Top 4 Itineraries in Santander

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Santander.

If you only have a few days, Santander weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Santander offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Santander are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Santander’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Santander offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Spain's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Santander offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Santander truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Santander belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Santander are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Santander and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Santander itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Santander for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 4 itineraries will help you experience the best of Santander without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Santander!

A scenic 7-day road trip through Madrid, Santander, Bilbao, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and El Escorial is one of the best ways to experience Spain. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 7-day itinerary means that Santander can easily be combined with other top destinations in Spain without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Madrid, Santander, Bilbao, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and El Escorial by public transport, renting a car in Spain opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 7 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Santander

• Arrival city: Santander
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Santander, e.g., Santemar
• Sightseeing: Mercado del Este

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Santander. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Santander and Cueto

• Destinations: Santander and Cueto
• Driving distance: 263.04 km, approx. 3 hours and 6 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Valladolid, e.g., Gareus Boutique
• Sightseeing: Centro Botín, Parque Atlántico de Las Llamas, Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico, and Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Centro Botín, Parque Atlántico de Las Llamas, Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico, and Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Santander and Cueto, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Valladolid.

Day 3: Discover San Lorenzo de El Escorial, El Escorial, and Los Baldíos

• Destinations: San Lorenzo de El Escorial, El Escorial, and Los Baldíos
• Driving distance: 234.38 km, approx. 3 hours and 27 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Frailes Garden, Casita del Príncipe, Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Silla de Felipe II, and “Puerto de Navacerrada” Ski Station
• Recommended tour: Day Trip from Madrid to Segovia and Avila in Spain

Spend the day exploring Frailes Garden, Casita del Príncipe, Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Silla de Felipe II, and “Puerto de Navacerrada” Ski Station. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Madrid.

Day 4: Experience Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 10.74 km, approx. 47 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Museo Nacional del Prado, El Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, Mercado de San Miguel, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
• Recommended tour: Full-Day Toledo Tour with Cathedral Visit from Madrid, Spain

Continue your journey through Madrid, where you can explore Museo Nacional del Prado, El Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, Mercado de San Miguel, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 356.38 km, approx. 4 hours and 2 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Vitoria-Gasteiz, e.g., Hotel Gran Bilbao
• Sightseeing: Plaza de España, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Plaza Mayor

Drive through Madrid, stopping to visit Plaza de España, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Plaza Mayor. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Bilbao

• Destinations: Bilbao
• Driving distance: 171.97 km, approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Santander, e.g., Santemar
• Sightseeing: Federico Moyúa enparantza, Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar, Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and Etxebarri Parkea
• Recommended tour: El Soplao Cave Visit

Spend time discovering Federico Moyúa enparantza, Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar, Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and Etxebarri Parkea, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Santander.

Day 7: Bid Farewell to Santander

• Departure city: Santander
• Driving distance: 1.48 km, approx. 5 minutes
• Sightseeing: Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde)

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Santander. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 741 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Santander.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Santander for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Santander with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Santander without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Santander

Arrive in Santander and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Parque Atlántico de Las Llamas.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Restaurante la Mayor is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Santander's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Santander by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde), Centro Botín, Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, Plaza de Pombo, and Paseo Marítimo de Santander.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Santander in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Santander

Spend your last few hours in Santander soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Santander in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Santander, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Santander travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 4-day beach vacation in Santander offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Santander:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Playa de Los Peligros, Playa de San Juan II, and Playa de Langre.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Santemar for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like surfing, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Restaurante la Mayor, Restaurante Rincón De La Canal, and Casa Rafa Restaurante De Mar, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Rock Island Bar, Liverpool Pub, and Speakeasy “The Pharmacy”, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Centro Botín, Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde), and Parque Atlántico de Las Llamas, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 4-day beach vacation itinerary in Santander, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Santander

Arrive in Bilbao, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 4 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Playa de Los Peligros or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Santander.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Playa de San Juan II, a top beach in Santander. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno, Centro Botín, and Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 4: Say Farewell to Santander

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Santander. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye. Then, choose from many convenient transfers in Santander to make your departure easier.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Santander. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Santander's coastline.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Santander offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Santander itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Santander weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Santander

Arrive in Santander around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Parque Atlántico de Las Llamas, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Santander’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Santander with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde) early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, stopping by Centro Botín for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Santander

No itinerary in Santander is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Parque de Mataleñas.
• Afternoon: Explore Playa de Mataleñas and Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 5 - Depart from Santander

Make the most of your last few hours in Santander before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Santander. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Santander itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Santander, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Santander for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Santander in a way that feels truly unforgettable!