Discovering the city through its flavors is a unique experience, especially when visiting the Charming Cafés in Santander. In this coastal destination, local spots are creatively adapting to satisfy every palate, including those on a gluten-free diet. Enjoying a safe breakfast is now easier than ever, with establishments that take care of every detail to ensure an unforgettable experience.
We are in love with our city. We are lucky enough to be able to enjoy its history and beauty every day. The designation of “sun and beach” tourism has evolved significantly, offering all of you who are encouraged to discover it a very complete selection of cultural and leisure activities as well.
In addition, the city offers numerous cultural activities throughout the year. The Centro Botín, the Semana Grande (Big Week) of Santander, or the musical events on our beaches represent an increasingly important tourist attraction.
Just as our city celebrates its rich history and vibrant culture, our cafes and restaurants embrace this diversity with gluten-free menus that reflect the quality and creativity of Santander’s gastronomy. If you are looking to enjoy a good gluten-free breakfast or snack in Santander, you are in the right place.
We know the difficulties and fears that haunt us every time we leave our homes in search of new experiences and with the excitement of visiting new places. That is why we feel so proud to be from Santander: every corner of the Cantabrian capital offers a culinary history that deserves to be explored.
Join us on this gastronomic journey where flavor and health go hand in hand with every bite, revealing the heart of the most charming gluten-free cafes in Santander.
Do you want to explore Cantabria at your own pace?
Rent a car and explore its towns, beaches, and mountains without rush or limits.
Book now and enjoy the freedom of traveling without a schedule.
Before your gluten-free café tour in Santander
Don’t forget to get travel insurance with IATI (5% off for Glutendtrotters readers) before you leave home, and if you’re coming from outside Spain, activate your Holafly eSIM (also 5% off) to have data from the moment you land in Santander.
At the base of the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Santander, you will find a distinctive cafe, known for its local charm. It has a terrace with an impressive view, offering panoramas of the Cathedral itself and the Church of the Most Holy Christ.
Gluten-free “rabas de magano” (squid rings) at La Catedral / Glutendtrotters
This cafe is the ideal spot for a relaxing break during your tour of the Cultural Ring of Santander. This cultural tour takes you from the imposing Cathedral Tower to the remains of the Ancient Wall, not to mention a visit to a Civil War air-raid shelter.
In addition, the cafe combines elegance with modernity, adapting to current needs by including gluten-free options on its menu. Among its specialties, the “rabas de magano” (squid rings)without gluten stand out, highly recommended to enjoy during vermouth time.
If you're planning a getaway to the capital of Cantabria, there's no better way to…
Located on one of the most historic streets in the city, this charming cafe is situated right next to the University of Cantabria’s Auditorium (Paraninfo) and the Casyc Theater. Its interior, adorned with exquisite vintage style, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Gluten-free cereal bowl at Wabi Sabi
The establishment stands out for its exceptional attention and customer service. It features a cozy mezzanine equipped with a sofa, perfect for enjoying a coffee in an environment as comfortable as if you were in your own living room.
Although it does not offer a wide variety of gluten-free options, you can treat yourself to a brunch or a snack, including their delicious cereal bowl with coconut. Note that they only have gluten-free breakfast on Sundays (it’s afternoon hours on other days) and it is necessary to reserve. It has become one of the most desired cafes in Santander.
This charming place is situated in the heart of the Old Town, a short distance from the well-known Plaza de Cañadío, a central hub of the city.
It has two terraces, located on both the front and back facades, which has made it a popular meeting point for both locals and visitors.
Coffee with gluten-free toast at Santa & Co
The tempting aroma of freshly toasted bread and their exquisite cakes irresistibly attracts those passing near the establishment. They offer an interesting selection of gluten-free options for breakfast or snacks, including special bread for celiacs for their toasts and a variety of sweets. All this is complemented by top-notch service.
From this gluten-free cafe, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Bay of Santander while savoring its varied selection of waffles and crêpes. What’s notable is that all their waffles are gluten-free, a delight for those looking for options free of this protein.
Is there a more attractive plan than having a snack by the sea? Regardless of whether you have a sweet tooth or not, both the establishment and its privileged location will surely catch your attention. In addition, just a few steps away, you can explore the history of the “Raqueros” and see the statues representing figures diving into the sea, located on the Seafront Promenade.
Book a boat trip through one of the most beautiful bays in Spain to complete an unforgettable experience.
The place is small, so finding a spot on their terrace is a must to fully enjoy their treats, or you can also choose to take your waffles to go and savor them on a bench on the Paseo Pereda.
Waffle with Nutella and a cup of hot chocolate at Lyma
This unique and tiny establishment, located in the Puertochico area, might go almost unnoticed due to its small size, but not because of the quality of what it offers, which is complemented by sea views.
