Santander isn’t just a pretty seaside city—it’s also a prime launching point for some of the best full-day tours in northern Spain. Whether you’re craving adventure in the mountains, a taste of local history, or a mix of both, the region offers options that are well worth your time. We particularly love the Full Day Private 4WD Tour from Santander to Picos de Europa, which combines personalized exploration with stunning scenery, and the Private Puente Viesgo Caves Full-Day Tour, a perfect choice for history lovers. For those coming from Bilbao, the Full Day Private 4WD Tour from Bilbao to Picos de Europa offers a scenic mountain route with excellent food highlights.
Each of these tours offers a unique way to experience the rugged beauty and cultural richness of northern Spain, with options suited for different interests and budgets. Here’s a closer look at what makes each stand out.
1. Full Day Private 4WD Tour from Santander to Picos de Europa
At number one, this private 4WD tour takes you from Santander into the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park—a rugged landscape of limestone peaks, lush valleys, and charming villages. The tour includes hotel pickup, so you don’t waste time figuring out transportation, and the vehicle is a spacious 4×4, ideal for exploring mountain roads and scenic routes. The flexibility of a private tour means you can customize your itinerary: stop at the breathtaking Desfiladero de La Hermida, a winding gorge with photo stops along the way. You can also choose to take the Fuente Dé cable car, which whisks you up 753 meters in just 4 minutes for panoramic views that are simply unforgettable. The highlight? A personalized route through the mountains, with a special lunch stop featuring excellent regional cuisine—something you won’t get with a cookie-cutter group tour.
What makes this tour shine is the balance of comfort, flexibility, and expert guidance. With 25 reviews giving it a perfect 5.0/5, travelers rave about their guides’ local knowledge and the ability to tailor the day. The days are long (8-11 hours), but the intimate experience means you see more, learn more, and enjoy more. Ideal for travelers who want an exclusive, scenic adventure with top-notch food and the freedom to explore your own way.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a flexible, personalized way to see Picos de Europa with top-quality meals included, this private tour is hard to beat.
2. Private Puente Viesgo Caves Full-Day Tour from Santander
Number two on our list is the Private Puente Viesgo Caves Tour, perfect for history buffs and archaeology lovers. This 9-hour journey explores some of the world’s most important prehistoric cave paintings, declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, at the Cave of El Castillo and Cueva de Las Monedas. The tour includes hotel transfers and cave entrance fees, making it a hassle-free way to step back in time. During the visit, you’ll see ancient art dating back tens of thousands of years, with the option for a private guide if you prefer a more tailored experience (the usual tour is in Spanish, but you can request an English guide).
After the caves, the tour visits the picturesque village of Santillana del Mar, often called one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, and the Altamira Museum, which features a replica of the famous caves. For an extra fee, you can add a 1.5-hour e-bike tour through the Valles Pasiegos—a great way to stretch your legs and see more of the countryside.
What travelers love is the personal attention and access to some of the most significant archaeological sites in Spain. The reviews mention “an unforgettable day” with guides who are knowledgeable and accommodating, especially for those wanting an in-depth cultural experience. This tour suits history and archaeology enthusiasts who want a relaxed, informative day without the hassle of logistics.
Bottom Line: For a deep dive into prehistoric art and scenic villages, this tour hits all the right notes.
3. Full Day Private 4WD Tour from Bilbao to Picos de Europa
Rounding out our list is a full-day private 4WD adventure starting from Bilbao. This option is perfect for travelers based in Bilbao who want to experience the mountains without sacrificing comfort. The tour includes hotel pickup, and your guide is also a foodie, so you’ll enjoy tapas, drinks, and a full meal en route, making it a culinary trip as well as a scenic one. The route takes you through Desfiladero de La Hermida, with plenty of photo stops, and through the lush valleys of Potes. The highlight is the Fuente Dé cable car, where you ascend 753 meters for spectacular views of the rugged peaks—tickets are included.
What makes this tour special is the combination of private transportation, personalized attention, and food experiences. The guide’s knowledge of the region’s culture and history enriches the day. The reviews highlight how well the guide manages to share stories while ensuring a comfortable, memorable experience. The total duration is around 8-11 hours, making it suitable for those wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed day in nature.
Bottom Line: For food-loving travelers who want a private, scenic mountain drive with excellent meals included, this tour from Bilbao is a fantastic choice.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, interests, and location. If you’re staying in Santander and want a customizable experience, the Full Day Private 4WD Tour to Picos de Europa offers flexibility and top meals. For history fans, the Puente Viesgo caves tour provides rare archaeological insights, especially with the added option of biking. If you prefer starting from Bilbao or want a combined scenic and culinary experience, the private mountain tour from Bilbao balances comfort with adventure.
Think about your physical activity level too. The cave tour involves some walking and exploring, while the mountain tours focus on scenic drives and cable car rides—suitable for most travelers. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot on these popular day trips.
Final Thoughts
Santander offers a diverse range of full-day tours that promise memorable experiences—whether you’re after mountain landscapes, prehistoric caves, or scenic drives with local flavors. For a personalized adventure in the Picos de Europa, the private 4WD tour tops the list, but the cave exploration and scenic routes from Bilbao are equally compelling depending on your interests.
No matter which you choose, these tours are a fantastic way to see more of northern Spain’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Book early, prepare for a day of discovery, and enjoy every moment in this captivating corner of the world.
