Santona is a lively fishing village famous for its delicious anchovies and rich maritime traditions. Beyond its culinary fame, the town offers a range of engaging tours that dive into its history, natural beauty, and local industries. Whether you’re fascinated by food production, eager to explore historic sites, or want to enjoy scenic marshland walks, Santona has something to offer. Out of all the options, we particularly like the Guided Tour of the Factory + Anchovy Museum for its authentic insight or the Santona: Canning Factory and the Marshes Tour with Tasting for a well-rounded taste of local life and nature. Both tours combine hands-on experiences with cultural insights, making them excellent choices for curious travelers.
If you’re looking for a deep dive into Santona’s anchovy industry, the Visit and Gastronomic Experience of the Santoña Anchovy Factory offers a detailed behind-the-scenes look along with tastings. For history buffs, the Santona: Caracterized Napoleonic Tour lets you walk through the town’s streets with Napoleon’s own guidance. And for those who want a broader view of the town’s marine and urban environment, the Santona: Urban and Marine Visit provides a lively exploration of its port and monuments.
1. Guided Tour of the Factory + Anchovy Museum
At number 1, this guided factory tour offers an accessible 45-minute look inside a working canning and anchovy factory. The tour includes a tasting of anchovy and wine skewers, making it a tasty and educational experience. You’ll see live production, walk through the cannery, and learn about the traditional methods used in anchovy preservation. The tour ends with an opportunity to purchase products directly from the factory, which is perfect for souvenir shopping. With a modest price of just $7 per person and a 4.3/5 rating based on 51 reviews, it offers excellent value. The guide is knowledgeable and will show you how each anchovy is selected, processed, and packed, revealing a vital part of Santoña’s economy.
This tour suits travelers interested in food industry processes and local production, as well as those wanting a brief but authentic peek into Santoña’s seafood traditions. Its short duration makes it ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule. The only drawback is that it’s a quick peek—so if you want a more comprehensive experience, consider the longer tours below.
Bottom line: The Factory + Museum tour is perfect for a quick, budget-friendly introduction to Santoña’s renowned anchovy industry.
2. Santona: Canning Factory and the Marshes Tour with Tasting
Next on our list is the Canning Factory and Marshes Tour, which spans about 2 hours and costs $15. This tour offers a satisfying blend of industrial insight and natural beauty. You’ll explore an anchovy canning factory to see how the fish are processed, then head out to the Las Marismas Reserve, a stunning wetland area known for migratory birds and tidal landscapes. The highlight is a tasting of factory products at the end, giving you a true flavor of Santoña’s seafood.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to connect the dots between Santoña’s fishing heritage and its natural environment. The guide is well-versed, providing stories about the village’s history and the importance of the marshes. The reviews are solid, with a 4.5/5 rating, showcasing its popularity among visitors. It’s ideal for travelers who want a bit of everything—industry, nature, and tasting—without spending a full day. The only minor note is that it’s a bit more crowded, but that’s typical for popular tours.
Bottom line: For a balanced experience of nature and industry that won’t break the bank, this tour is hard to beat.
3. Visit and Gastronomic Experience of the Santoña Anchovy Factory
At number 3, this gourmet factory visit is a more intimate and hands-on experience. For about an hour and a half, you’ll get a detailed look at how Santoña’s best anchovies are made—from selecting the freshest ingredients to the precise preparation methods. The guide provides insights into traditional techniques and quality standards that keep Santoña’s anchovies famous worldwide.
What sets this apart is the culinary component—after the factory tour, you get to enjoy a tasting of gourmet anchovies, along with other products like tuna and vinegar. It’s a rare chance to learn about the artisan craft and savor the flavors directly from the makers. With a perfect 5-star rating based on 2 reviews, it’s clear this experience is highly valued. The cost is $22.56 per person, which includes the tasting.
This tour is best suited for food lovers and those eager to understand the craftsmanship behind gourmet products. Its small size and detailed focus make it perfect for travelers who want an in-depth, sensory experience. The only downside is the limited number of reviews, but the quality is evident.
Bottom line: If you want an authentic, behind-the-scenes look with a delicious tasting, this tour can’t be beaten.
