Well known for housing the vacations of the rich and famous, Santander is a great travel destination in Spain. These days, this idyllic coastal city welcomes travellers with impressive architectural structures and breathtaking scenery. Combined with its impressive gourmet scene and vast natural beauty, Santander has something for everyone.

How to Get There

Getting into Santander internationally is usually through the Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport. It is the only airport in Cantabria and is named after famous golf players, Seve Ballesteros who was born a few kilometers from the airport. The airport was known as Santander Airport until 2015.

The most convenient way to travel to and from the airport and town proper is via road access and car. A bus line is also available that has a direct route to the city centre.

Getting Around

There are several train lines in Santander. These lines lead to various neighboring cities. Buses and coaches are available depending on the schedule and destinations.

Top Things to Do

Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach or explore to your heart’s content, there are many things you can do in Santander. One of the top destinations for tourists is the Centro Botin. Renzo Piano’s architectural masterpiece houses various installations and exhibitions inside that are meant to tease the mind and heighten the sense of orientation. Exhibition schedules are available online for viewing and booking.

You can also learn about Santander’s past at the Museum of Prehistory and Archeology of Cantabria. It houses over 1200 objects that date back to the Upper Palaeolithic period up until the Iron Age. Some items are picked up from Spain. Best to book online tickets and reserve your preferred dates. As the place is known to host the wealthy, the magnificent Magdalena Palace’s existence is a popular tourist spot. King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria used to have this as their summer home until it was renovated in 1995. Today, it stands as an events place for congress and other diplomatic visits. It is open to the public except for some areas that are restricted.

Meanwhile, Biblioteca de Menendez Pelayo is a bibliophile’s dream come true. It was constructed in 1915 and is the home to 42,000 books and 1,032 manuscripts. Inside is filled with books from floor to ceiling with the gorgeous stained-glass windows.

For a more romantic setting, Jardines de Piquio is a top pick. It is surrounded by beautiful mini gardens and provides a scenic walk, especially at night. The walkways are illuminated by romantic lights and you have a great view of the buildings along the beachfront.

Visiting Cabo Mayor provides tourists not just a great experience but a great story to tell. It started as a normal lighthouse in 1839 and as modernization crept in, it was turned into a public art gallery. The view of the mountainside right next to the ocean is just breathtaking and the art exhibition inside is just well worth the trip.

Santander is also famous for its fishing community with most of its famous dishes comprising of seafood. Puertochico is right next to the marina and has transformed itself into a vibrant and energetic scene lines with bars and restaurants ready to welcome patrons and first-timers. It’s a great place to kick back and take in the beauty of Santander especially at sunset.

Surfers, meanwhile, will love the El Sardinero beach as it is a great beach to ride the waves. First-timers do not need to fret as they also have a surfing school aptly called Escuela de Surf that teaches group and private classes. If El Sardinero turns out to be more crowded than expected, the equally beautiful Playa de Matalenas is walking distance.

What to Eat

With its lively fishing community, it is no surprise that Santander’s dishes are mainly based on seafood. El Serbal is one of the most popular places for both locals and tourists. It boasts of being Michelin-starred and prides itself on sourcing its ingredients locally.

Quite a peculiar place to mix into the Spanish cuisine scene is the Japanese restaurant Dias Desur. It is open from breakfast to dinner and it is just as Instagrammable as its dishes are delicious.

For a more authentic taste of Spanish dishes, La Ventana is worth the trip. Aside from using organic and locally sourced ingredients only, they cook their dishes in wood-fired ovens served with plenty of vegetables.

Nightlife

For a night out, Bar Caribe is a great option. Not only is it located at El Sardinero beach, but it is also located under Santander Casino. It serves great drinks and cocktails as well as snacks and is just a great way to relax with the gorgeous view of the beach. For a trip down Santander’s memory lane, visit Little Bobby. It’s 1920’s-inspired vintage decor, it serves classic cocktails with gin and tonic as well as rum.

Where to Stay

Santander is a tourist destination that offers a wide array of choices of accommodation. It ranges from hotels to budget hotels and high-end hotels. Depending on your budget and itinerary, these options are available for your needs. Apartments and villas are also an option for those who want to experience local accommodations.

One of the more popular boutique hotels is Le Petit Boutique Hotel. It is located two minutes away from Sardinero Beach and features chic and naturally-lit rooms.

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