- Magdalena Palace is a royal summer home on a peninsula—beautiful grounds and sea lions nearby.
- El Sardinero is the grand beach area with a casino and promenade.
- Centro Botin is a spaceship-like art center designed by Renzo Piano on the waterfront.
- Take a boat trip across the bay to Somo or Pedrena for views.
- The Cathedral has a fascinating crypt underneath (Church of El Cristo).
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When to go: Summer
Summer is best for the beach. It's not as hot as the south of Spain.
Spring and Autumn are mild but rainy.
- Best: Summer.
- Rain: Frequent.
- Festival: August.
Getting there: Bus or Ferry
Santander Airport (SDR) is small (Ryanair). Bus takes 15 mins to center.
Brittany Ferries arrive from the UK (Portsmouth/Plymouth).
- Airport: SDR.
- Ferry: From UK.
- Train: From Madrid.
Where to stay: Center or Sardinero
Center is near the ferry/train and shops. Sardinero is near the beach and casino (posher).
Puerto Chico is a nice middle ground.
- Center: Convenient.
- Sardinero: Beach.
- Puerto Chico: Tapas.
What to see: Palace and Art
Walk around Magdalena Peninsula. Visit Centro Botin (go to the roof for free views).
Take the funicular del Rio de la Pila for city views.
- Magdalena: Palace.
- Botin: Modern Art.
- Funicular: Views.
- Lighthouse: Cabo Mayor.
Food: Rabas and Seafood
Rabas (fried calamari) is the Sunday tradition. Seafood is excellent.
Try the Quesada Pasiega (cheesecake) for dessert.
- Rabas: Calamari.
- Seafood: Fresh.
- Anchovies: Santoña.
- Ice Cream: Regma.
Getting around: Bus and Walk
The city is hilly. Buses are good. There are escalators/ramps in steep streets.
Walking along the bay is flat and lovely.
- Bus: TUS.
- Walk: Bay front.
- Boat: Los Reginas.
Budget: Moderate
Cheaper than San Sebastian. Tapas are reasonably priced.
Museums are affordable.
- Food: Good value.
- Hotels: Mid-range.
- Beach: Free.
1 Day in Santander
Morning: Centro Botin (roof view). Walk along the bay to Puerto Chico.
Lunch: Rabas and wine.
Afternoon: Magdalena Palace and Peninsula. Walk to Sardinero beach.
Evening: Ice cream at Regma and casino square.
- Morning: Art.
- Lunch: Squid.
- Afternoon: Palace.
- Evening: Beach.
FAQ
Is the bank from here?
Yes, Banco Santander started here. Their HQ is a landmark arch over the street.
Can I surf?
Yes, Somo (across the bay) is a huge surf spot.
Is it safe?
Yes, very safe and clean.