Santander
Cantabria, Spain• Population: 185,000
About Santander
Elegant port city on Spain's northern coast, often called the "bride of the sea". Known for its beautiful bay, mix of green mountains and white-sand beaches, palatial architecture, and modern art venues. Features a wonderful microclimate with 320 days of sunshine yearly, commitment to accessibility and sustainability, and retains fishing-village charm alongside royal heritage.
With 6 beautiful beaches nearby, Santander is also a perfect destination for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts.
Top Attractions in Santander
Natural Attraction
Cabo Mayor Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse on dramatic cliffs at Cape Mayor. Contains an art gallery featuring maritime-themed paintings. Offers breathtaking clifftop views and is near Mataleñas Park with trails and a scenic cove beach.
El Sardinero Beach
Famous urban beaches (First and Second Sardinero) with golden sands and gentle surf. Features elegant 19th-century promenade, historic Gran Casino, and Piquío Gardens. Accessible with ramps and seasonal amphibious beach wheelchairs.
Museum
Cantabria Maritime Museum
Engaging museum showcasing Cantabrian seafaring heritage with large aquarium tanks, whale skeletons, ship models, and interactive exhibits. Features daily seal feeding shows and is fully accessible with elevators.
MUPAC - Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology
Displays artifacts from Cantabria's prehistoric caves including UNESCO-listed Altamira. Features multimedia displays and is wheelchair accessible with tactile models and sign language videos for inclusive experience.
Art Museum
Centro Botín
Striking modern art center designed by Renzo Piano on the bayfront. Features rotating contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, concerts, and panoramic bay views. Building hovers over the water with accessible terraces and tactile exhibits for the visually impaired.
Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo (MAS)
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art housing a fine collection of 20th-century Spanish art, including works by local artists. Set in a historic building downtown with free or low-cost entry.
Where to Stay in Santander
Luxury Hotels (5★)
Eurostars Hotel Real
Iconic belle-époque palace hotel built 1917 for King Alfonso XIII. Set on hill overlooking bay with manicured gardens, grand staircase, and antique furnishings. Retains regal ambiance with modern 5-star service.
More Accommodation Options
Santander offers 9 hotels across all price ranges, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options.
Browse all hotels in Santander →Beaches Near Santander
Playa de Los Peligros
Central beach with full accessibility features including wooden ramps, amphibious bathing chairs, and trained assistance staff. Calm waters thanks to breakwaters.
Playa de Mataleñas
Picturesque cove beach nestled between cliffs near Cabo Mayor. Requires hike down but rewards with dramatic scenery. Popular with locals seeking quieter spot.
Playa de la Magdalena
Small beach on Magdalena Peninsula with calm waters protected by cliffs. Part of royal palace grounds with stunning views. Family-friendly with shallow waters.
Playa de la Virgen del Mar
Beach near small seaside chapel honoring patron saint of fishermen. Site of July 16th maritime procession. Mix of sand and rocks with dramatic views.
Playa del Camello
Beach with accessible features including reserved parking and sand ramps. Named for camel-shaped rock formation. Good for families.
Playa del Sardinero
Famous golden sand beaches (Primera and Segunda) with gentle surf and elegant 19th-century promenade. Features historic Gran Casino and Piquío Gardens. Popular for beach football, surfing, and family activities.
Where to Eat in Santander
Bodega del Riojano
Traditional Cantabrian
Century-old tavern serving classic regional dishes in artful setting with painted wine barrels from famous artists. Specialties include grilled fish and solomillo al queso de Tresviso.
Casa Lita
Tapas/Pintxos
Popular spot on Paseo de Pereda for creative pintxos with bay views. Dozens of varieties from mini hamburgers with foie to grilled octopus. Each labeled often with English descriptions.
Cañadío
Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Both upscale restaurant and bustling tapas bar sharing name with lively plaza. Bar displays array of gourmet pinchos. Famous for legendary cheesecake many say is Spain's best.
El Machi
Seafood & Tapas
Modern seafood tavern near ferry terminal offering sea-to-table dining with Spanish twist. Features fish & chips Spanish style and arroces with seafood. Brews own craft beer.
El Serbal
Modern Cantabrian
Michelin-starred restaurant offering elegant fine dining highlighting Cantabria's best ingredients. Intimate understated dining room. Popular 8-course tasting menu with extensive wine cellar.
La Bombi
Seafood
Top seafood restaurant near Puerto Chico with tanks of live lobsters. Ultra-fresh daily catch including clams, grilled squid, giant prawns. Also serves excellent cocido montañés in season.
3 more restaurants to explore
Where to Stay in Santander
Find the perfect place to stay in Santander. Browse hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals across the city. Use the map to find accommodations near your preferred attractions.
Tours & Activities in Santander
Quick Facts
- Region
- Cantabria
- Population
- 185,000
- Coordinates
- 43.4636°N, -3.8226°W
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Upcoming Events
Three Kings Parade
January 5
Christmas Markets
December
Maritime Night Market
Summer evenings
Virgen del Mar Pilgrimage
Pentecost Monday (May/June)
Semana Santa
Holy Week (March/April)