Santander, Spain Travel Guide

Discover Santander: A blend of stunning beaches, rich maritime history, and vibrant culture on Spain's picturesque northern coast.

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Santander, the capital of the Cantabria region in northern Spain, is a city of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nestled between the Bay of Biscay and lush green hills, Santander offers a unique mix of urban attractions and outdoor adventures. The city boasts splendid beaches, such as El Sardinero, where visitors can enjoy the golden sands and clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Strolling along the waterfront promenade, you will encounter magnificent views of the bay and charming seafood eateries offering the freshest catch of the day. Santander's history is deeply rooted in its maritime past, which is evident in its architectural landmarks and museums. The Palacio de la Magdalena, once the summer residence of Spanish royalty, stands majestically on the Magdalena Peninsula and provides panoramic views of the sea. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Maritime Museum of Cantabria, which showcases the region's seafaring legacy through fascinating exhibits. As you explore the city's historic quarter, you will find beautiful churches, such as the Catedral de Santander, and vibrant plazas brimming with local life. For nature lovers, Santander is a gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of Cantabria. A short drive from the city will take you to the scenic Picos de Europa National Park, where you can hike, climb, or simply soak in the stunning mountain scenery. The city itself is dotted with green spaces, including the picturesque Parque de Mataleñas, which offers lovely walking trails and a serene golf course. Whether you are keen on cultural exploration, seaside relaxation, or outdoor activities, Santander promises a memorable experience for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Santander.

Visit El Sardinero beach early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful sunrise.
Take a guided tour of the Palacio de la Magdalena to learn about its royal heritage and enjoy its stunning views.
Try the local seafood dishes, especially the famous rabas (fried calamari) at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Explore the Mercado de la Esperanza for fresh local produce and a taste of regional flavors.
Use public transport or rent a bike to explore the city conveniently and sustainably.

Explore Santander: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Santander

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno

Explore the breathtaking wildlife and stunning landscapes at Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno, a premier nature park in Cantabria, Spain.

4.5

El Capricho de Gaudí

Explore El Capricho de Gaudí, a stunning architectural gem in Comillas, blending nature and art, and a must-see for every traveler in Cantabria.

4.5

Palacio de la Magdalena

Explore the stunning Palacio de la Magdalena in Santander, a historical landmark offering breathtaking views and rich royal heritage.

4.6

Cave of Altamira

Discover the prehistoric artistry of the Cave of Altamira in Santillana del Mar, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing ancient cave paintings and rich history.

4.3

Best landmarks in Santander

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Palacio de la Magdalena

Explore the stunning Palacio de la Magdalena, a historical landmark in Santander, blending architectural beauty with breathtaking coastal views.

4.6

Centro Botín

Explore contemporary art and stunning coastal views at Centro Botín, Santander's premier cultural destination, a blend of nature and modern design.

4.3

Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico

Explore maritime history and marine conservation at the stunning Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico in Santander, a captivating destination for all ages.

4.4

Mercado del Este

Experience the essence of Santander at Mercado del Este, a bustling market filled with local flavors, artisan goods, and cultural delights.

4.1

Best restaurants in Santander

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Casa Lita

Discover authentic Spanish flavors at Casa Lita, Santander's premier tapas bar offering delightful dishes and stunning waterfront views.

4.3

Cañadío

Discover authentic Cantabrian flavors at Cañadío in Santander - where tradition meets culinary excellence.

4.4

Restaurante Los Peñucas

Discover exquisite seafood at Restaurante Los Peñucas in Santander - where fresh flavors meet stunning coastal views.

4.4

Bodega del Riojano

Discover the flavors of Spain at Bodega del Riojano in Santander—where tradition meets taste in a vibrant dining experience.

4.4

Best bars in Santander

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Casa Lita

Experience the vibrant flavors of Spain at Casa Lita, Santander's premier tapas bar, where every dish tells a story.

4.3

Little Bobby

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Santander at Little Bobby, your go-to pub and cocktail bar for unforgettable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.5

Grog

Discover Grog, Santander's lively cocktail bar, offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.

4.1

King´s Pub

Discover the lively ambiance and expertly crafted cocktails at King’s Pub, a must-visit cocktail bar in Santander, Cantabria.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Santander

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Kudeta Santander

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Santander at Kudeta, a premier disco club known for its electrifying music and lively atmosphere.

3.1

Discoteca Cambalache

Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Discoteca Cambalache, Santander's premier disco club, where unforgettable nights and vibrant music await.

3.7

Discoteca Amarras

Discover the heart of Santander's nightlife at Discoteca Amarras, where music and energy collide for an unforgettable experience.

3.8

La Tentación - Santander, Cantabria

Experience the electrifying nightlife of Santander at La Tentación, a disco club that promises unforgettable nights filled with music and dance.

4.0

Best shops in Santander

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El Corte Inglés Santander

Discover a world of shopping, dining, and entertainment at El Corte Inglés Santander, the ultimate destination for tourists in Cantabria.

4.2

Centro Comercial Bahía de Santander

Explore the Centro Comercial Bahía de Santander: your go-to shopping destination in Cantabria with diverse shops, cozy cafes, and a lively atmosphere.

4.3

Lush Cosmetics Santander

Experience the essence of natural beauty at Lush Cosmetics Santander, where handmade products meet ethical luxury.

4.8

Tiger

Discover a world of unique gifts and creative supplies at Tiger Gift Shop in Santander, the perfect stop for souvenirs and home goods.

4.2

Explore Santander on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Santander, mapped for you.

