Things To Do
in Santander
Santander is a charming coastal city located in the northern region of Spain. It is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning bay views, and elegant architecture. The city is a popular summer destination for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation and outdoor activities.
Santander also offers a rich cultural scene with museums, art galleries, and lively festivals throughout the year.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Adiós" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Playa del Sardinero, one of the most popular beaches in Santander. Enjoy the soft sands and the fresh sea breeze while you relax or take a morning dip.
Grab lunch at a nearby beachside café, indulging in local seafood. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, soaking in the stunning views of the coastline.
Finish your day with dinner at a traditional Cantabrian restaurant. Enjoy a waterfront view while savoring local delicacies like grilled fish or seafood paella.
Visit the Cantabrian Maritime Museum to learn about the region's rich maritime history. Explore the exhibits and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the building.
Head to the Centro Botín, a contemporary art center with stunning views of the bay. Enjoy lunch at their café before exploring the latest art exhibitions.
Dine at a nearby restaurant known for its tapas. Experience the local culinary scene and unwind while sampling various tapas dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal city with stunning beaches and scenic views.
- Rich cultural heritage with numerous historical sites and museums.
- Mild climate, making it a pleasant destination year-round.
- Vibrant culinary scene featuring delicious local cuisine, particularly seafood.
- Good transportation links, including ferry services and proximity to major cities.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other Spanish cities.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Tourism can lead to crowded beaches and attractions during peak season.
- Public transport options may not be as extensive as in larger cities.
- Some areas may have limited nightlife offerings compared to bigger urban centers.
Best Activities in Santander
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful park with breathtaking views of the bay, visit the Magdalena Palace, and enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, or picnicking.
Relax on the sandy shores, take a refreshing swim in the sea, or engage in water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, or beach volleyball.
Embark on hiking or mountaineering adventures in this stunning national park known for its diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, deep gorges, and lush forests.
Tours
Uncover the best of Santander with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Santander
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea and the city of Santander. It also features the Royal Palace and the Mini Zoo.
A waterfront park with beautiful views of the bay, the port, and the city's skyline.
Provides stunning views of the coastline and the city of Santander.
Food in Santander
Santander Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy deep-fried squid rings, often served with aioli or lemon. Try them at Casa Lita, a popular spot by the seafront.
Must-Try!
Salt-cured anchovies that are a specialty of the region. Visit La Maruca, a small fishing village nearby, for some of the best.
A buttery sponge cake originating from the nearby Pasiegos Valleys. Sample it at Heladería Regma, known for its traditional pastries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Santander better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide array of local produce, seafood, meats, and cheeses. Don't miss the chance to savor a variety of street foods, including empanadas and churros con chocolate.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Santander, Spain, it is customary to greet people with a handshake or two kisses on the cheeks, starting with the left cheek. It is important to maintain eye contact and greet people with respect.
Punctuality is highly valued in Santander. It is important to arrive on time for social and professional engagements as a sign of respect for others' time.
It is important to be mindful of personal space in Santander. People generally stand at a comfortable distance during conversations and respect each other's personal boundaries.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Santander with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Santander
Ensure a smooth experience
In Santander, Spain, tipping is not mandatory and is usually not expected. However, if you receive exceptional service, it is appreciated to leave a small tip, typically rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% of the total.
Payment in Santander, Spain is commonly made in cash or by credit/debit card. It's important to note that some smaller establishments may prefer cash. Foreign credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to check if there are any additional fees for international transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Santander.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Santander, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. The city comes alive with outdoor activities and cultural events.
Summer is peak tourist season in Santander, with warm weather perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor attractions. The city hosts many festivals and events during this time.
Autumn in Santander brings mild temperatures and colorful foliage. It's a quieter time to visit, with the opportunity to explore the city and surrounding areas in relative peace.
Winter is the off-peak season in Santander, with cooler temperatures and occasional rain. It's a great time to experience the city's traditional holiday celebrations and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
Santander at Night
Hiking in Santander
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A spectacular area known for its dramatic peaks, deep gorges, and beautiful hiking trails. Offering routes for all levels, it's a perfect destination for hikers looking to explore breathtaking landscapes.
This natural area features stunning coastal cliffs and scenic trails with views of the Cantabrian Sea. The trails vary in difficulty and offer an opportunity to explore unique geology and biodiversity.
A beautiful natural park known for its wetlands and diverse wildlife, offering easy walking paths along the estuaries. Ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
A relatively easy hiking trail that provides access to beautiful landscapes, lush forests, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas, including the mountains and coastline.
A range of hills offering a variety of hiking trails through woodland areas, with opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy peaceful nature experiences.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Santander through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Santander by plane.
The main international airport serving the city of Santander and the surrounding region.
Located about 100 kilometers from Santander, this is the largest airport in the Basque Country.
Also known as Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport, it's a key gateway for flights in and out of northern Spain.
Located approximately 200 kilometers from Santander, it serves the Asturias region and operates both domestic and international flights.
A small airport located about 120 kilometers from Santander, primarily serving domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population consists of Spanish citizens, primarily of Cantabrian origin.
A diverse group including citizens from other European Union countries, Latin America, and North Africa.
A significant number of domestic and international students attend universities and educational institutions in the city.
An increasing demographic segment due to rising life expectancy and aging population.
Individuals aged between 18 and 65, constituting a large part of the workforce.
The Soul of Santander
Discover the essence of Santander through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Santander, with local teams like Racing de Santander having a passionate fan base.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity, with local clubs and a strong community following the sport.
Santander's coastal location makes it a popular spot for surfing, with numerous beaches attracting both locals and tourists.
Given its maritime heritage, sailing is a favored activity, with many enthusiasts participating in regattas and local competitions.
Athletics is promoted through various clubs and competitions, with many residents participating in running and track events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santander.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Cantabrian cuisine leans heavily on seafood and meats, many restaurants in Santander offer excellent vegetarian choices, such as hearty vegetable stews, grilled vegetables, and tortilla española.
Although vegan options may be slightly limited in some traditional establishments, several modern cafes and restaurants in Santander cater to the vegan palate, offering inventive plant-based dishes, salads, and tapas.
Visitors with gluten intolerance will find accommodating options in Santander, with many places indicating gluten-free dishes on their menus. Some establishments also offer gluten-free versions of local specialties like rabas and sobao pasiego.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Santander with these cultural adventures.
