Visit Palacio de la Magdalena
La Magdalena Peninsula 2.5 hrs
Explore the former royal palace and its beautiful gardens.
Where to stay
Hotels in Santander
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At a glance
Climate
Temperate
Languages
Spanish
Local currency
EUR
(EUR)
Local time
(GMT+2)
Ideal trip length
3–5 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
El Sardinero
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
Optional, small change
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
75 · Good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Rabas
Cocido Montañés
Sobaos Pasiegos
Anchoas de Santoña
When to visit Santander
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: July
Busiest: Jul-Aug
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Jan30
Cold, wet, grey
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Feb35
Cold, wet, grey
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Mar45
Cool, rainy, fresh
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Apr55
Mild, showery, green
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May70
Pleasant, mild, sunny
-
Jun85
Warm, sunny, pleasant
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Jul95
Hot, sunny, beach
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Aug90
Hot, sunny, lively
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Sept80
Warm, pleasant, calm
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Oct60
Mild, rainy, crisp
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Nov40
Cool, wet, windy
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Dec30
Cold, wet, festive
Things to do in Santander
8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 8 of 8 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Taste local at Mercado de la Esperanza
Centro 1 hr
Immerse yourself in local life and sample fresh produce and seafood.
Hike the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse Path
Cabo Mayor 2 hrs
Enjoy panoramic coastal views from the iconic lighthouse and its surrounding trails.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Relax at El Sardinero Beach
El Sardinero 3 hrs
Enjoy the golden sands and refreshing waters of Santander's main beach.
Take a ferry to Somo
Bay of Santander 4 hrs
Enjoy a scenic boat ride across the bay to the surf-friendly beaches of Somo.
Any time of day
3 places
Discover Centro Botín
Perio 2 hrs
Admire contemporary art and enjoy stunning bay views from this architectural marvel.
Stroll along Paseo Pereda
Centro 1.5 hrs
Walk the elegant promenade lined with historic buildings and gardens.
Explore the Maritime Museum of Cantabria
San Martín 2 hrs
Learn about the region's rich fishing and maritime history.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Santander
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Comillas, Modernism & Gaudi
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Picos de Europa and Potes Guided Tour from Santander
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Cabarceno Natural Park Visit
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
El Castillo Caves and Paleotithic Art
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Covadonga Lakes, Sanctuary and Cangas de Onís from Santander
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum from Santander
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Private Transfer from Santander to Bilbao Cruise Port
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Private Transfer from Santander city to Pamplona Airport
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Santander
Straight-line distance from the centre of Santander.
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