Santander

Travel Guide

A coastal city with a marina, boats, and a clear blue sea.
A large, historic castle with multiple towers and a prominent entrance.
A large white building with ornate architectural details, including a prominent tower and a dome.
A coastal beach with clear turquoise waters, sandy shore, and rocky cliffs.
A beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a clear blue sky, and a calm sea.

Stay in Santander to explore historic landmarks, unwind on beautiful beaches, and enjoy the surrounding mountains.

Santander is an ideal destination for beach and outdoor travelers. You can relax at El Sardinero Beach, explore the historic Banco Santander, and visit the Santander Cathedral. For activities, El Sardinero Stadium is a venue for sports, while Mercado La Esperanza and Mercado del Este offer public market experiences. Additionally, Parque de las Llamas provides a space for recreation. Nearby, the Cantabrian Mountains are known for outdoor and adventure tourism.

While you're in Santander, consider exploring its distinct neighborhoods. La Gándara is known for beach experiences and features the Cantabria Maritime Museum and Playa de la Fenómeno. The Santander City Centre offers both beach and outdoor experiences, with landmarks such as Plaza de Canadio and the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria. Likewise, El Sardinero is noted for its beach and sports experiences, highlighted by the Jardines de Piquio and the Church of San Roque.

The best time to visit Santander is during July to August, when the weather is mild, mostly dry, and often sunny. Demand stays fairly steady throughout the year, but it tends to be a little busier from June to August, and slightly quieter from October to December. This timing allows you to enjoy the sights with a balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.

Where to stay in Santander

Find the best Santander areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santander
Learn more about Santander

Santander City Centre

Santander City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Jardines de Pereda or Plaza Porticada.

El Sardinero

While visiting El Sardinero, you might make a stop by sights like El Sardinero Beach and Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Santander.

Puertochico

The beaches and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Puertochico. A stop by Chico Port or Bay of Biscay might round out your trip.

Barrio Pesquero

Though Barrio Pesquero might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Santander Ferry Terminal and Bank of Spain.

Valdenoja

While visiting Valdenoja, you might make a stop by sights like Forestal Park Santander and Parque de Matalenas.

Hotel Bahia

Hotel Bahia

4 out of 5
C/ Cádiz, 22 Santander Cantabria
$81 nightly
The price is $89 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$89 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Hotel Bahia
Ibis Styles Santander

Ibis Styles Santander

3 out of 5
AVENIDA DE PARAYAS 2A Santander
$49 nightly
The price is $54 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$54 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Ibis Styles Santander
Gran Hotel Sardinero

Gran Hotel Sardinero

4 out of 5
Plaza de Italia 1 Santander
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (499 reviews)
"Beach view"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2026

Gran Hotel Sardinero
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.
Estudios Aranzazu

Estudios Aranzazu

2 out of 5
Mies del Valle, 4 Santander Cantabria
Stay at this aparthotel in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (291 reviews)
"Sería muy bueno disponer de microondas"

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2026

Estudios Aranzazu
Apartamentos Las Brisas

Apartamentos Las Brisas

3 out of 5
Fernández Castañeda, 17 Santander Cantabria
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Santander. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite car rentals, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions El Sardinero Beach and ...
7.6/10 Good! (90 reviews)
"Perfect location for travellers wanting beach access in minutes. Sight seeing bus stop around the corner. Supermarket very close. Housekeeper was excellent. Advise travellers to check the room type and amenity. We paid for a kitchen: freezer door missing, no tea cups, no kettle, no toaster!!!! Maintenance ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2026

Apartamentos Las Brisas
Alda Don Carlos

Alda Don Carlos

3 out of 5
Calle Duque de Santo Mauro, 20 Santander Cantabria
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Santander. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions El Sardinero ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (44 reviews)
"Reservar, es muy fácil y precios accesibles"

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2026

Alda Don Carlos
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.

Stay near popular Santander attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Santander worth visiting?
Santander is worth visiting for its notable attractions, including Palacio de la Magdalena and Santander Cathedral. Travelers can explore distinct areas like Santander City Centre and La Gándara, and enjoy a variety of European and Italian dining options. It offers a blend of cultural sights and local experiences.
When is the best time to visit Santander?
The best time to visit Santander is from May through September, when travelers can enjoy warm and pleasant weather, ideal for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of January and February are a good option, offering a cooler experience.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Santander?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Santander depend on what you want to see:

  • Santander City Centre is home to Mercado La Esperanza, Banco Santander, and Centro Botín.
  • La Gándara offers cultural spots like Centro Cultural Doctor Madrazo, Jardines de Pereda, and The Cathedral.
  • Cabildo de Arriba features the Regional Parliament of Cantabria, Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Consolacion, and the Sotileza Mural.
  • El Sardinero is known for Jardines de Piquio, Church of San Roque, and El Sardinero Stadium.

What is Santander known for?
Santander is known for its historic Palacio de la Magdalena and the impressive Santander Cathedral. As a coastal city on the Cantabrian Sea, it also hosts the headquarters of Banco Santander. Travelers can experience a rich European food culture here, making it a destination with both historical landmarks and culinary appeal.
What is a good itinerary length for Santander?
A good itinerary length for Santander is two to three days to explore key highlights like Palacio de la Magdalena, Santander Cathedral, and Santander City Centre. For an extended stay of four to five days, you can also enjoy a day trip to Capricho Gaudí, Santillana del Mar, and Sequoia Forest, or take the City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. See Santander Activities.
How do you get around Santander?
In Santander, travelers can easily get around using the local bus and train services. Key transit hubs include Santander Station for train travel and Santander Bus Station. For more flexibility, rental cars are available in neighborhoods such as Santander City Centre and Cabildo de Arriba, making it convenient to explore the surrounding area.
What are the top things to do in and around Santander?
Santander offers historic landmarks, cultural sites, and exciting day trips to nearby towns:


How do I plan a trip to Santander?
Plan your trip to Santander by searching for places to stay on Expedia in areas like Santander City Centre or La Gándara. Book flights, hotels, and activities, such as a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour or visiting Palacio de la Magdalena, in advance. Utilize local buses and trains to get around. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Santander?
In Santander you can find Spanish cuisine, with popular dishes like paella, tapas, and tortilla española. Travelers also have a variety of options including Mediterranean, Italian, and Asian choices such as Chinese and Japanese. Seafood is also widely available, alongside Latin American selections like Mexican and South American dishes.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Santander?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Santander by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Santander with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Santander trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Santander?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Santander can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Santander trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Santander trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Santander trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Santander trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Santander?
If it's your first trip to Santander, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Santander hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Santander hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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