Santander: 2 Days of Beaches, Bites, and Culture

Discover Santander's charm without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

A trip to Santander, Spain on a limited budget can still provide a wonderful experience. The city offers beautiful beaches, a charming old town, and delicious seafood cuisine. Taking advantage of free activities such as hiking to the lighthouse or exploring the Cabarceno Natural Park can help save money while still enjoying all that Santander has to offer.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Beaches, Bites, and Breezes

  • Start the day with a freshly baked croissant and cafe con leche at Bar Botin
  • Head to Sardinero beach to catch some rays and dip in the refreshing Cantabrian sea
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch at El Machichaco, where the grilled octopus is a must-try
  • Explore the charming neighborhood of El Sardinero and admire the ornate Casino building
  • Cap off the day with a sunset stroll along the picturesque Magdalena Peninsula
  • Hotel recommendation: Hostal Cabo Mayor, a cozy and affordable option just a short walk from the city center.
Day 2

Culture, Cuisine, and Cathedrals

  • Start the day with a brisk walk up to the Palacio de la Magdalena for panoramic views of the city
  • Visit the Centro Botin art center for a unique cultural experience
  • Grab a quick bite at Café de las Artes before heading to the Gothic-style Santander Cathedral
  • Walk along the Pereda Gardens and soak in the vibrant flora and fauna
  • Finish off the trip with a traditional cocido montanes stew at La Bombi restaurant, topped off with a local Orujo digestif.
  • Santander may be a small city, but it's packed with character, history, and delicious food. From beaches to cathedrals, this city has a little something for everyone.

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.

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Santander: 2 Days of Beaches, Bites, and Culture

A trip to Santander, Spain on a limited budget can still provide a wonderful experience. The city offers beautiful beaches, a charming old town, and delicious seafood cuisine. Taking advantage of free activities such as hiking to the lighthouse or exploring the Cabarceno Natural Park can help save money while still enjoying all that Santander has to offer.