Romantic Weekend Getaway: Santander, Spain

Fall in love all over again in the charming city of Santander.

22 April 2023

Nestled on Spain's northern coast, the city of Santander offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and traditional Spanish cuisine, making it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Couples can explore breathtaking landmarks like the Palacio de la Magdalena and the Catedral de Santander, or take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront. Indulging in the local gastronomy and wine is an absolute must, with the seaside town being renowned for its fresh seafood and regional delicacies.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Strolling by the Beach

  • Check in to the Hotel Bahía Santander, a chic hotel with a perfect location by the seafront promenade
  • Head to the beach and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of El Sardinero
  • Walk along the promenade, taking in the stunning views of the Bay of Santander and the historic Casino
  • Stop by La Primera, a cozy restaurant by the beach that serves delicious seafood and tapas
  • Visit the Magdalena Palace, a stunning early 20th-century building that used to serve as the royal summer residence
Day 2

Exploring the City on Two Wheels

  • Rent a bike from Santander En Bici and explore the city's many green spaces and cultural landmarks
  • Cycle up to the Piquío Gardens, which offer breathtaking views of Santander and its bay
  • Visit the Centro Botín, a contemporary art center designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano
  • Have a pintxos crawl in the Barrio Pesquero, a lively district full of traditional taverns and bustling seafood restaurants
  • Finish the day with a romantic sunset picnic in the Parque de las Llamas, surrounded by lush greenery and modern sculptures
Day 3

A Day Trip to the Countryside

  • Take a scenic drive to the Cabárceno Natural Park, a vast wildlife sanctuary where you can see over a hundred species of animals from around the world
  • Go hiking or mountain biking in the nearby Peña Cabarga Natural Park, a rugged mountain range that offers stunning views
  • Stop by the charming town of Liérganes, known for its picturesque old town, thermal springs, and artisanal sweets
  • Have lunch at Pasiego, a rustic restaurant that serves typical Cantabrian dishes, such as cocido montañés and quesada pasiega
  • End your trip with a relaxing spa session at the Gran Hotel Balneario de Liérganes, a luxurious spa hotel housed in a historic building

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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