Guided Tour of the Factory + Anchovy Museum

Experience the Art of Cantabrian Anchovies: Guided Factory Tour + Anchovy Museum in Santoña

Imagine stepping into a working canning factory where you see anchovies being prepared live, then exploring a museum that immerses all your senses in the seabed of Cantabria. For just $7, this 45-minute experience offers a glimpse into the traditional art of anchovy preservation, with guided explanations and a tasting that feels like a true local indulgence.

We loved how this tour combines live production with interactive museum exhibits—it’s rare to get such authentic insight into a regional specialty. The highlight for us was watching the craftswoman make the octavillo, the small tin that preserves the anchovies, which gave a personal touch you won’t find in a brochure. Plus, the tasting of Ana María’s award-winning anchovies perfectly caps off the visit, making it a delightful and tasty lesson.

One thing to consider: the live factory visit only happens in the mornings, specifically at 12:30 p.m. on weekdays. If your schedule doesn’t align, you might miss out on the actual production process, although the museum visit itself remains engaging. This tour is ideal for those interested in food, fishing traditions, or seeking an authentic, hands-on experience with local craftsmanship.

If you’re a curious traveler who appreciates authentic flavors and traditional methods, this tour suits those who want a meaningful taste of Cantabria’s anchovy culture—without spending a fortune or dedicating a whole day.

Key Points

• Authentic Production: Watch anchovies being made live by skilled artisans in the morning.
• Sensory Museum: Explore a museum that engages sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste—bringing the seabed and fishing history to life.
• Tasting Experience: End with a tasting of award-winning anchovies from Conservas Ana María.
• Educational & Tasty: Learn about the entire process from sea to jar via videos, exhibits, and craft demonstrations.
• Limited Timing: Factory visits are morning-only on weekdays, so plan accordingly.
• Affordable Value: At just $7, you receive an educational experience with homemade flavor and local charm.

A Closer Look at the Guided Tour of the Factory + Anchovy Museum

If you’re heading to Cantabria, especially in Santoña, this tour offers a practical yet fascinating peek into the world of anchovy preservation—an essential part of the region’s culinary identity. For a modest price, you’re not just observing but actively participating in a centuries-old tradition.

How the Tour Unfolds

The visit begins at the Ana María Canned Food Anchovy Art Gallery, also called the Santoña Anchovy Museum—a fitting starting point for anyone curious about the history and culture behind your favorite snack. From the moment you arrive, you’ll encounter a sensory-rich environment; the building itself recreates the seabed, complete with the remains of a stranded ship—an evocative reminder of the fishing’s maritime roots.

Your guide (likely a knowledgeable local) will then lead you through a sequence of engaging exhibits. You’ll hear the sound of the auction—the three sirens signaling fish sales at Santoña’s fish market—which immediately transports you into the lively maritime atmosphere. Next, a display of fishing tools from the last century reveals how methods have evolved while keeping respect for tradition.

The Factory Visit

The highlight for many is the live demonstration of anchovy processing. If you visit in the morning, you’ll observe artisans at work, preparing the anchovies for preservation in cans or jars. Watching the craftswoman make the octavillo—a small tin for anchovy storage—adds a personal, almost artisanal dimension that elevates the experience beyond a simple factory tour.

Discovering the Preservation Process

A short film in the projection room explains the journey of anchovies from the sea to your plate. It covers everything, from fishing at sea, cleaning, salting, and finally canning. This detailed overview helps you understand what makes Cantabrian anchovies so prized—quality, tradition, and careful craftsmanship.

The Museum: A Multi-Sensory Experience

After the live process, your group will explore the museum, which is designed to be more than just visual. You’ll see historical utensils, smell preserved fish, and touch authentic artifacts. The exhibit recreates the seabed environment, allowing you to imagine the anchovies’ natural habitat. Dare to explore the shipwreck model—an exciting touch for those interested in maritime history.

The Tasting: A Perfect Finish

Concluding the tour, you’ll enjoy a tasting of Conservas Ana María’s acclaimed anchovies. Recognized internationally, these anchovies are celebrated not only for their flavor but for the craftsmanship that earned them awards. This tasting is a practical way to appreciate what you’ve just learned—a true flavor of local excellence.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Practical Details and Travel Tips

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, with the factory visit limited to mornings on weekdays. The total time is manageable for most travelers, and the cost is remarkably affordable considering the sensory and educational value. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.

The meeting point is conveniently located at C. Baldomero Villegas, 38. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a broader range of travelers.

While the tour is primarily in Spanish, the guide’s explanations are clear enough to enjoy the experience, and the visual exhibits transcend language barriers. If you speak Spanish, you’ll get more detailed insights, but even non-Spanish speakers will find the experience engaging.

Why it’s worth it

This tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a regional food tradition, making it perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, and those interested in maritime industries. It’s especially valuable if you want to see authentic local craftsmanship rather than a sanitized tourist version.

Who Would Love This Tour?

• Travelers interested in culinary traditions and local food production
• Those seeking an authentic experience rather than just sightseeing
• Visitors with a curiosity for fishing and maritime history
• Anyone who appreciates hands-on demonstrations and tasting local specialties
• People on a budget who want a meaningful activity without spending much

FAQ

Is the factory visit available in the afternoon?
No, the live production visit is only in the morning, specifically at 12:30 p.m., on weekdays. The museum visit remains open in the afternoon, but you won’t see the production process.

How long does the entire tour last?
It takes about 45 minutes to an hour, including the factory visit, museum exploration, and tasting.

Can I buy products after the tour?
Yes, you have the opportunity to purchase anchovy products directly at the hotel, which makes for great souvenirs or gifts.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for visitors with mobility needs.

Is it suitable for children?
While primarily aimed at adult curiosity and appreciation of food traditions, children may enjoy the sensory exhibits and the shipwreck displays, but the focus is on understanding the process.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The live guide speaks Spanish, but the exhibits are visual and tactile, making it understandable even for non-Spanish speakers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking and being on your feet for about an hour. No special gear is required.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility.

Is the price of $7 per person worth it?
Considering the educational value, the sensory museum, the live demonstration, and the tasting, it’s an excellent deal—especially for those interested in authentic regional food.

Would this experience suit someone with a deep interest in food production?
Absolutely. It offers a rare chance to see a traditional craft in action, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and sample the results.

This tour in Santoña offers a genuine taste of Cantabria’s anchovy tradition—accessible, affordable, and engaging. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or just curious about local crafts, it’s a memorable way to connect with the region’s maritime culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the process firsthand and enjoy some of the best anchovies in the world.

You can check availability for your dates here: