Santander in 5: A Budget-Friendly Family Adventure

Discover family fun in the sun-drenched charms of Santander, Spain!

19 July 2023

Santander, Spain offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its blend of stunning beaches, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. Discover the picturesque Santander Bay, where you can enjoy long walks along the promenade, build sandcastles on the golden sands, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Explore the city's grandeur by visiting the Palacio de la Magdalena, a fairytale-like palace surrounded by beautiful gardens, or engage in interactive exhibits at the Cantabria Maritime Museum.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Sunny Santander:

  • Check into Hotel Bahía, conveniently located near the famous El Sardinero beach.
  • Soak up the sun, sand, and surf at El Sardinero, a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters.
  • Visit the famous Palacio de la Magdalena, an exquisite palace that will make you feel like royalty.
  • Explore the delightful Paseo Pereda, a charming waterfront promenade lined with cafes and stunning views.
  • Indulge in delicious pintxos at Restaurante Deluz, where each bite is a flavor explosion.
Day 2

Discover Hidden Gems:

  • Take a stroll through the enchanting Jardines de Pereda, a magical garden filled with blooming flowers and playful fountains.
  • Uncover the secrets of Santander's history at the Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria.
  • Appreciate modern art at Centro Botín, a striking waterfront building hosting captivating exhibitions.
  • Don't miss the grandeur of Catedral de Santander, where you can marvel at intricate architectural details.
  • Savor a scrumptious seafood feast at El Machi Restaurante, where the catch of the day takes center stage.
Day 3

Get Adventurous:

  • Embark on an adrenaline-filled adventure and try your hand at surfing the waves on Somo Beach.
  • Take a boat tour to the breathtaking Cabo Mayor lighthouse, perched dramatically on a rugged cliff.
  • Get your dose of nature and serenity at Parque de Las Llamas, a tranquil park perfect for picnics.
  • Visit the impressive Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo de Santander y Cantabria for a dose of artistic inspiration.
  • Satisfy your taste buds with mouthwatering tapas at La Conveniente, a vibrant local hotspot.
Day 4

Day Trip to Exciting Excursions:

  • Venture out of Santander to the picturesque village of Comillas and marvel at the whimsical architecture of El Capricho.
  • Explore the hidden gem of Parque Natural de las Dunas de Liencres, a stunning coastal nature reserve.
  • Discover the ancient cave paintings at Cueva de El Castillo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Indulge in a delightful seafood lunch at Restaurante Annua, boasting Michelin-starred culinary delights.
  • End the day with a leisurely stroll along Santander's iconic Sardinero promenade, admiring the stunning ocean views.
Day 5

Farewell Santander:

  • Spend your last day shopping for souvenirs at the enticing Mercado de la Esperanza, where local goodies are aplenty.
  • Take a leisurely boat ride on the serene Bahía de Santander, enjoying the cool breeze and scenic vistas.
  • Enjoy a traditional Cantabrian meal at El Serbal, where the chef's creativity will leave you in awe.
  • Bid adieu to Santander with a final visit to the magnificent Palacio de Festivales, a symbol of the city's cultural vibrancy.
  • Depart with a heart full of memories and a longing to return soon.

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

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The Ultimate 5-Day Adventure in Santander, Spain

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