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

Santander's Whimsical Wonders: A Family-Friendly Day Trip

Santander, Spain offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and numerous activities, there is something for everyone. Explore the breathtaking Paseo de Pereda, visit the tranquil Magdalena Peninsula, and delight in the stunning views of the Bay of Biscay while creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones in this charming city.

Santander, Spain: 4 Days of Budget-Friendly Fun

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.

Romantic Weekend Getaway: Santander, Spain

Nestled on Spain's northern coast, the city of Santander offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and traditional Spanish cuisine, making it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Couples can explore breathtaking landmarks like the Palacio de la Magdalena and the Catedral de Santander, or take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront. Indulging in the local gastronomy and wine is an absolute must, with the seaside town being renowned for its fresh seafood and regional delicacies.

Santander Splendor: 4 Days of Family Fun on a Budget

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."