Santander Delights: A Budget-Friendly Family Adventure

Discover endless fun and adventure in family-friendly Santander, Spain!

19 July 2023

Santander, Spain offers an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip, filled with a mix of relaxation, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Families can explore the stunning beaches, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque promenade, and enjoy water activities like surfing or sailing. The city also features numerous parks, museums, and a vibrant food scene, ensuring an enjoyable time for all family members.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Splish-Splash Santander

  • Check into Hotel Bahía, a family-friendly hotel right by the beach, where sandcastles and salty air await!
  • Dive into the action at Centro de Alto Rendimiento, a giant water park with thrilling slides for both kids and adults.
  • Munch on mouthwatering tapas at the lively Tavern del Puerto, where flavors explode like firecrackers in your taste buds.
  • Embark on a boat tour around Santander's breathtaking bay, soaking up the sun and marveling at the picturesque coastline.
  • Explore the hidden gems of Paseo Pereda, a charming promenade lined with statues, gardens, and dazzling views of the ocean.
  • End the day with a scoop (or three!) of creamy gelato from Giolatto, a gelateria that will transport you straight to Italy.
Day 2

Culture-Fueled Discovery

  • Roam the halls of Centro Botín, an architectural masterpiece showcasing ever-changing contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Unleash your imagination at the whimsical Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, where art unfolds like a surreal dream.
  • Indulge in a leisurely lunch at La Tasca de Óscar, a cozy eatery serving traditional Cantabrian cuisine bursting with rich flavors.
  • Get lost in the maze-like streets of Barrio Pesquero, where colorful houses and quaint shops create a picturesque tapestry.
  • Take a stroll along the elegant Jardines de Pereda, adorned with vibrant flowers and soothing fountains, perfect for an afternoon picnic.
  • Witness a mesmerizing sunset from the Mirador del Faro, a lighthouse viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the city's golden hues.
Day 3

Outdoor Escapades

  • Embark on an epic family adventure to Cabarceno Natural Park, where over 120 species roam freely in a former iron mine.
  • Tantalize your taste buds with a hearty mountain-style feast at El Nuevo Molino, nestled within the beautiful Cabarceno valley.
  • Hike through the enchanting Santander countryside, breathing in fresh air and immersing yourself in nature's tranquility.
  • Discover hidden coves along the coast of El Sardinero, perfect for building sandcastles, basking in the sun, and splashing in the waves.
  • Enjoy a delightful seaside dinner at El Serbal, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative dishes and impeccable service.
  • End your Santander adventure with a relaxed evening stroll along the iconic Piquío cliffs, bidding farewell to this coastal treasure.

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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