5 Days of Romance and Adventure in Santander

Fall in love all over again in Santander, Spain.

22 April 2023

A romantic trip to Santander, Spain allows couples to discover charming beaches, historic landmarks, and delicious culinary experiences. Visitors can stroll along the picturesque Paseo de Pereda, explore the Gothic-style cathedral, and indulge in fresh seafood at the bustling Mercado del Este market. With its breathtaking natural landscapes and romantic atmosphere, Santander is an idyllic destination for a couple seeking a memorable getaway.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

A Taste of Santander

  • Check into the Quinta del Rey Hotel, a cozy, romantic spot with a breathtaking view of the sea.
  • Take a walk along the Promenade and stop at the Mercado de la Esperanza, a bustling market with a wide range of gastronomic delights.
  • Visit El Serbal, a Michelin-starred restaurant where you can indulge in some of the finest cuisine that Santander has to offer.
  • For a nightcap, head to La Radio, a chic cocktail bar with live music and a buzzing atmosphere.
Day 2

Exploring the City Centre

  • Start the day off with a coffee at Café de las Letras, a charming café with a literary twist.
  • Visit the stunning Palacio de la Magdalena, a royal summer residence perched on a hill overlooking the bay.
  • Stroll through the Centro Botín, an iconic cultural center with a fascinating array of exhibitions and events.
  • For lunch, head to Las Quebrantas, a charming tavern known for its delicious seafood and traditional dishes.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the charming streets and quaint shops of the city centre, soaking up the local atmosphere.
Day 3

A Day on the Beach

  • Take a short bus ride to Somo, a picturesque town with miles of golden beaches and turquoise waters.
  • Hit the waves with a surfing lesson at Escuela Cántabra de Surf, one of the best surfing schools in the region.
  • For a relaxing lunch, head to La Taberna del Zurdo, a cozy restaurant serving up fresh seafood and other local delights.
  • Spend the afternoon lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning views.
  • As the sun sets, head back to Santander and enjoy a romantic dinner at Restaurante Deluz, a stylish spot with incredible cuisine and spectacular views of the city lights.
Day 4

Hiking and Nature

  • Take a short drive to Cabárceno Natural Park, a wildlife park with over 150 species of animals from around the world.
  • Hike the stunning trails and take in the breathtaking views of the park's rolling hills and lush forests.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature and wildlife.
  • In the afternoon, head to the nearby town of Liérganes, a charming spot with a rich history and stunning architecture.
  • For dinner, try the delicious tapas at Bar el Pasaje, a popular spot with a lively atmosphere and great food.
Day 5

Say Goodbye to Santander

  • Take a leisurely morning stroll along the bay, taking in the stunning views and saying goodbye to this charming city.
  • Stop for a coffee and a pastry at La Gallofa, a popular bakery known for its delicious pastries and cakes.
  • Spend the morning exploring the stunning Magdalena Peninsula, with its picturesque gardens, charming cafes and stunning views.
  • End the trip with a romantic lunch at La Bombi, a cozy restaurant with an incredible view of the city and the bay.
  • Say goodbye to Santander with a sense of contentment, knowing you experienced the best of what this gem of a city has to offer.

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

The Ultimate 5-Day Adventure in Santander, Spain

Santander, located on the northern coast of Spain, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches and historic landmarks. A trip to Santander would be incomplete without a visit to the Playa del Sardinero, where visitors can enjoy the picturesque scenery and take part in water sports. Additionally, tourists can explore the famed Palacio de la Magdalena, a breathtaking palace overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine in one of the many bustling restaurants.

Romance and Adventure in 4-day Santander, Spain

Discover the charm of a romantic getaway in Santander, Spain where you can enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Biscay while walking hand in hand with your loved one. Visit the well-maintained gardens of the Magdalena Palace or take a stroll along the picturesque Paseo Pereda. Indulge in Spanish cuisine in one of the many restaurants serving fresh seafood and local wines and end your day watching a beautiful sunset over the sea.

Escape for a Romantic Long Weekend in Santander

Santander is a charming city located in the north of Spain, perfect for a romantic getaway. Couples can enjoy walks along the beautiful beaches and explore the historic city center filled with picturesque streets, cafes and shops. The city's culinary scene offers an array of tantalizing seafood dishes, making it an ideal destination for food-loving couples.

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.