Thi Hong Nhung Vu: every thing is so good, hotel nears the center, restaurant’s food is so so so delicious 🫶🫶
Av. Parayas, 2A
From € 48
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Recommended stays in Santander
Discover the most popular places to stay in Santander, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Jianglu: The hotel where the royal family used to vacation with friends may be a great choice if you are looking for a royal feeling.
Av. Pérez Galdós, 28
From € 145
Guest User: Room is clean but the furniture and design are dated. The chair is uncomfortable and not suitable for working.
Pl. Remedios, 1
From € 72
Jose Chavez Moreno: Hotel is good and location is perfect, right in front of the beach.
Av de la Reina Victoria, 153
From € 63
Guest User: We had a great experience with this hotel. The staff was very nice and welcoming, even helped us with luggages. The room is spacious and clean. Highly recommended!
C. Cádiz, 22
From € 93
Guest User: Cozy hotel Very well-maintained and comfortable, ideally located on the beachfront ”Sardinero” close to the city center (less than 10 minutes by bus) Peace and quiet guaranteed, life is good in Santander... Highly recommended establishment
Hotel, C. la Braña, 14
From € 32
Man Wah: The hotel is located near the city center and it takes about 13 minutes to reach the seaside, which is very convenient. The hotel has unique design and novel appearance. It is located in a residential area and the surrounding environment is not impressive. It is far away from the beach area, but there are public buses to get there, but the fare is more expensive. One trip is already 1.3 euros. Santander taxi is even more expensive, at least 25 euros from the hotel to the airport. The breakfast food at the hotel is of good quality and highly recommended. I stayed for 2 days and went to the city center to visit the beach every day and had seafood lunch and dinner. It was very comfortable and convenient.
C. del Sol, 31
From € 68
LaPeque: Unbeatable location, comfortable, single room, and excellent cleanliness. The staff is also friendly, so I highly recommend it.
C. Castelar, 25
From € 57
Guest User: High quality hotel situated in a very good location easily within walking distance to the beaches and local restaurants and bars. Room was clean and well appointed with air conditioning. Staff were friendly and efficient. No problem recommending this hotel. The outside look of the hotel is not particularly attractive but inside it is what one would expect from a 4 star hotel.
C. Joaquín Costa, 28, BAJO
From € 59
Must-try food in Santander
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Santander dishes and foodie spots.
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Traveller photos and experiences
Southern Europe road trip day 7: Santander half-day guide
Northern Spain + Andorra + Southwest France two-week road trip day 7 🚗 Bilbao → 📍 Santander Driving out of the Basque Country and into Cantabria, the scenery outside the window changed, becoming a bit colder and more industrial, sometimes even resembling Northern Europe. The capital, Santander, isn't crowded with tourists, and it's quiet and low-key, perhaps better suited for local life. I only planned a short, few-hour visit here. 🅿️ Parking Zubi Alde Parking Indigo - Portugalete Zubi Alde Underground parking in the city center, €2.25/hour, convenient for walking to city attractions— ⛪ Santander Cathedral (Catedral de Santander) Admission €2 🏤 Main Post Office and Telegraphs 🏫 Centro Botín It happened to be closed on Monday, but you can still go up to the viewing platform in the middle of the building 🏗️ Grúa de Piedra 🏬 Palacete del Embarcadero 🛒 Mercado del Este 🍦 Regma, a local ice cream shop with nearly a century of history Only €3.5, large portion, recommend the Turron flavor 🔁 After visiting the city attractions, you can drive to the nearby 🗼 Faro de Cabo Mayor. The surface parking lot is free, and you can walk down to the coast Additionally, Santander has a famous landmark, the royal summer palace 🏰 Palacio de la Magdalena. If it happens to be open on the weekend, it's worth a visit.
Santander - the gem of Northern Spain.
This city feels like a miniature Madrid to me—stunningly beautiful, lush, and remarkably peaceful. It's a place where you simply must try the local tortilla and spend time by the ocean watching the ships sail by 🛳️ A perfect vacation destination almost any time of year. Best of all, Santander remains more budget-friendly than other cities in the north of Spain.
