Santander City Centre blends historic grandeur with coastal charm along northern Spain's breathtaking bay. The Gothic cathedral's spires rise above Belle Époque mansions and tree-lined boulevards that lead to the water's edge. Palacio de la Magdalena crowns the peninsula with royal splendour and sweeping sea views. Wander through bustling markets like Mercado La Esperanza for local flavours and maritime treasures. The seafront Jardines de Pereda gardens offer peaceful respite between sightseeing adventures. Plaza Porticada's elegant architecture showcases the city's rich cultural heritage while waterfront dining serves up fresh Cantabrian seafood specialities.
El Sardinero dazzles visitors with golden beaches stretching along Santander's coastline. This upscale resort area showcases elegant Belle Époque architecture and the grand Hotel Real overlooking the Bay of Biscay. The beautiful seafront promenade invites leisurely strolls past manicured Piquío Gardens and impressive coastal views. Between beach days, explore the lush Parque de Matalenas or the historic Gran Casino. Sports enthusiasts can catch events at El Sardinero Stadium while nature lovers enjoy clifftop walks with stunning ocean panoramas. The area perfectly balances refined luxury with natural coastal beauty.
Puertochico blends maritime charm with upscale living along Santander's beautiful bay. Historic buildings frame a picturesque marina where fishing boats and luxury yachts bob side by side. The elegant Paseo de Pereda invites leisurely strolls with its Belle Époque architecture and harbour views. Seafood restaurants and boutique shops line the waterfront promenade. Visitors can admire nautical monuments or simply watch boats glide across the bay. The area offers easy walking access to central Santander while maintaining its refined seaside atmosphere.
This former royal summer residence showcases early 20th-century aristocratic life through its eclectic architecture. Guides reveal the palace's storied past on the Magdalena Peninsula.
Explore Santander Cathedral's unique twin-level design with Gothic churches stacked vertically. Take the lift to the bell tower for panoramic city views.
The Banco Santander building showcases early 20th-century architecture with its distinctive archway connecting two sections. Admire its grand facade along Paseo de Pereda while enjoying picturesque bay views.
The Belle Époque Gran Casino del Sardinero overlooks Santander's stunning beach with historic elegance. Try your luck at the gaming tables, then savour panoramic coastal views from the à la carte restaurant.
This Renzo Piano-designed art centre showcases contemporary exhibitions with spectacular Bay of Santander views. Explore the rooftop viewing platform before unwinding at the ground-floor café.
Housed in a stunning 19th-century iron and glass building, Mercado de la Esperanza showcases Santander's culinary soul. Explore two floors of local treasures—fresh seafood below, regional meats and cheeses above.
Experience authentic Spanish football culture at El Sardinero Stadium, home of Real Racing Club. Tour the players' tunnel and changing rooms, or catch a match with passionate local fans near the beach.
"It’s the second time I stay at this hotel! And the location is beautiful! Lovely sea views, and very quiet at nights, I found the bed quite comfortable and the bathroom and room spotlessly clean! Also a very good breakfast!"
"Just returned from a 4 night stay here. The hotel is well located, a few hundred yards from the bus and train stations and just a short walk into the main town centre. There is also a small chain supermarket just over the road which was useful and a bar and bakery. The room we had was nice but a few small issues such as the curtains not being fully attached so were hanging incorrectly. We also had to report a lamp which was loose and was far too low above your head when lying in bed - this was...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Santander, located in the beautiful Cantabria region, is perfect for beach and outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as guided tours, peaceful strolls along the Paseo, and picnics in scenic areas. Golf enthusiasts will also find excellent courses to explore. In the evenings, take a leisurely walk to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this charming coastal city.
Shopping
In Santander, you can explore Mercado La Esperanza and Mercado del Este, both offering vibrant city vibes and a variety of local goods. If you're up for a drive, visit the nearby Centro Comercial Valle Real for a larger selection of shops and dining options.
