Santander Delights: A Budget-Friendly Family Adventure
Discover endless fun and adventure in family-friendly Santander, Spain!
19 July 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
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.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information

- Check into Hotel Bahía 4.4
10 photos
Bahia Hotel
4.4
(3420)
C. Cádiz, 22, 39002 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Lodging,Restaurant
Understated quarters in an upmarket hotel, plus a fashionable regional restaurant & a bar.
hotelbahiasantander.com
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, a family-friendly hotel right by the beach, where sandcastles and salty air await!
- Dive into the action at Centro de Alto Rendimiento 4.5
10 photos
Centro Especializado de Alto Rendimiento de Vela Príncipe Felipe
4.5
(45)
C. Gamazo, 39004 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Point of interest,Establishment
rfev.es
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, a giant water park with thrilling slides for both kids and adults.
- Munch on mouthwatering tapas at the lively Tavern del Puerto 4.2
10 photos
Restaurante del Puerto, S.A.
4.2
(929)
•
$$$
C. Hernán Cortés, 63, 39003 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Bar,Restaurant
Venerable, stylish restaurant with outdoor tables, specializing in Cantabrian seafood.
bardelpuerto.com
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, 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.
- Roam the halls of Centro Botín 4.3
10 photos
Centro Botín
4.3
(13863)
Muelle de Albareda, P.º de Pereda, s / n, 39004 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Tourist attraction,Museum
Rotating art exhibitions & cultural activities in a cutting-edge venue designed by Renzo Piano.
centrobotin.org
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, an architectural masterpiece showcasing ever-changing contemporary art exhibitions.
- Unleash your imagination at the whimsical Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art 4.1
, where art unfolds like a surreal dream.
- Indulge in a leisurely lunch at La Tasca de Óscar 4.4
10 photos
La Tasca
4.4
(1100)
•
$
C. Peña Herbosa, 11, 39003 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Bar,Restaurant
Gourmet pizzas served in a quaint, narrow space with exposed beams, a full bar & busy atmosphere.
facebook.com
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, a cozy eatery serving traditional Cantabrian cuisine bursting with rich flavors.
- Get lost in the maze-like streets of Barrio Pesquero
10 photos
Barrio Pesquero
Barrio Pesquero, 39009 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Neighborhood,Political
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, 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 4.8
10 photos
Mirador del faro de cabo Mayor
4.8
(70)
39012 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Tourist attraction,Point of interest
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, a lighthouse viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the city's golden hues.
- Embark on an epic family adventure to Cabarceno Natural Park 4.5
10 photos
Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno
4.5
(46349)
Ctra. Obregón, s/n, 39690 Obregón, Cantabria, Spain
Tourist attraction,Park
Landscaped former open-cast mine with wild animal enclosures, picnic areas & walking trails.
parquedecabarceno.com
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, 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 4.6
10 photos
El Nuevo Molino
4.6
(982)
•
$$$
Bo. Monsenor, 18, 39478 Arce, Cantabria, Spain
Restaurant,Food
Modern spins on regional classics, plus a big wine list, in a former water mill with a large garden.
elnuevomolino.es
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, 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 4.8
10 photos
El Sardinero
4.8
(66)
El Sardinero, 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Natural feature,Establishment
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, perfect for building sandcastles, basking in the sun, and splashing in the waves.
- Enjoy a delightful seaside dinner at El Serbal 4.5
10 photos
Restaurante El Serbal
4.5
(1411)
•
$$$
Av. Manuel García Lago, 1E, 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Restaurant,Point of interest
Upscale tasting menus & wine pairings in a stylish, understated venue overlooking the beach.
elserbal.com
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, 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
10 photos
El Piquío
El Piquío, 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Neighborhood,Political
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, bidding farewell to this coastal treasure.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.