Santander Splendor: 4 Days of Family Fun on a Budget

Discover the enchantment of Santander, where family memories are made.

19 July 2023

Spend quality family time in the picturesque city of Santander, Spain, known for its beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes. Explore the city's rich history and culture by visiting the Palacio de la Magdalena, a grand palace offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Santander. Let the kids have a blast at the Cantabria Maritime Museum, which boasts interactive exhibits and a replica of the famous Spanish galleon, the "Nuestra Señora de Santander."

Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach Bonanza

  • Start your sunny Santander adventure by checking into the fabulous Hotel Silken Rio. It's family friendly, stylish, and just a hop, skip, and a jump from the beach.
  • Get your toes sandy at El Sardinero beach, where the golden sand meets the shimmering Bay of Biscay. Perfect for sandcastle building, sunbathing, and splashing around.
  • Stroll along the Paseo de Pereda, indulging in some people watching and admiring the gorgeous architecture.
  • Treat your taste buds to some delicious tapas at Bar El Marucho. Try the mouthwatering anchovies and tangy olives you won't regret it!
  • End the day with an ice cream from Regma. With flavors like caramelized fig and pistachio, it's a sweet way to cool down.
Day 2

A Stroll Through History

  • Explore the historic heart of Santander by visiting the Cathedral of Santander. Marvel at its ornate facade and step inside to soak up the tranquility.
  • Wander through the Jardines de Pereda, where you'll find beautiful sculptures, lush greenery, and a serene pond.
  • Discover the hidden gem that is the Mercado del Este. Browse the stalls filled with fresh local produce and pick up some goodies for a picnic later.
  • Head up to the Palacio de la Magdalena, a stunning palace overlooking the sea. Take a tour of its elegant rooms or simply wander through the picturesque gardens.
  • Unwind from the day's adventures with dinner at Taberna El Del Medio. Feast on traditional seafood dishes like grilled octopus and sizzling gambas al ajillo.
Day 3

Nature's Wonderland

  • Embark on a day trip to the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Liencres. Hike through the rolling dunes, enjoy a picnic by the river, and keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife.
  • Cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Playa de Valdearenas. The kids will love building sand sculptures while you bask in the sun's warm embrace.
  • Take a leisurely boat ride along the tranquil Santander Bay. Admire the picturesque coastline and catch a glimpse of playful dolphins if you're lucky.
  • Indulge in a late lunch at Restaurante Puerto Chico. Their grilled fish platter and refreshing sangria are the perfect reward after a day in nature.
  • End the day with a leisurely stroll along the Muelle de las Carabelas, watching the boats sway in the harbor as the sun sets.
Day 4

Cultural Delights

  • Immerse yourself in the art world at Centro Botín, a contemporary art center with breathtaking views of the bay. Explore the exhibitions, relax in the rooftop gardens, and grab a coffee at the cafe.
  • Visit the Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico to learn about Santander's rich maritime history. From shipwrecks to seafaring tales, there's something for everyone in this captivating museum.
  • Treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at Restaurante Deluz. Their innovative dishes, like black squid ink ravioli and caramelized pineapple brûlée, are sure to enchant your taste buds.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the quirky shops and charming streets of Santander's old town, Barrio Pesquero. Don't forget to pick up some local souvenirs!
  • Finish off your Santander adventure with dinner at Restaurante Casa Lita. Feast on their succulent roasted suckling pig, a specialty that will leave you longing for more.

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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