Coastal Charm in Santander! 🌊🏰
From royal palaces perched above the bay to dramatic coastal rock formations, Santander is an absolute gem for a summer getaway. Highlights of the trip: Palacio de La Magdalena: Exploring the grand royal palace grounds on the peninsula, complete with stunning views, lush gardens, and fun outdoor installations like the giant colorful bear globe. 🏰🧸 Playa de el Camello & Neptune Statue: Catching the tide at low waters to admire the iconic rock formation and the statue of Neptune standing guard over the golden sands. 🧜♂️🌊 Charming City Streets: Strolling through Santander’s sloped avenues lined with traditional colorful facades and bay views framed by distant mountains. 🏙️✨ 📍 Location: Santander, Cantabria, Spain 💡 Tip: Take a walk around the Magdalena Peninsula during the late afternoon to catch the soft golden light over the coast! #Santander #Cantabria #SpainTravel #PalacioDeLaMagdalena #CoastalVibes #TripMoments
Spain Cantabria Collados del Asón Mossy Beech Forest Gorge
#bucketlistdestinations The Collados del Asón Natural Park is a hidden gem in Cantabria. I drove from Santander (1.5 hours, €15 in tolls and gas) to the park entrance. The hike through the Mossy Beech Forest Gorge is a 12km loop that takes you deep into a limestone canyon. The entrance fee is €3 (cash only), and it’s worth every cent. The beech trees here are ancient, their silver bark contrasting with the deep green of the moss that covers every surface. I went in late October, and the forest floor was a carpet of fallen leaves mixed with emerald moss. My mistake was using a hiking pole with a metal tip; the sound echoed off the limestone walls and scared away the resident chamois. A park ranger gently reminded me to use the rubber tips. He then pointed out a hidden waterfall, accessible only by a narrow, moss-covered path. “The best views are always off the map,” he whispered. The gorge is a place of profound solitude. The moss acts as a natural soundproofing, creating a world of silence broken only by the sound of the Asón River. I ate my lunch on a mossy rock, feeling like I’d stepped into a fairy tale. The beech forest in autumn is a masterclass in color and texture. It’s a reminder that the most beautiful places are often the ones that require a little effort to find. Is the solitude of a place like Collados del Asón enhanced or diminished by the knowledge that you are sharing it with wild animals like the chamois?
Colombia Santander Laguna Chonta Cliff Mossy Cloud Forest
#easytravelpost aguna Chonta sits on the eastern flank of the Serranía de los Yariguíes, Santander—not the famous Chonta viewpoint near San Vicente de Chucurí, but the high tarn above the Río Chonta gorge where the cloud forest leans over a 400 m cliff. I reached it from San Vicente de Chucurí: bus Bucaramanga→San Vicente (2.5 h, COP 18,000, cash only at the terminal, card at the bigger companies), then a 4x4 colectivo to Vereda La Camelia (COP 40,000/person share, 1 h 20 m on a road that turns to red mud after rain). From the vereda, a 6.4 km trail climbs through moss-draped wax palm and oak, epiphytes so thick the branches sag, to the lake at 2,350 m. No entrance fee—Yariguíes is a national natural park but the eastern approach is ungated; you sign a paper at the vereda hut. Carry 3 L water; the lake is tannin-dark and undrinkable. I wore trail runners in July and slipped on a moss log 200 m below the rim—poles and grippy soles next time. A local guide, Don Fabio, walked with me unasked for the last kilometre because "the fog eats solo hikers," then refused money, took a handful of my trail mix instead. That's the deal here: cash is king in the vereda, COP 5,000 buys you a huevo hilado at the hut, card does nothing. Best window: July–September, December–March. Mid-week only; weekends the colectivo fills with birder groups from Bogotá. The cliff edge has no rope—stay 3 m back, the moss carpet slides. Would a park this raw be safer with a ranger hut at the lake, or does the absence of one keep the cloud forest honest?
⭐ Comillas: A Must-Visit Day Trip from Santander
If you’re staying in Cantabria, don’t miss Comillas. This charming coastal town is one of those places that feels much more impressive once you start walking through its historic streets. 🏛️ The absolute must-see: El Capricho de Gaudí. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, this colorful Modernist house is unlike anything else in Cantabria. The details, ceramics, nature-inspired decoration and unusual design make it worth going inside — not just taking a photo from outside. If you have time, take the guided visit or audio guide to understand the details behind the building. ✨ After Gaudí, explore the Palacio de Sobrellano and its chapel (<50m), and walk towards the Pontifical University, which dominates the town and creates one of Comillas’ most spectacular architectural settings. 🌊 Then slow down and enjoy the coastal side of Comillas. The beach and surrounding landscapes give the visit a completely different atmosphere from the historic center. 💡 Traveler tip: Comillas is small enough to explore on foot, but give yourself at least half a day. Don’t rush straight to Gaudí and leave — the real charm is discovering how the Modernist buildings, historic houses, streets and coastline fit together. #underratedspots #comillas
Spain Santillana del Mar Colegiata to Altamira Museum Cobbled Calcareous Lane — €15 Neocave + €0 Tow
#worthitomot #Santillana #Altamira #Cantabria I took the ALSA bus from Santander to Santillana (40 min, €3.50), arrived 9:20, and walked the pedestrian core — no cars, calcareous flagstones worn glossy by 8 centuries. The Colegiata de Santa Juliana is €3.50 entry (or €15 combined with Altamira Museum + Neocueva, the 1:1 replica cave).I paid the €15 combo: first 90 minutes in Santillana (Collegiate Romanesque portal, the Jesus Otero sculpture museum €2.50 extra skipped), then bus-shuttle 2 km to the Altamira Museum. The museum itself is free to enter the exhibition halls, but the Neocueva — a climate-controlled replica of the bison ceiling — is only included in the €15 ticket (timed entry every 30 min, book morning slot online or risk a 2h wait). Inside the neocave: 20 minutes under polychrome bison, 11,000 BC, humidity and temperature faked — genuinely goosebumps. Mistake: I wandered Santillana at noon and the coach tours packed the lane shoulder-to-shoulder; 9 am or 17 pm is the town's real face. Another mistake: thinking €15 covers the originalAltamira Cave — it doesn't, original is closed since 2002 except lottery. Worth it? The €15 is fair onlyif you care about Paleolithic art; if you just want a pretty medieval lane, skip the museum, pay €3.50 at the Colegiata, and eat the local queso de Cantabria (€4/100g) on a bench. Question: is a €15 ticket to touch a replica bison ceiling worth more than €3.50 for a real 12th-century Romanesque portal 200 m away?
