la Sal
    The Museo de la Naturaleza de Cantabria is situated in an 18th-century mansion in the Cantabrian village of Carrejo. This location is just 1.5 kilometers away from Cabezón de la Sal, Spain. The museum's location in a historical building adds a unique charm to the visitor's experience.
  15. Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria15

    Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria

     Santander
    The Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria (MUPAC) is a unique institution that specializes in prehistoric archaeology. It also houses collections from the ancient and medieval world, offering a comprehensive view of human history. Visitors can explore a wide range of artifacts and exhibits that span different periods and civilizations.
  16. Museo Etnográfico de Cantabria16

    Museo Etnográfico de Cantabria

     Camargo
  17. Marquis of Valdecilla Museum17

    Marquis of Valdecilla Museum

     Medio Cudeyo
  18. Palacio de Elsedo en Liérganes18

    Palacio de Elsedo en Liérganes

     La Herrán
    The Elsedo Palace, also known as the Palace of the Counts of Torrehermosa, is a Spanish rural palace from the 18th century. It is located in the town of Pámanes, within the municipality of Liérganes, in Cantabria, Spain. This historical building offers a glimpse into the architectural style and grandeur of the 18th century.
  19. Santa Olaja Mill19

    Santa Olaja Mill

     Isla Playa
    Santa Olaja Mill, also known as Santa Olalla, is a tidal mill located in the Joyel marsh in the municipality of Arnuero in Cantabria, Spain. It is part of the Trasmiera Ecopark and is one of the few mills that are still preserved in good condition. The mill is unique as it is the only one on the European Atlantic coast that functions as an Interpretation Center for these mechanical devices and maintains a visiting schedule open to the public all year round.
  20. Royal Ordnance Factory Museum of La Cavada20

    Royal Ordnance Factory Museum of La Cavada

     Riotuerto
    The Royal Ordnance Factory Museum of La Cavada is an exhibition space situated in the town of La Cavada, within the Autonomous Community of Cantabria in Spain. The museum offers a unique insight into the history of the cannon factory that was used by the Royal Spanish Navy and in the defense of the Empire.
  21. Bullfighting Museum21

    Bullfighting Museum

     Santander
    Visit the museum dedicated to bullfighting - its history as well as contemporary issues. Free entrance, right at the Santander bullring.
  22. Cantabrian Maritime Museum22

    Cantabrian Maritime Museum

     Santander
    The Cantabrian Maritime Museum, also known as MMC, is a unique combination of a museum and an aquarium. It is situated in the city of Santander, in Cantabria, Spain, and is located on the edge of the bay. The museum is dedicated to the dissemination of maritime heritage, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history and biodiversity of the Cantabrian Sea.
  23. Ferrería de Cades23

    Ferrería de Cades

     Herrerías
  24. Centro de Visitantes de la Piedra en Seco24

    Centro de Visitantes de la Piedra en Seco

     Valderredible
  25. Molino de Orzales25

    Molino de Orzales

     Campoo de Yuso
  26. Centro de Interpretación de la Arquitectura Rupestre26

    Centro de Interpretación de la Arquitectura Rupestre

     Valderredible
  27. Poblado Cantabro27

    Poblado Cantabro

     Cabezón de la Sal
  28. Centro de Interpretación de la Muralla Medieval28

    Centro de Interpretación de la Muralla Medieval

     Santander
  29. Barquillero Museum29

    Barquillero Museum

     Santillana del Mar
  30. Regina Coeli Diocesan Museum30

    Regina Coeli Diocesan Museum

     Santillana del Mar
    The Regina Coeli Diocesan Museum, also known as the Diocesan Museum of Santillana, was inaugurated in 1969. It is situated in the picturesque town of Santillana del Mar, in the region of Cantabria, Spain. This location makes it an accessible destination for tourists visiting the area.
  31. Jesus Otero Museum31

