Santona offers a treasure trove of unique tours that bring to life its famous anchovies, lively fishing port, and rich history. Unlike many coastal towns, Santona combines authentic culinary experiences with engaging cultural sights, making it a perfect destination for curious travelers. For example, the Guided Tour of the Factory + Anchovy Museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the canning process, complete with a tasting and the chance to buy local products. Meanwhile, the Santoña: Caracterized Napoleonic Tour offers history buffs a walk through time with a walk led by Napoleon himself—well, sort of. These experiences give visitors a taste of Santona’s culinary traditions and historical significance.
Our list highlights seven top tours in Santona, ranging from factory visits and marshes excursions to art galleries, train rides, and historical walks. Each offers something distinctive, whether it’s the chance to taste fresh anchovies, explore the bustling port, or learn about the town’s military past. Read on to find the perfect tour for your interests and schedule.
1. Guided Tour of the Factory + Anchovy Museum
This 45-minute guided tour takes you inside a bustling anchovy canning factory, where you see live production and learn about the process from start to finish. For just $7 per person, it’s a fantastic way to understand why Santona’s anchovies are famous worldwide. The tour also includes a tasting of a skewer of anchovy and wine, which is a perfect pairing for this regional delicacy. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to purchase products directly from the factory, making it a practical souvenir stop.
What makes this tour stand out is its live demonstration of anchovy processing, giving a real taste of local industry. The guide shares insights into the town’s anchovy tradition, and the short duration makes it manageable even for those with limited time. This tour is ideal for food lovers or anyone curious about local manufacturing processes. Be sure to check availability for the best starting times.
Bottom Line: Inexpensive and informative, this tour offers an authentic peek into Santona’s anchovy industry, perfect for a quick culture.
2. Santona: Canning Factory and the Marshes Tour with Tasting
For around $15 per person, this two-hour tour combines a visit to a traditional anchovy canning factory with a walk through the scenic Las Marismas Reserve. It’s a great way to see the town’s fishing heritage and its natural environment. The tour includes a detailed explanation of the manufacturing process, along with a tasting of regional products, making it perfect for those who want a mix of culture and nature.
What sets this tour apart is its combination of industrial and ecological sights, appealing to travelers interested in both the town’s industry and its wetlands. Walking through the marshes offers chances to spot birdlife and learn about local conservation efforts. The factory visit is guided, ensuring you pick up plenty of facts, and the tasting component makes it both educational and delicious.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded experience that suits travelers who love nature, history, and regional food in one package. Check times and book ahead.
3. Santoña: Anchovy Art Gallery with Fishing Port and Market
This day-long tour immerses you in the heart of Santoña’s fishing community. Starting at the Mirador de las marismas, you explore the Anchovy Art Gallery, where art and local tradition intersect. Then, the tour guides you through the bustling fishing port, where you can observe the lively operations and see the famous Santoña fish market.
The highlight is the visit to Conservas Ana María, where you enjoy a guided tasting of regional foods. The guided tour covers the entire process of anchovy processing, from catch to can. The tour is flexible, with live guides speaking Spanish, French, and English, making it accessible for international visitors.
What makes this experience special is its combination of visual art, real-world fishing activity, and tasting. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive look at local culinary and maritime traditions, plus fantastic photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: An engaging full-day tour that offers a sensory and cultural feast—perfect for those who enjoy markets, art, and seafood.
4. Visit the Factory of the Best Anchovies, Santoña, Personalized in Spanish
This full-day, Spanish-language tour visits Santoña’s most renowned anchovy factory, offering a deep dive into their production process. For $7, you get a detailed factory visit including a safety briefing, a guided tour, and a final tasting of their signature anchovies and regional wines.
Unique among the options, this tour emphasizes the quality and tradition behind Santoña’s best anchovies, with a focus on personalized explanation in Spanish. It’s suitable for Spanish speakers or those eager to practice the language. Guests praise the authenticity of the tasting and the intimate nature of the visit, although some found the reviews limited by the smaller sample size.
It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly way to connect with local craftsmanship and sample top-quality anchovies directly from the source.
Bottom Line: Best for Spanish speakers or those wanting a simple, authentic factory visit with tasting of Santoña’s finest anchovies.
5. Santoña Anchovy Route by Tourist Train
For a fun and relaxed way to explore, hop aboard the tourist train for about $11-15. This 1.5-hour route takes you past key sights including the anchovy art gallery, the fishing port, and the factory. The train departs from the carnival monument near the Juan de la Cosa monument and offers a scenic, leisurely ride.
During the trip, you’ll stop at the Conservas Ana María factory and enjoy a tasting of local tapas and wine. The train ride is accessible, with some content in Spanish, and provides a good overview if you prefer to see the town without a lot of walking. It’s a family-friendly option that adds a touch of fun to sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or those who prefer a laid-back, all-in-one overview of Santoña’s anchovy scene with a tasty treat.
6. Santona: Caracterized Napoleonic Tour
If history is your thing, this one-day tour brings Santoña’s past to life with a Napoleonic-themed walking experience. For $15 per person, you’ll follow guides dressed as Napoleon’s soldiers, exploring the town’s military fortifications and key streets.
The guide shares stories about Santoña’s strategic importance and its role in past conflicts, making history vivid and engaging. The tour includes photo stops at significant sites and provides a fun, theatrical element that appeals to history buffs and families alike. Visitors mention how the guide’s energetic storytelling and detailed explanations make it more than just a walk.
This tour is especially suitable for travelers interested in military history or those wanting a personalized, playful way to learn about Santona’s significant role in regional conflicts.
Bottom Line: An entertaining, educational experience for history lovers and families wanting a memorable, themed walk.
7. Santona: Urban and Marine Visit
This 1.5-hour tour highlights the urban and marine aspects of Santoña. Starting at the Carnival monument, the walk explores the fishing port, its auction room, and the origin of the famous anchovy fillet. It provides insights into how the town’s maritime activities shape its identity.
Ideal for travelers interested in both local industry and urban geography, this tour offers a short but comprehensive look at Santoña’s fishing traditions. The guide discusses Juan de la Cosa’s exploits and the significance of the port, making it suitable for those curious about the town’s economic backbone. It’s accessible and requires minimal physical effort.
Bottom Line: A concise, informative tour that provides a good overview of Santoña’s maritime heritage and local culture, great for those short on time.
How to Choose the Perfect Santona Tour
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and specific interests. For example, if you love culinary traditions, the factory tours with tastings (Guided Tour of the Factory + Anchovy Museum) or the factory visit in Spanish (Visit the factory of the best anchovies) are excellent options. For a more relaxed sightseeing experience, the tourist train (Santoña anchovy route by tourist train) offers a fun overview without much walking.
History fans should consider the Napoleonic tour (Characterized Napoleonic Tour), while those wanting a more immersive cultural experience might prefer the Anchovy Art Gallery and Market (Anchovy Art Gallery with fishing port). Book early during peak seasons to secure your spot, especially for popular options.
Final Thoughts
Santona’s variety of tours ensures that you can tailor your experience to your interests. For a quick, authentic peek at anchovy processing, the Guided Factory Tour is hard to beat. History buffs will love the theatrical Napoleonic walk, while families might enjoy the train ride with tastings.
No matter what your focus, these experiences provide a genuine taste of Santona’s seafood, maritime life, and history. Planning ahead and booking early guarantees a smoother trip. Dive into Santona’s tours and enjoy a memorable, flavor-filled adventure by the sea.
