Santander in a Weekend: Beaches, Art, and Tapas

Experience the beauty and history of Santander, Spain.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, Santander offers an ideal getaway experience with breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene. A walk along the seafront promenade is a must-do, followed by a visit to Jardines de Piquio, a stunning garden with sweeping views of the coast. Don't miss out on savoring the local delicacies, such as rabas, anchovies, and cocido montañés, for a true gastronomical delight.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Beaches, Views, and Tapas

  • Start the day with a stroll along the sandy El Sardinero Beach, people watching and passing by beachfront cafes that serve a mean breakfast.
  • Climb up to the cliff of Magdalena Peninsula for stunning views of the sea and the city, and learn a bit of Santander's history at the royal palace.
  • Refuel at Mercado del Este, where the best tapas bars gather, and indulge in local favorites like rabas (squid rings) and cocido montañés (a hearty stew).
  • Discover the bohemian vibe of Calle Somorrostro, a street filled with art galleries, vintage shops, and quirky cafes.
  • End the evening at Cañadío, a legendary tapas bar that offers a tasting menu of creative bites that will surprise your palate.
  • Hotel recommendation: Eurostars Hotel Real, a luxurious property set in a 19th-century palace overlooking El Sardinero Beach.
Day 2

Art, Culture, and Gastronomy

  • Start the day at Centro Botín, a futuristic building designed by Renzo Piano that houses a cutting-edge contemporary art collection and a cultural program.
  • Follow the Art Route that connects different murals and street art installations scattered around the city.
  • Take a break at Cadelo, a pastry shop that makes some of the best ensaimadas (coiled sweet bread) you'll ever taste.
  • Learn about Santander's maritime traditions at the Cantabrian Maritime Museum, housed in a 400-year-old building that used to be a hospital.
  • Have lunch at La Bombi, a family-run restaurant that serves traditional Cantabrian dishes with a modern touch, like marmitako (tuna stew) and sobaos (sponge cakes).
  • Finish the day with a stroll in Jardines de Piquío, a beautiful park that offers panoramic views of the bay and the lighthouse.
  • Hotel recommendation: Castilla Termal Balneario de Solares, a spa hotel located in a peaceful village outside of Santander that offers thermal waters, massages, and relaxation.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Santander, Spain by plane is to fly directly to Santander Airport (SDR) from major European cities such as London, Paris or Frankfurt. Airlines that fly to Santander include Ryanair and Vueling.

Car

The best way to get to Santander by car is to take the A-8 highway from Bilbao or the N-623 highway from Burgos. The journey from Bilbao takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, while the journey from Burgos takes around 2 hours.

Train

While there is no direct train that goes to Santander, you can take the train to Bilbao or Madrid and then transfer to a regional train or bus to Santander. The train station in Bilbao is called Bilbao-Abando and the train station in Madrid is called Madrid Chamartin.

Boat

While there are no direct boats that go to Santander, you can take a ferry from the UK to Santander with Brittany Ferries. The ferry departs from Portsmouth and Plymouth and the journey takes around 24 hours.

Bus

The best way to get to Santander by bus is to take a direct bus from major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, or Bilbao. Companies that offer bus services to Santander include ALSA and Eurolines.

Destination

Santander

Get ready to have your bank account confused with your vacation destination as we explore Santander, the city that always keeps your finances on their toes.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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