El Astillero

Travel Guide

A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs, a narrow beach, and a sunset over the ocean.
A river with patches of vegetation, a distant hill, and power lines.
A river with marshy banks, power lines, and a bridge in the background.
A rural landscape with a road, green fields, and residential buildings.
A muddy path alongside a river with a bridge in the distance.

Discover rich history, local markets, and stunning natural parks while exploring the unique character of El Astillero and its surroundings.

El Astillero is an ideal destination for outdoor and scenery travelers. Nearby, you can explore Cabarceno Natural Park, a national park that offers various opportunities for nature enthusiasts. For a touch of history, visit the Banco Santander, a notable civic government building, or the Santander Cathedral, which reflects the area's architectural heritage. Additionally, there are several activities to engage in, such as visiting Mercado La Esperanza and Mercado del Este, both vibrant public markets, or enjoying a round of golf at Campo Municipal de Golf de La Junquera. Nature lovers can also venture to the Saja-Besaya Natural Park, known for its skiing and sports tourism, and the Cantabrian Mountains, which are popular for outdoor adventures.

While you're in El Astillero, take time to wander the nearby areas, each with its own character. Boo de Guarnizo is known for both outdoor family experiences and cultural activities, making it a great spot for visitors of all ages. Additionally, Guarnizo offers outdoor and adventure experiences, appealing to those looking for more active pursuits. These nearby areas enhance your visit by providing diverse experiences, from family-friendly outings to adventurous explorations.

The best time to visit El Astillero largely depends on how busy you prefer the area to be. Demand remains fairly steady throughout the year, but it tends to be a little busier from March to April and again in July. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider traveling between October and December, when fewer tourists are around. This timing allows for a more relaxed exploration of the city's offerings, along with opportunities to enjoy its scenic outdoor spaces.

Apartamentos Turísticos Bahía de Boó

Apartamentos Turísticos Bahía de Boó

2 out of 5
Calle Prosperidad No. 36 A y B El Astillero Cantabria
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$59 nightly
The price is $65 total per night from Dec 3 to Dec 4
$65 total
Dec 3 - Dec 4
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in El Astillero. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Cabarceno Natural ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (221 reviews)
"The listing says “sound proofed” rooms. This was not the case, I could hear my neighbours tv as if I was sitting in their living room. The train comes past every 45 minutes and makes an horrendous sound when it does. I would not stay here again."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2026

Apartamentos Turísticos Bahía de Boó
Hotel Los Ángeles

Hotel Los Ángeles

3 out of 5
San Camilo, 1 El Astillero Cantabria
$56 nightly
The price is $61 total per night from Nov 19 to Nov 20
$61 total
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Astillero. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Cabarceno Natural ...
Hotel Los Ángeles
Hotel Bahia

Hotel Bahia

4 out of 5
C/ Cádiz, 22 Santander Cantabria
$82 nightly
The price is $90 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$90 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Hotel is in an excellent location within old town. Close to historic sites, stores, restaurants, and boardwalk along the bay. It has well kept spacious and comfortable rooms with a great staff."

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2026

Hotel Bahia
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.
Apartamentos Turísticos Bahía de Boó

Apartamentos Turísticos Bahía de Boó

2 out of 5
Calle Prosperidad No. 36 A y B El Astillero Cantabria
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in El Astillero. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Cabarceno Natural ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (221 reviews)
"The listing says “sound proofed” rooms. This was not the case, I could hear my neighbours tv as if I was sitting in their living room. The train comes past every 45 minutes and makes an horrendous sound when it does. I would not stay here again."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2026

Apartamentos Turísticos Bahía de Boó
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 Santander Maliaño Suites 3000

Apartamentos Santander Maliaño Suites 3000

3 out of 5
Calle Alday, 39 Camargo Cantabria
Stay at this aparthotel in Camargo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Cabarceno Natural Park and El Sardinero Beach are ...
6.8/10 (22 reviews)
"La estancia estuvo excelente, si tuviera aire acondicionada estuviera súper mejor, así no se escucharía ningún ruido"

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2026

Apartamentos Santander Maliaño Suites 3000
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.

Frequently asked questions

Is El Astillero worth visiting?
El Astillero is worth visiting for its food and local dining, with a focus on European and Italian cuisine, where travelers can enjoy dishes like pasta and pizza. It also offers practical transit access, making it easy to explore the area with convenient train services.
When is the best time to visit El Astillero?
The best time to visit El Astillero is from May through September, when the climate is most favorable for travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of January and February are a good bet, offering a cooler season to explore.
What is El Astillero known for?
El Astillero is known for its historical connection to the Royal Shipyard of Guarnizo, from which it takes its name. This coastal city on the Cantabrian Sea has a significant maritime heritage, reflecting its past as a key shipbuilding center.
How do you get around El Astillero?
El Astillero offers train service, providing travelers with a convenient way to get around. You can access various points in the area via stations like Guarnizo Station and Boo Station, making it easy to explore the destination and its surroundings.
What cuisines can you find in El Astillero?
In El Astillero you can find Spanish cuisine, with dishes like paella, savory tapas, tortilla española, and churros. Travelers can also enjoy Italian options such as pasta and pizza, and a variety of Latin American flavors.
Can I book a refundable hotel in El Astillero?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in El Astillero 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 El Astillero with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your El Astillero 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 El Astillero?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in El Astillero 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 El Astillero trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your El Astillero 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 El Astillero trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your El Astillero 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 El Astillero?
If it's your first trip to El Astillero, 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 El Astillero 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 El Astillero 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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