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 splendor and sweeping sea views.
Wander through bustling markets like Mercado La Esperanza for local flavors 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 specialties.
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 harbor views.
Seafood restaurants and boutique shops line the waterfront promenade. Visitors can admire nautical monuments or simply watch boats glide across the bay. The neighborhood offers easy walking access to central Santander while maintaining its refined seaside atmosphere.
Vacation in a northern Spanish town that is set amid spectacular natural landscapes and close to an ancient cave system decorated with Paleolithic art.
Cabildo de Arriba captivates visitors with its medieval charm and authentic Cantabrian spirit. Winding cobblestone streets lead past weathered stone facades and traditional red-tiled roofs. This hillside quarter offers glimpses of Santander's rich past through preserved city walls and historic architecture. Local tavernas serve regional cuisine at prices lower than the city center.
The neighborhood sits just a 15-minute walk from central Santander. From certain vantage points, you can catch distant views of Santander Bay. Nearby attractions include the Regional Parliament of Cantabria and Plaza Méjico. Traditional festivals and neighborhood gatherings showcase the area's strong cultural heritage.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Santander
Palacio de la Magdalena
9.2/10 (455 reviews)
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.
Santander Cathedral
8.8/10 (348 reviews)
Explore Santander Cathedral's unique twin-level design with Gothic churches stacked vertically. Take the elevator to the bell tower for panoramic city views.
Mercado La Esperanza
8.8/10 (20 reviews)
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.
Banco Santander
8.4/10 (65 reviews)
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.
Photo by alisha rothman
Open Photo by alisha rothman
Centro Botín
8.6/10 (163 reviews)
This Renzo Piano-designed art center showcases contemporary exhibitions with spectacular Bay of Santander views. Explore the rooftop viewing platform before unwinding at the ground-floor café.
Gran Casino del Sardinero
8.6/10 (175 reviews)
The Belle Époque Gran Casino del Sardinero overlooks Santander's stunning beach with historic elegance. Try your luck at the gaming tables, then savor panoramic coastal views from the à la carte restaurant.
Cantabria Maritime Museum
8.4/10 (72 reviews)
Come face to face with undersea creatures and learn about the local fishing industry and its traditions at this fascinating museum.
El Sardinero Stadium
6.0/10 (2 reviews)
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.
"Everything is OK. Only thing I do not like that is the room is in basement. I would not book the hotel if I knew I will stay in a basement room. It did not say this when I booked the hotel."
"Beautiful decor, good sized room. Breakfast ok, great choice of continental and cold buffet selection. Very limited hot food. Bar in hotel oddly don’t appear to have any drink menus, we did ask but waitress said no, seems odd that a hotel of this calibre has no wine or cocktail list. The property is advertised as having a spa-wellness area.
It doesn’t, the spa closed during Covid and didn’t reopen. There is a gym, it isn’t air conditioned, and is very small with limited equipment. Hotel is about...
"The hotel is excellently well maintained and managed. Great location central to pretty much everything. The breakfast was always fresh and a nice selection. Staff so welcoming and friendly and always on hand to assist if required.
I would definitely recommend Hotel Citrea if wanted to spend some time in Santander.
Would stay again when back in Santander."
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.
Offering great value package deals from $1,398 on Expedia, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much a vacation to Santander costs! Expedia's packages make travel planning easier and your savings go further.
What are the cheapest months to go to Santander?
You can typically find reduced prices and better availability in November, December and January. Take a look at our cheap Santander vacation packages and you could score some great off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Santander?
To get the most out of a Santander vacation, we recommend booking for 3 days. Divide your time between discovering Palace of Festivals of Cantabria, Centro Botín and other key sights, on top of exploring neighborhoods like Santander City Centre and Puertochico. If you've got some spare time, include a day trip in your Santander vacation itinerary.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to Santander?
It's easy to see why a Santander vacation is on the must-do list of many travelers. Well-known attractions like Palacio de la Magdalena are just the beginning of things to keep you busy 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," "Traveler 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 traveling on a weekday, when prices are often lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Santander vacation as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Santander getaway by booking a customized vacation 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 vacation 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?
Choose the perfect time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you enjoy can all influence your decision on when to visit Santander.
Calculate your budget: Make sure you have enough money to cover everything from transportation and meals to activities and flights. Your hotel will probably be the biggest expense during your trip to Santander.
Organize your Santander getaway with our trip planning tool: Look for and book stays and activities all in one place. You can also collaborate with friends and family to plan an unforgettable trip to Santander together.
Set the duration of your trip: Start by listing all the activities and attractions you want to experience in Santander. Then, estimate how long you'll need at each, along with any travel time.
Bundle your accommodations and airfare: Once you've nailed down your travel dates and duration, book the perfect Santander vacation package for you.
Add on experiences and excursions: Take a look at our dedicated travel guide to find some incredible things to do in Santander. Book tickets or make reservations as soon as you can to save time and avoid the hassle of trying to find activities once you arrive.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Santander vacation packages?
Set off on your dream getaway to Santander with help from our Book Now, Pay Later vacations. No need to save like crazy or wait for your next payday — we've joined forces with online lender Affirm to offer you financial flexibility. Our vacation packages with payment plans allow you to spread the cost over 3, 6 or 12 months. With no late payment fees or hidden charges, it's easy to stay on budget and snap up cheap deals before they disappear.
Santander is perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities like golf, thrilling day trips, and scenic boat rides. Don't miss the chance to explore its stunning vantage points and consider hiring a tour guide to enhance your experience. While the city has plenty to offer, be aware of tourist traps to ensure a memorable vacation.
Shopping
For a unique shopping experience, visit Mercado La Esperanza and Mercado del Este, both offering vibrant local goods and fresh produce. If you're up for a drive, check out the larger shopping malls outside the city for more extensive retail options.
Recreation
At El Sardinero Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of local sports events. For a serene escape, visit Parque de las Llamas, where you can relax in lush surroundings. Finally, enjoy a round of golf at Club de Golf Matelenas, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery.
Adventure
At Forestal Park Santander, experience thrilling zip lines and challenging ropes courses amidst the beautiful outdoors. For a family camping adventure, head to Playa del Regatón, located 18 miles away, where you can enjoy nature. Don’t miss the Laberinto de Villapresente, a fun maze 17 miles from the city.
Nightlife
In Santander, dive into vibrant nightlife at the lively bars along Calle del Mar and the beachfront Paseo de Pereda. Enjoy local tapas and cocktails at spots like La Roca and Café de Pombo, or dance the night away at clubs like The Club. The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming.
Find the best attractions in Santander
Experience the best of Santander with its stunning beaches and outdoor adventures. Discover urban parks, historic churches, and modern universities that showcase the city's vibrant culture. Whether you're traveling with family or seeking a city experience, Santander offers a variety of attractions that cater to every interest, making it an ideal destination for your vacation.
Palacio de la Magdalena: This historic palace, located on the stunning Magdalena Peninsula, offers a glimpse into the early 20th-century summer residence of Spanish royalty. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and breathtaking coastal views, visitors can enjoy guided tours that showcase its unique architecture and rich history.
Santander Cathedral: A remarkable example of Gothic architecture, this cathedral boasts a serene atmosphere and intricate stained glass windows. Its history dates back to the 12th century, providing a spiritual experience amidst its cultural significance and impressive artwork.
Banco Santander: As a historic civic government building, Banco Santander is not only the headquarters of one of the largest banks in the world but also a symbol of the city’s financial heritage. Its impressive façade and central location make it a notable landmark in Santander.
Best time to go to Santander
The best time to visit Santander is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny.
Tips to save on your trip to Santander
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Santander.
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.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.