The Ultimate 5-Day Adventure in Santander, Spain

Discover the beauty and rhythm of Santander - a coastal gem in the heart of Northern Spain.

22 April 2023

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.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Beach Time

  • Check into your hotel at Hotel Chiqui, offering stunning views of the sea
  • Take a walk to Sardinero Beach, a slice of paradise in Santander
  • Soak up the sun, sand and sea on the beach and bask in the beauty of the coastline
  • Refresh yourself with a dip in the water, before grabbing some tapas at one of the nearby beachfront cafes
  • Watch the sun go down, with a cool drink in hand, or walk up to Magdalena Peninsula and admire the scenery
Day 2

Historical and Cultural Exploration

  • Begin with breakfast at Café de las Letras, to fuel up for the day
  • Visit the Palacio de la Magdalena, a stunning palace built in 1909, with beautiful gardens and sea views
  • Head to Centro Botin for contemporary art exhibitions and a rooftop restaurant with a view of Santander bay
  • Take a stroll to Plaza Porticada through the Gran Casino, immersing yourself in the architecture of the city centre
  • End the day with dinner in La Tasca del Puerto, enjoying delicious seafood dishes by the harbour
Day 3

Exploring the Surrounding Countryside

  • Rent a car and drive to Cabarceno Natural Park for a day of nature exploration
  • See elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers and other wild animals in a natural safari setting
  • Stop for a picnic lunch in one of the park's scenic viewpoints before continuing your exploration
  • Head back to Santander for a sunset dinner in the restaurant El Serbal, famed for its imaginative and tasty cuisine
  • Take a leisurely walk around the Paseo de Pereda, admiring the lit-up fountains and city night lights
Day 4

Surfs Up

  • Start off with a hearty breakfast at La Canela Matinal, a cozy and popular breakfast spot
  • Head over to Playa de Somo, known for its world class surf schools and warm water
  • Grab a surf board and ride the waves, or take a lesson if you're a first-timer
  • Take a break from the ocean and fill up on some paella and cold drinks, whilst overlooking the beach
  • Continue your water adventures with paddleboarding or kayaking, before returning to the city for dinner at the trendy Café de Oriente
Day 5

Farewell Santander

  • Check out of Hotel Chiqui, but keep your bags in the reception so you can have some last-minute explorations
  • Walk through the historic streets of Santander and stumble upon unique boutiques, food stalls and street art
  • Take in the local market in Plaza de la Esperanza, with its lively atmosphere and amazing fresh produce
  • Try some pintxos, a northern Spanish version of tapas, in Calle Hernán Cortés
  • End the trip with a visit to the Cathedral of Santander, and take a final look at the stunning views of the city from its tower

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.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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.

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.

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.

Spend a Perfect Long Weekend in Santander, Spain

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.