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.

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Travel plan

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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.

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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

5 Days of Romance and Adventure in Santander

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.

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.

Sizzling Santander: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip!

Santander, a coastal city in northern Spain, has plenty to offer for travelers on a limited budget. With budget-friendly accommodation options such as hostels and homestays, you can explore the city's beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and local cuisine without breaking the bank. From strolling through the Pereda Gardens to sampling the famous sobaos pasiegos pastries, Santander is an affordable and enjoyable destination for budget-minded travelers.

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.