    Jesus Otero Museum

     Santillana del Mar
  32. Casa Museo de Tudanca32

    Casa Museo de Tudanca

     Santotís
    La Casona de Tudanca is a unique museum-library situated in the picturesque town of Tudanca in Cantabria. This historic building served as the regular residence of the renowned José María de Cossío until his passing in 1977. Visitors can explore the rich history and cultural significance of this place, which was once a hub of intellectual and artistic activity.
  33. Museo de la Escuela Rural de Mogrovejo33

    Museo de la Escuela Rural de Mogrovejo

     Camaleño
  34. Centro de Interpretacion del Parque Natural de Oyambre34

    Centro de Interpretacion del Parque Natural de Oyambre

     San Vicente de la Barquera
  35. Santa Ana Castle35

    Santa Ana Castle

     Castro-Urdiales
    Santa Ana Castle is a fortress situated on a rocky promontory in Castro-Urdiales. It shares the peninsula with the fortified church of Sta. Mª de la Asunción from the 13th century, the ruins of another previous church, San Pedro from the 12th century, and the hermitage of Santa Ana. This location offers a unique blend of historical architecture and natural beauty.
  36. Roman Bridge of Liérganes36

    Roman Bridge of Liérganes

     Liérganes
    The Roman Bridge of Liérganes, also known as El puente mayor de Liérganes, is a significant historical structure located in the town of Liérganes in Cantabria, Spain. This bridge is a testament to the architectural prowess of the late 16th century and serves as a symbol of the town's rich history.
  37. Centro de Interpretación del Hombre Pez37

    Centro de Interpretación del Hombre Pez

     Liérganes
    The Fish Man of Liérganes, also known as Francisco de la Vega Casar, is a legendary figure in Cantabrian mythology. This intriguing character is the focus of the Centro de Interpretación del Hombre Pez in Liérganes. The legend tells the story of Francisco, who disappeared while swimming in Bilbao in 1674 and was believed to have been transformed into a fish-like creature. He was reportedly sighted in various locations, including Denmark, the English Channel, and the coasts of Andalusia. The legend has been documented in various texts, including a book by José María Herrán titled 'El hombre-pez de Liérganes'.
  38. Centro de Interpretación de la Etnografía38

    Centro de Interpretación de la Etnografía

     Valle de Villaverde
  39. Museo de la Cantería39

    Museo de la Cantería

     Rasines
  40. Museo Etnográfico de las Villas Pasiegas40

    Museo Etnográfico de las Villas Pasiegas

     Vega de Pas
  41. Centro de Interpretación Casa del Pasiego41

    Centro de Interpretación Casa del Pasiego

     San Roque de Riomiera
  42. Caves of Monte Castillo42

    Caves of Monte Castillo

     Puente Viesgo
  43. Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park43

    Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park

     Santoña
  44. Collados del Asón Natural Park44

    Collados del Asón Natural Park

     Soba
  45. Monumento a Salvador Hedilla45

    Monumento a Salvador Hedilla

     Castillo Siete Villas
    Salvador Hedilla Pineda, born in Castillo Siete Villas, Cantabria, on November 9, 1882, was a Spanish aviator, motorcyclist, and motorist. He is recognized for being the first aviator to fly from the peninsula to the Balearic Islands, specifically from Barcelona to Mallorca. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the history of aviation.
  46. Visitor Center Monte Hijedo46

    Visitor Center Monte Hijedo

     Valderredible
  47. Centro de Interpretación del Embalse del Ebro47

    Centro de Interpretación del Embalse del Ebro

     Campoo de Yuso
  48. Casa de las Mareas48

    Casa de las Mareas

     Arnuero
  49. El Soplao Cave49

    El Soplao Cave

     Rionansa
    El Soplao is a cave situated in the municipalities of Rionansa, Valdáliga, and Herrerías in Cantabria, Spain. This location is known for its unique geological formations, making it a point of interest for tourists interested in geology and natural beauty.
  50. Centro de Interpretación del Parque Natural Saja Besaya50

    Centro de Interpretación del Parque Natural Saja Besaya

     Los Tojos

All museums in Cantabria