Located in the Cantabrian region on the northern coast of Spain is Santander, an inviting city with a mild climate, surrounded by the Cantabrian Sea and one of the most beautiful bay areas in the world. This historic port city is a great place to discover the Cantabrian region, with its long history, rich culture, great food, and stunning natural scenery. This fishermen’s city grew to become one of the most beautiful vacation spots of the Spanish monarchy during the XIX- Century, developing not only commercial importance but also becoming a great spot for tourism, not only for kings and queens.
There is plenty to do in this lively city, from passing by on the Road of Santiago de Compostela and taking advantage of its varied offers for the pilgrim or stay and enjoying the best of the local gastronomy and scenic views. Visit Santander to discover another part of the Spanish identity and fall in love with this bay city.
Our recommendations on which areas to stay in:
- The city of Santander offers excellent options for luxury accommodation. We recommend you stay in the areas behind El Sardinero Beach. This area has beautiful views of the bay and is close to the best gastronomy in the city. At the same time, you discover its architecture and culture.
- Santander is a family-friendly city with plenty of accommodations and activities to make your visit a great experience. Stay close to Casimiro Sainz Street. This area is near the city’s historical center and has the city’s main attractions and beaches at a walkable distance from your stay.
- If you’re traveling on a tight budget, Santander offers excellent options! The city offers plenty of affordable accommodation close to the main attractions. We recommend staying in the areas close to Jesús de Monasterio Street, where you can be close to Santander Train Station and the city’s historical center.
These are our recommendations on accommodations in Santander, Spain, in 5 categories:
Luxury trip
Room with a view
Family accommodation
Budget stay
Hotel
A destination for the royalty – What to know before visiting.
Santander is a city that comes from a long-standing fishermen’s tradition. The city has been inhabited since Roman Times; you can see some historical remains in the Wall of Santander, part of a fortification used to protect the city from invaders.
Also, it became a hot spot for vacationing European elites, which you can see in the Royal Palace of Magdalena, a royal summer residence from the XX- Century that now serves as a tourist destination and a beloved building among locals. The city grew around the bay, and its beautiful beaches are essential to its identity. When you visit the city, don’t forget to save time to enjoy the several beaches and marine life areas of Santander, such as Playa Los Peligros, Playa de la Magdalena, and Playa de Los Bikinis in Magdalena Peninsula with its stunning views of the city.
Explore Mercado de la Esperanza, with its modernist architecture. You can enjoy the local delicacies in one of the many markets built during the renovation of the city in the XIX century or enjoy the art center and modernist architecture of Centro Botín. Walk the plazas and constructions in the Paseo Marítimo de Santander, such as Palacete del Embarcadero, Pereda Gardens, and the iconic Grúa de Pthe city’siedra, a historical crane used in the city ports and part of the town’s history and identity.
Luxury stays in front of El Salinero Beach.
As a place for the monarchy to vacation, Santander allows you to experience the luxury of great views and delicious food in one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Located within an essential gastronomical area of the city, El Sardinero Beach offers excellent views of the bay and the best restaurants in the town to make your stay a luxury experience.
Stay close to Avenida Castañeda to have quick access to the best areas of this neighborhood. You will have walkable roads with stunning views of the city, like Jardines de Piquío, a garden, and a walking space that extends across the best beaches of this area at a short distance, such as Playa del Camello y Segunda Playa. You can enjoy the sea sports in this area by renting a boat at Club Náutico La Horadada, surfing at El Sardinero outSurf School, or practicing fishing in the marinas of Puertochico.
There are several wellness centers to make the most of your stay in the city, such as Marisma Wellness Center and Urban Spa in Avenida del Stadium. You will be close to cultural spaces in the city at a short distance from your accommodation, such as the Palacio de Convenciones y Congresos de Santander Convention Center, El Sardinero Stadium, and the Santander Sports Center, all of them in Calle Alcalde Vega Camera.
Try the best food in front of the sea in Marea Alta Restaurant in Avenida de la Reina Victoria in front of Playa de La Concha. Visit Calle Joaquín Costa to find various offers of restaurants for you to enjoy, such as La Cañía with delicious tapas and seafood or Tasca Alamar, and taste a menu of Spanish food. Travel back in time and end your day with luxury in the Gran Casino del Sardinero cocktail bar at Plaza Italia.
We recommend you stay in the areas behind El Salinero Beach, close to Avenida Castañeda, to start enjoying everything Santander has to offer.
A city to feel like home.
The city of Santander is a perfect family-friendly destination with something for everyone in the family. Stay close to Plaza Matías Montero and Casimiro Sainz Street for a great family vacation to the city’s main attractions and beaches.
- Enjoy the natural areas and attractions close to your accommodation with your family. Visit Explanada de Gamazo Park and enjoy the playground in front of the sea, just a few meters away from the Maritime Cantabric Museum and Aquarium. Have a great day at the beach area of Playa Los Peligros.
- In this area, there are several pharmacies, such as Fernández De La Mela Barreira Pharmacy and Patricia Díez Pharmacy. Also, you will be close to health centers such as Urgencias Igualatorio Cantabria in Calle Padres Escolapios and Santa Clotilde Hospital at Paseo del General Ávila.
- In the area, you will be close to supermarkets like Día Supermarket and BM Supermarket close to Calle Padres Escolapios, and Lupa Supermarket close to Calle Gándara.
- Have dinner at any of the restaurants in the area, such as Daría, with their seafood menu, or try La Carnaza Burger for more casual dining with family.
You will be a short walk from the historical center. Visit the Rio Pila Cablecar to have a great view of the city. Discover the interactive collections of the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria and learn from the region’s natural history.
Walk through Mercado Municipal del Este, taste the local food in a beautiful wood building, and continue your visit at Plaza Porticada, the central plaza in the city and discover the Wall of Santander with your family.
Budget stay in Santander.
The whole city offers affordable accommodations to stay and enjoy on a tight budget or if you are on the Walk of Santiago Pilgrimage. We recommend you the areas close to Jesús de Monasterio Street. This area is next to the City Council in the city’s historical center and close to the Santander Train Station, from which you can move quickly around the region. Take advantage of the area’s activities, such as visiting the historical landmark of the Santander Cathedral, visiting the Pereda Gardens, or seeing Plaza Porticada.
Also, Santander is a great city to enjoy the best food from Spain and the rest of the world at a fair price. In the area, you can have a meal at La Cantina Azteca with its Mexican menu or tapas and a beer at Quebec. Also, the area has grocery shops, such as Carrefour Market and Planet Fruta & Ultramarinos Shop.
