Spend a Perfect Long Weekend in Santander, Spain

Explore the beauty of Santander and immerse yourself in its rich culture.

22 April 2023

Santander is a charming city in northern Spain, located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. It's known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant food scene. As a tourist, you can visit landmarks like the Palacio de la Magdalena and the Cathedral of Santander, stroll along the waterfront promenade, and indulge in the local cuisine of seafood, pintxos, and cider.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the city's heart

  • Check into Hotel Bahía overlooking the bay
  • Visit Palacio de la Magdalena, a stunning early 20th century palace
  • Stroll around the Paseo Pereda, a promenade lined with palm trees
  • Explore Mercado del Este, a bustling market with mouthwatering produce
  • Savor regional delicacies at Cañadío, a traditional tavern with a modern twist
Day 2

Beaches and surfing

  • Head to El Sardinero beach for a morning swim in crystal-clear waters
  • Take a surf lesson at Playa de los Bikinis, a popular surf spot
  • Visit Magdalena Peninsula and see the seal colony at Playa del Rostrío
  • Enjoy fresh seafood at Bar Restaurante Los Asadores, overlooking the sea
  • Sip on cocktails at Deluz, a trendy rooftop bar with panoramic views
Day 3

Cultural immersion

  • Discover the rich history of the city at the Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria
  • Admire the modern architecture of the Centro Botín, a cultural center by renowned architect Renzo Piano
  • Explore the stunning gardens of the Palacio de la Magdalena
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth at Bombonería Santa Lucía, a legendary chocolate shop
  • Dine at El Serbal, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its innovative cuisine
Day 4

Nature and adventure

  • Take a scenic drive to Cabárceno Natural Park, a wildlife sanctuary with over 100 species
  • Hike the cliffs and coves of the nearby Costa Quebrada
  • Paraglide over the spectacular countryside with Parapenteclub VIP
  • Indulge in tapas at La Vinoteca de Santander, a cozy wine bar with a wide selection
  • End the night at the lively El Machi, a bar with live music and a vibrant atmosphere

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

More travel plans

Romantic Weekend Getaway: Santander, Spain

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Sizzling Santander: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip!

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Santander in 3 Days: Beaches, Culture & Fun

Discover the charming coastal city of Santander without breaking the bank. Enjoy walks along the promenade and beaches, visit the famous Palacio de la Magdalena and explore the stunning Magdalena Peninsula. Dine on delicious tapas and local specialities at affordable prices in the city's many bars and restaurants.

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.