Santander travel guide

Santander, situated on the northern coast of Spain, enjoys a classic Oceanic climate. This is characterized by mild, damp winters and cooler, less humid summers than the rest of the country. The average annual temperature hovers around 15°C, with July being the warmest month (averaging at 20°C) and January the coldest (averaging at 10°C). Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, though it is somewhat heavier during autumn and winter. Spring and summer are relatively drier, offering more sunny days.

Due to its coastal location, Santander is frequently subject to sea breezes, which can make it feel cooler. Fog is also common, especially in the mornings. Snowfall is a rare occurrence. The city's position by the Cantabrian Sea means that severe weather events, like storms, can occur but are not common. Travelers should consider these conditions when packing, ensuring to pack layers to accommodate the city's variable temperatures and potential for light rainfall.

With its blend of traditional and modern culture, Santander is more than just a wonderful city in Spain. It's a hub for diverse experiences, boasting top attractions that range from historical landmarks to modern marvels, offering a glimpse into Spain's rich heritage and innovative spirit.

One popular place to visit in Santander is the unforgettable Palacio de la Magdalena. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn't miss on your trip to Santander.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Santander, check out our list of top attractions below. Discover the best places to visit in Santander, including the fascinating Palacio de la Magdalena, Centro Botín, Mercado del Este, Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico, and Catedral de Santander.

Take a closer look at the city map below for the exact locations of all the top attractions in Santander.

A visit to Santander gets more exciting with memorable experiences. And the city is just perfect for that, with plenty of fun activities. Bus Tours, Ports of Call Tours, Historical Tours, and more are just some of the options you could explore to fully immerse yourself and make the most of your time.

In this travel guide, we've included some of the best things to do in Santander, adding a special touch to your journey in this vibrant city. Explore bustling markets, embark on scenic hikes, sample local delicacies, or immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of Santander. Browse this diverse array of unforgettable experiences Santander offers and let your adventures begin!

In Santander, travelers are spoiled for choice with a dazzling array of 12 categories of top-rated tours and tickets.

Santander also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience. City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, for example, is the cheapest Bus Tour option in the city. This experience costs around 20 EUR.

Elevate your upcoming Santander adventure with unforgettable experiences by booking top-rated tours in the city. Uncover the finest tours, activities, and tickets awaiting you in Santander right below.

Discover the best things to do in Santander. Choose from 40 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Santander. Click the green button to view your options and discover a variety of exciting things to do in Santander.

Santander, a Spanish city nestled on the northern coast, offers an array of local gastronomical delights that are deeply rooted in its maritime tradition. Fish and seafood are staples of Santander's cuisine, with dishes like rabas (fried squid), almejas a la marinera (clams sailor style), and cocido montañés (a hearty meat and bean stew) taking center stage. The city's old town and the areas around Puerto Chico and El Sardinero are among the best places to eat in Santander, providing options ranging from street food to high-end restaurants. For a taste of traditional Cantabrian cuisine, visit Casa Lita for their famed pinchos, or try El Serbal, a Michelin-star restaurant known for its innovative interpretations of local dishes. Street-food lovers should not miss the Mercado de la Esperanza, a lively market offering fresh produce and local delicacies. When in Santander, make sure to pair your meal with a glass of local cider or the region's white wine, Albariño. Lastly, don't leave without sampling the famous sobaos and quesada, traditional sweet treats that perfectly round off any meal in Santander.

If you're seeking the best place to go shopping in Santander, look no further than the bustling Calle Burgos. This iconic street is lined with a mix of chic boutiques and high-street brands, offering a unique blend of the city's distinct fashion and local craftsmanship. For a more traditional experience, explore Mercado de la Esperanza, a vibrant market where you can find fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs.

The city centre is home to El Corte Inglés, Spain's most famous department store, ideal for finding a variety of goods under one roof. For those seeking an upscale shopping experience, Puerto Chico, with its luxury boutiques and designer shops, is a must-visit.

Remember that most shops close for a siesta between 2 pm and 5 pm. However, larger malls and department stores typically stay open throughout the day. Don't forget to keep some room in your suitcase for Cantabrian anchovies, locally made leather goods, and ceramics, sure to serve as perfect reminders of your Santander sojourn.

