Santander, Spain: 4 Days of Budget-Friendly Fun

Experience the charm of Santander without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Santander, Spain on a limited budget can still be incredible. Visitors can explore the picturesque coastline, with its stunning beaches, cliffs and coves, for free. The city also has free attractions, like the Botanical Gardens and the Cathedral, as well as budget-friendly activities, such as cycling along the River Saja or visiting the Maritime Museum.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into the affordable but stylish Hotel San Millán
  • Take a stroll through the Jardines de Pereda, a beautiful park with a pond and sculptures
  • Visit the Palacio de la Magdalena, a stunning palace built in the early 20th century
  • If you're feeling adventurous, head to Playa del Sardinero for some surfing lessons
  • Finish the day with a traditional dinner of Rabas, fried squid rings, at Casa Lita.
Day 2

Culture and Art

  • Visit the Centro Botín, a contemporary art museum with spectacular architecture
  • Explore the Romanesque-style Santander Cathedral, built in the 12th century
  • Take a walk along the Paseo de Pereda, a lively street filled with shops and restaurants
  • Check out the art and artifacts at the Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria
  • Have a pintxos (tapas) crawl in the lively neighborhood of Cañadío.
Day 3

Nature and Adventure

  • Take a day trip to Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno, a wildlife park with over 100 species
  • Rent a kayak and explore the bay of Santander from the water
  • Hike up Monte Buciero for panoramic views of the coast
  • Visit the historic El Capricho de Gaudí, a whimsical mansion designed by Antoni Gaudí
  • Have a seaside lunch of fresh seafood at Restaurante Marucho.
Day 4

Beach and Relaxation

  • Spend the day at Playa de la Magdalena, a beautiful beach with calm waters and amenities nearby
  • Walk along the seaside Promenade for stunning views of the sea and city
  • Visit the Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico for a glimpse into the region's maritime history
  • Relax in one of the many beachfront cafes and enjoy a glass of local wine or beer
  • Have a farewell dinner at La Tahona del Abuelo, a traditional restaurant serving local specialties.
  • No summary paragraph necessary. Enjoy your trip to Santander!

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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