4. Tour to the Anchovies Factory and Santoña Marshes with Tasting
Number 4 is the Factory and Marshes tour, offering a good combination of natural beauty and industrial process over roughly 2 hours. It begins with an introduction to Santoña’s marshes, where you’ll learn about migratory birds and estuaries. This walk lasts about 40 minutes, providing a visual and educational experience of the wetland ecosystem. Afterwards, you’ll visit a canning factory to see how anchovies are prepared, culminating in a tasting of the factory’s products.
The tour scores well with a 3.5/5 rating based on 5 reviews. The reviews highlight its educational value, especially the insights into the environment and industry. The tour is ideal for nature and foodies who want a comprehensive snapshot of Santoña’s natural and culinary landscape. The price of around $15 is reasonable for this mix of experiences, though some might find the reviews slightly mixed.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers interested in both ecology and gastronomy looking for a moderate-length experience.
$15.13 per person
5. Visit the factory of the Best Anchovies, Santoña, personalized in Spanish
For those interested in a comprehensive, language-specific tour, this Spanish-only experience offers a full explanation of the anchovy production process. Priced at $7, it’s a budget-friendly option that runs all day, giving flexibility for your schedule. The tour includes a safety briefing and a guided walk through the factory, finishing with a tasting of Santoña’s famous anchovies.
While reviews are limited to three and the experience is in Spanish, it is ideal for Spanish-speaking travelers or those eager for a deep dive into the industry. The focus is on authenticity and detailed explanation rather than a quick overview.
Bottom line: Best suited for Spanish speakers seeking an affordable, full-day immersion into Santoña’s anchovy tradition.
$7 per person
6. Santona: Caracterized Napoleonic Tour
Number 6, the Napoleonic Tour, offers a one-day walking journey through the town’s historic streets with a twist—guided by Napoleon himself. This 5/5-rated tour draws you into Santoña’s past, highlighting fortifications, strategic sites, and stories related to Napoleon’s influence. It’s a lively, storytelling experience that combines history and humor.
The tour is perfect for history enthusiasts or those looking for a themed walk that makes the past come alive. It’s a full-day outing, so it suits travelers with extra time and an interest in military history. The price point of $15 makes it accessible, and reviews praise its engaging narration.
Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs who want a fun, narrative-driven tour that brings Santoña’s past to life.
$15 per person
7. Santona: Urban and Marine Visit
Our final pick, the Urban and Marine Visit, is a 1.5-hour tour focused on Santoña’s maritime environment. You’ll explore the fishing port, learn about Juan de la Cosa, and see the Carnival monument. This tour is perfect for travelers interested in local customs, port life, and maritime history.
Rated 4.5/5, it’s appreciated for its short, lively format and informative commentary. It’s suitable for all fitness levels and provides a quick overview of Santoña’s urban and marine culture. The price is modest at $11 per person, offering good value for a half-day activity.
Bottom line: If you want a compact, engaging tour of Santoña’s port and monuments, this is a solid choice.
$11 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your interests and schedule. For a quick taste of local industry, the factory tour (see here) offers great value. If you prefer a blend of natural scenery and food, the Marshes Tour with Tasting (link) is ideal. History buffs will enjoy the Napoleonic walk, while food lovers should consider the Gourmet Factory Experience (link).
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the factory and tasting tours under $10, while those seeking a full-day immersion might opt for the Napoleonic or marshland excursions. For non-Spanish speakers, the guided factory tour offers the best insight in English, but Spanish speakers will find extra richness in the full-language experiences.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to ensure availability. Check the specific timings and duration to align with your travel plans.
Final Thoughts
Santona offers a diverse range of tours that cater to culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike. From quick factory visits to immersive marshland walks or historic reenactments, you’ll find experiences that deepen your appreciation for this charming fishing town. Two standout choices are the Guided Tour of the Factory + Anchovy Museum for a straightforward intro, and the Canning Factory and Marshes Tour for a broader, scenic day.
No matter your interests, these tours provide authentic, memorable ways to explore Santona beyond just eating its famous anchovies. Book early, enjoy your adventure, and take home a little of Santoña’s maritime spirit.