Uncover the magic of Spain's northern gem without breaking the bank with the best free things to do in Santander. Start with a serene stroll along the Playa de la Magdalena, an idyllic beach boasting captivating views of the Cantabrian Sea. Next, immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural tapestry at the Cathedral de Santander, a stunning manifestation of Gothic architecture. Not far from there, the Jardines de Pereda, a lush, sprawling park, provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Centro Botin, a contemporary art museum where admission to the exhibition hall is free. Lastly, a trip to Santander isn't complete without visiting the Palacio de la Magdalena. While there's a fee to enter, wandering the extensive grounds and soaking in the panoramic sea views is absolutely free. With these offerings and more, Santander promises an enriching travel experience that proves you don't need to spend to enjoy the best of Spain.

The most popular way to experience Santander is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Spain. However, it is also common for travelers to go on holiday to Santander on both shorter and longer getaways to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe, you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Spain, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Spain, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Santander, there is a vacation package for you.

Explore the popular types of travel packages to Santander below. Click on any to delve into the details and effortlessly plan your dream getaway.

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Get more Santander vacation ideas by continuing to read this Santander travel guide and discover the greatest selection of travel packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Spain that match your needs and budget.

Explore and compare vacation packages, each offering unforgettable journeys to the wonderful city of Santander. Be sure to act swiftly, as the best flights, hotels, and activities in Santander tend to fill up quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best travel deals in Spain. Your customized holiday package to Santander is only a few clicks away!

Booking budget-friendly flights to Santander is a crucial part of planning your trip to the city. This section will guide you through the process, helping you find the best deals for your journey.

Booking in advance is a smart move when traveling to Santander. Airlines release their best deals months ahead of departure, so early birds catch the lower fares. Consider flexible travel dates while planning your visit to the city. Mid-week and off-peak seasons often offer more wallet-friendly options.

To help you find cheap flights to Santander, you can use the powerful booking widget below. Enter your departure city, choose between round trip or one-way, pick your fare class, select travel dates, and specify the number of travelers. Click "Search, " and the widget will do the rest. You'll see a list of flights matching your criteria, making your trip to Santander even more convenient.

Fine-tune your search with filters to sort by price, airline, layovers, and more. Once you've found your ideal flight, click "Book, " and you'll be redirected to the booking page to complete your reservation. Enter your payment details and receive a confirmation – it's that simple!

Remember to book ahead, stay flexible, and utilize the widget's features to make your journey to Santander both affordable and unforgettable.

A trip to Santander means opportunities to relax at any of the 5 different types of places to stay in the city. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Santander provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all the choices available in the city, Santemar is one of the top picks of travelers in Santander. Santemar is a 4-star stay with an average rating of 10339 stars out of 5 from 4 guests. The hotel is located at Joaquín Costa, 28 and boasts many great utilities, including air conditioning, bar, and restaurant.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Santander. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Santander, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Enjoy Santander. For approximately 30 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Double Room at this popular hostel, which also offers air conditioning, free wi-fi, and more.

Below is a list of all 5 different types of places to stay in Santander. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Santander for the unique experience they provide. Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Santander provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Santander are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Santander.

Eurostars Hotel Real offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Santander. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Santemar, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Santander, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Chiqui, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in Santander. Travelers are encouraged to book early, as these hotels quickly reach capacity. Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel in Santander by clicking the cards.

Finding the perfect stay for your visit to Santander is made easy with our search tool. With just a few clicks, explore a range of available hotels and accommodations, complete with prices and amenities for easy comparison. Simply input your check-in and check-out dates, along with the number of guests and rooms needed. Start planning your trip to Santander effortlessly now!

Renting a car in Santander is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore the city at their own pace.

A wide variety of popular car rentals are available to choose from in Santander, ensuring you find the best car for your travel plans. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Check out all the options available and book your car rental in Santander for your upcoming adventures in Spain below.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Santander. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Santander, Spain, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure about where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Spain. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Traveling to another city or region in Spain? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Santander to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Spain on the selected dates.