Recreation
Experience the vibrant atmosphere at El Sardinero Stadium, where you can enjoy sports events. For a touch of culture, visit the Palace of Festivals of Cantabria, perfect for family entertainment. Unwind at Parque de las Llamas, a serene spot for relaxation and wellness amidst beautiful greenery.
Adventure
Forestal Park Santander offers an exhilarating zipline and ropes course experience amidst nature's beauty. For a family adventure, visit Playa del Regatón, a delightful campground located 29.0km from the city. Alternatively, explore the enchanting Laberinto de Villapresente maze, situated 27.4km away, perfect for all ages.
Nightlife
In Santander, enjoy vibrant nightlife at the bustling Calle del Mar and the lively areas of El Sardinero and Paseo de Pereda, featuring trendy bars, stylish clubs, and live music venues. Experience the local tapas scene while sipping on refreshing sangria in a friendly atmosphere.
Find the best attractions in Santander
Whether you're seeking a beach getaway or an adventure-filled holiday, Santander offers a delightful mix of urban parks, historic palaces, and beautiful churches. Explore the picturesque Bay of Santander and the stunning Cantabrian Sea, perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike. With its rich heritage and outdoor activities, Santander promises a memorable experience for all types of travellers.
Palacio de la Magdalena: This stunning historic palace, nestled on the picturesque Magdalena Peninsula, offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Santander. Its charming gardens and grand architecture reflect the rich cultural heritage of the area, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and photography.
Santander Cathedral: An impressive example of Gothic architecture, Santander Cathedral boasts intricate designs and a serene atmosphere. Visitors can admire its beautiful stained glass windows and explore the peaceful cloisters, immersing themselves in the local culture and history.
Banco Santander: As a prominent civic building, Banco Santander showcases a blend of modern finance and historical significance. Its striking façade and impressive interior underline the city’s economic importance, making it a fascinating stop for those interested in architecture and local heritage.
Best time to go to Santander
The best time to visit Santander can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Santander falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Santander falls in January and February. February has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.
Tips to save on your trip to Santander
Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling to Santander during the low season (January to February and November) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Santander holiday package cost?
Offering great value package deals on Expedia, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much a holiday to Santander costs! Expedia's packages make travel planning easier and your savings go further.
What are the cheapest months to go to Santander?
January, February and November are the best times to look for cheap Santander holiday packages. Opting to travel in quieter months means you can usually find lower prices on flights and hotels.
How many days is enough for Santander?
We recommend booking a Santander holiday for around 3 days. This will give you enough time to tick off top sights such as Centro Botín and Zoo de la Magdalena, as well as explore neighbourhoods like Santander City Centre and Puertochico. You could even make time for a day trip from Santander.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Santander?
It's no wonder a Santander holiday is on the to-do list of many travellers. Leading attractions like Palacio de la Magdalena are just the start of what you can explore here.
How to find the best Santander package deals?
Landing a cheap Santander package deal is a cinch with Expedia. After you've entered your destination and preferred dates under our "Packages" tab, set your maximum budget, apply some filters and see what's available. You can fine-tune your search by "Property class," "Number of bedrooms," "Traveller experience" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most affordable Santander package deals. Want a simple trick to get the biggest savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are often lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Santander holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Santander getaway by booking a customised holiday package. Check the "Package" heading, then select your destination and travel dates to browse some great airfares and hotel prices. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a rental car and you may score a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Santander?
If you're considering a spontaneous Santander trip, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you take off. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can find sensational deals on your hotels and flights by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Santander?
Pick the best time to travel: Your schedule, favourite season and the type of weather you enjoy can all influence your decision on when to visit Santander.
Plan your budget wisely: In addition to the price of your stay, you'll need to factor in other expenses. These include transportation, food and flights. Also, put aside a little extra for unexpected expenses that may come up during your trip to Santander.
Decide your trip length: Consider how long you'd like to spend discovering Santander. Plan your days so you can get to all the activities and attractions you're interested in without rushing.
Combine your accommodation and airfare: Once you've nailed down your dates and duration, book the perfect Santander holiday package for you.