The narrow pavements and neoclassical buildings of Ladadika host plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes and cute boutiques. The area from Salaminos street to YMCA Park is known as Ladadika Quarter. This is an old quarter that starts at the waterfront and goes a few blocks inland up to Tsimiski Avenue that is busy with international and local brand shops. The northwestern part of the area, closer to the First Pier, is a bit more subdued, with less mainstream bars and fewer shops available. As you go southwest, the area becomes more and more lively, and finally brings you to the iconic White Tower.

The grand, fairy-tale castle-like main building in Timrå was built in 1883–1885 as a summer residence for the timber magnate Fredrik Bünsow, who was one of Sweden's most powerful timber barons at the time. The architects were Isak Gustaf Clason and Fritz Eckert. Clason is known for designing the Nordic Museum and Hallwyl Palace in Stockholm. The beautiful castle (or Villa Merlo, as it is actually called) is now a cultural heritage site and houses Svenska Cellulosa's central archive. In the summer, you can take a guided tour to see the many rooms and halls that still retain their former glory. Even the garden alone is well worth a visit.

The beach across the bay from Santander is much-loved for its soft sand and relative tranquillity. There is a surf school–the first of its kind in Spain–on the beach, too (Escuela Cántabra de Surf, Calle Isla De Mouro, 12). The best way to get there is by regular boat service run by Los Reginas on the Paseo Marítimo.