Santander Essentials

Santander is accessible by various means. The Santander Airport (Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport) offers flights from major Spanish cities and some international destinations. For those traveling by train, the RENFE network connects Santander with cities like Madrid and Bilbao. Bus services by ALSA also provide connections to several Spanish cities. Additionally, Santander is a port city with ferry services from the UK (Plymouth and Portsmouth) operated by Brittany Ferries.
Santander has a well-organized public transportation system. The city buses, operated by TUS, cover most areas of the city and are a convenient way to get around. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or app. Renting a car is another option for those wanting to explore the surrounding Cantabria region. The city also has a bike-sharing program called TUSBIC which is ideal for short trips within the city.
The official currency in Santander is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and you can withdraw cash using international cards.
Santander is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly-lit areas at night and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Areas such as the train station and certain parts of the waterfront can be more prone to petty crime, so remain vigilant.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services including police, fire, and medical help. The main hospital in Santander is Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. Pharmacies are available for minor health concerns, and many have a green cross sign indicating 24-hour service.
Fashion: Do dress smartly, especially in the evenings when Spaniards tend to dress up. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do let elderly people and those with disabilities get on and find a seat first. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. In social settings, a kiss on each cheek is common among friends and acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as sobaos and anchovies. Don't expect dinner before 8 PM, as Spaniards eat late.
To experience Santander like a local, visit the Mercado de la Esperanza for fresh produce and local specialties. Take a stroll along the Sardinero beach, popular among locals for its beauty. Don't miss the Magdalena Peninsula, which offers a mix of history, nature, and stunning views. For a true local experience, enjoy a 'paseo' (evening walk) along the waterfront and try some pinchos (small snacks) at local bars.

When is the best time to visit Santander?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Santander

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Santander. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [O-la]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [Ah-dyos]
- YesSí
  [See]
- NoNo
  [No]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fa-vor/De na-da]
- Thank youGracias
  [Gra-thyas]
- Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [Per-don/Lo syen-to]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Ko-mo es-tas]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Byen. Ee too]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [A-blas in-gles]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [No en-tyen-do]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [Me goos-ta-ree-a ver la kar-ta, por fa-vor]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [No ko-mo kar-ne]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sah-lood]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Me goos-ta-ree-a pa-gar, por fa-vor]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [Ah-yu-da]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [Ve-te]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [Ya-ma a la Po-li-thya]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [Ya-ma a un me-di-ko]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [Es-toy per-di-do/a]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [Es-toy en-fer-mo/a]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [Me goos-ta-ree-a kom-prar]
- I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-lo es-toy mee-ran-do]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-to kwe-sta]
- That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [Es-to es de-ma-sya-do ka-ro]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [Pwe-de ba-har el pre-thyo]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Ke o-ra es]
- It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es la u-na]
- Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [Las dyeth e me-dya]
- MorningMañana
  [Ma-nya-na]
- AfternoonTarde
  [Tar-de]
- EveningNoche
  [No-che]
- YesterdayAyer
  [A-yer]
- TodayHoy
  [Oy]
- TomorrowMañana
  [Ma-nya-na]
- 1Uno
  [Oo-no]
- 2Dos
  [Dos]
- 3Tres
  [Tres]
- 4Cuatro
  [Kwa-tro]
- 5Cinco
  [Thin-ko]
- 6Seis
  [Sayz]
- 7Siete
  [Syet-te]
- 8Ocho
  [O-cho]
- 9Nueve
  [Nwe-ve]
- 10Diez
  [Dyeth]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [Don-de es-ta]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwal es la di-rek-thyon]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pwe-des en-nya-rme (en el ma-pa)]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-do es el pro-ksee-mo (au-to-bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [Un bi-yet-te (a)]

History of Santander

The history of Santander can be traced back to its ancient origins, with evidence of prehistoric settlements in the area. However, it was during Roman times that the city began to gain prominence. Known as Portus Victoriae Iuliobrigensium, Santander served as a vital port for the Romans, facilitating trade and military logistics.
During the medieval period, Santander's significance grew with the establishment of the Abbey of the Holy Bodies (San Emeterio and San Celedonio) in the 8th century. The abbey became a religious and cultural center, attracting pilgrims and contributing to the city's development. This period also saw the construction of the St. James Church, now the Santander Cathedral.
In the 12th century, Santander became part of the Crown of Castile. King Alfonso VIII granted the city a royal charter in 1187, which allowed it to hold markets and fairs, boosting its economy. The city's strategic location made it an important port for the Castilian kingdom, facilitating trade with northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Santander played a crucial role during the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. The city's port became a departure point for many expeditions to the New World. Notably, the famous explorer Juan de la Cosa, who created the first world map to include the Americas, was born in the nearby town of Santoña and frequently sailed from Santander.
The 18th and 19th centuries marked a period of prosperity for Santander. The city's economy flourished due to its involvement in the shipping and fishing industries. The establishment of the Royal Maritime Company of Santander in 1785 and the construction of the port's modern infrastructure further boosted its economic growth. The city's population expanded, and its urban landscape began to transform.
One of the most significant events in Santander's modern history is the Great Fire of 1941. The fire broke out on February 15th and raged for two days, devastating the city's historic center. Over 400 buildings were destroyed, and thousands of residents were left homeless. The reconstruction of Santander in the following decades reshaped the city's architecture and urban layout.
In recent decades, Santander has evolved into a cultural and economic hub in northern Spain. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with institutions like the Palacio de Festivales and the Centro Botín hosting numerous events and exhibitions. Santander's economy is bolstered by its port activities, tourism, and services sector, making it a dynamic and thriving city.