Gluten-free crêpe at Nano Café
The high rating it receives is well-deserved. It is characterized by its constant availability of gluten-free options, including crêpes, muffins, pancakes, and some cakes at the counter, all of them suitable for celiacs.
The service at “Nano”, marked by their friendly smile and attention to detail, along with the location of the premises, very close to the Palacio de Festivales de Santander and the Maritime Museum, make it an exceptional place for a gluten-free breakfast in Santander.
Finally, we recommend you visit this modern cafe with a closed terrace, located in the commercial area of the city. It is the ideal place to take a relaxing break between shopping.
Regulars know that, although its menu doesn’t offer a wide variety of gluten-free products, beyond options like a salad or the classic Spanish tortilla, it still earns a spot on this list.
The main reason to include it is that, in our opinion and that of many others, they serve the most exquisite coffee in the city. If you are a true coffee lover, like us, this cafe will not disappoint you.
La Gallofa represents much more than a simple cafe; upon entering, one is transported to traditional bakeries of yesteryear, like those our grandparents frequented. Its atmosphere is captivating, with decor executed with impeccable taste.
One of the great advantages is that La Gallofa is not unique: there are several establishments scattered throughout the city and in nearby towns like Suances or Comillas. Currently, they also have three establishments in Madrid.
La Gallofa has recently expanded its product offering to include gluten-free options, such as brownies, sponge cakes, and bread, available with or without seeds. This makes it an excellent alternative to enjoy a gluten-free breakfast in Santander.
For waffle lovers, BICO DE XEADO is a corner of Santander that you cannot miss. Although it is not a gluten-free cafe, it deserves a special mention. This ice cream parlor, located in the heart of the city, offers all its products gluten-free, including ice creams, waffles, and milkshakes. Plus, they have coffee to go!, which makes it a true treasure in our city, despite not having tables inside the premises.
At the end of this gastronomic tour through Santander, we encourage you to immerse yourself in the rich and varied culinary culture of this charming city. Its landscapes and historical heritage will fascinate you, and you will see that, even with dietary restrictions like celiac disease, it is possible to fully enjoy the Santander experience.
Each cafe we have mentioned here is a gateway to the charm of Santander, offering gluten-free options without sacrificing flavor or quality. We encourage you not only to read about these places, but to visit them and try their delicacies.
Keep in mind that none of these establishments are affiliated with ACECAN, the Celiac Association of Cantabria, so they can’t officially guarantee their products are free from cross-contamination.
Don’t forget to share your experiences and gastronomic discoveries in Santander with us! We want to know which gluten-free cafes have become your favorites.
Explore, savor, and enjoy Santander to the fullest! We hope your next visit to these cafes is as memorable as the views and history that this wonderful city has to offer!
FIND THE CAFES ON THE MAP
Glutendtrotters and its team wish to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all diners. Although we take all possible precautions, it is important to note that we are not responsible for possible cross-contamination that may occur in the mentioned restaurants. Therefore, we strongly recommend informing the restaurant when making the reservation if any of the diners requires a gluten-free meal. This way, the establishment can take the necessary measures to properly attend to your dietary needs and ensure a gluten-free meal safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there gluten-free cafés in Santander?
Yes, more and more. This guide recommends eight cafés in central Santander — like La Catedral, Santa&Co, Lyma, or Nano Café — that offer gluten-free options, from toast and sponge cakes to waffles and crêpes.
Are these cafés certified by ACECAN?
No. None of the establishments on this list belong to ACECAN, the Celiac Association of Cantabria, so they can’t officially guarantee there is no cross-contamination. We recommend always mentioning it when you book.
Which café has an entirely gluten-free menu in Santander?
Bico de Xeado, an ice cream parlor in central Santander, makes all of its products gluten-free (ice cream, waffles, and milkshakes), as confirmed by the specialized guide Celiaquita in its round-up of gluten-free spots in the city.
Do you need to book ahead for a gluten-free breakfast at these cafés?
At most of them you don’t, but it’s worth checking first: Wabi Sabi, for example, only serves gluten-free breakfast on Sundays, and booking a table in advance is essential for that slot.
Which is the best gluten-free café for breakfast in Santander?
There is no single answer: Santa&Co and La Gallofa & Co stand out for their range of gluten-free bread and pastries, Lyma for its 100% gluten-free waffles overlooking the bay, and Nano Café for its steady supply of gluten-free crêpes, muffins, and pancakes.
¡Hola, soy Rita! Cofundadora de Glutendtrotters y experta en turismo con más de 20 años en el sector hotelero. Apasionada de los viajes y mamá de tres hijas, comparto destinos y consejos para disfrutar aventuras inclusivas, especialmente para celíacos. Me encanta el teatro, la moda y una copa de vino al final del día.