Spain San Sebastian Monte Igueldo to La Concha Bay Belle Époque Seafront — €4 Funicular or Free Hil
I took the Monte Igueldo funicular from the western end of Ondarreta Beach at 9 am (€4 return, cash or card, 3 min ride, built 1907, creaky and charming). The top gives the classic framed view: La Concha's scallop shell bay, the city grid, and the green hills behind. Then I walked down the road (free, 25 min) instead of riding back, passed the old amusement park (€1.50 per ride if you want the vintage roller coaster), and hit Ondarreta promenade, then the main La Concha seafront—2.5 km of belle époque railings, free to walk, with the Peine del Viento sculpture at the far point where waves punch through pipes. Mistake: I once paid €4 up and €4 down and felt silly—walking down the road saves the second ticket and gives better photos. Another mistake: going at noon in August; the funicular queues 40 min, go at open (10 am) or 6 pm. Food: La Concha's terraces charge €3 for a caña; walk two blocks inland to Gros for €1.80 pintxos. Rule: topless sunbathing tolerated on Zurriola (east), not on La Concha. Worth it? Yes—Igueldo's funicular is a century-old ride and the bay view is the postcard, but the seafront walk is free and arguably better. Discussion: is a €4 funicular worth the framed bay photo, or is the free promenade walk the real San Sebastián?
🌊 Santander | Discovering the Coastal Charm of Cantabria's Capital
Set along Spain's northern coast, Santander combines elegant seaside scenery, rich maritime heritage, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it one of the country's most enjoyable coastal cities. As the capital of Cantabria, it offers a delightful balance of historic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture. A walk through the city reveals grand waterfront promenades, graceful squares, lively markets, and historic neighbourhoods where everyday life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Along the Bay of Santander, fishing boats and sailing yachts share the harbour with elegant cafés and seaside gardens, while the fresh Atlantic breeze adds to the city's inviting character. Beyond its coastal beauty, Santander is also a wonderful place to experience authentic northern Spanish cuisine. Bustling food markets showcase fresh seafood, local cheeses, cured meats, and regional produce, while traditional restaurants serve Cantabrian specialities prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Together, the city's history, flavours, and coastal landscapes create an experience that is both relaxing and deeply rewarding. 📍 Location: Santander, Cantabria, Spain 🌊 Highlight: A vibrant coastal capital celebrated for its beaches, maritime heritage, and relaxed lifestyle 🏖️ Feature: Scenic waterfront promenades, historic districts, lively markets, beautiful beaches, and outstanding Cantabrian cuisine 🍃 Atmosphere: Elegant, welcoming, and effortlessly laid-back 📸 Best for: City walks, coastal photography, food lovers, cultural exploration, and seaside escapes ✨ Signature feeling: Wandering from bustling markets to tranquil waterfronts where Atlantic views, local flavours, and Spanish coastal life come together beautifully. Some coastal cities impress with famous landmarks. Santander wins hearts with its relaxed rhythm, fresh seafood, and timeless connection to the sea. 🌊🏖️✨
Santander’s Royal Summer Retreat — The “White Lady” by the Sea
On the elegant coastline of Cantabria, the shoreline of Santander carries echoes of royal summers and seaside leisure. The grand seaside hotel associated with Alfonso XIII rises in luminous white elegance above the Atlantic breeze. Its refined architecture and commanding presence earned it the poetic nickname “The White Lady”—a structure that seems to glow against the shifting northern light. More than just a summer retreat, this architectural landmark represents a defining moment in the identity of Santander. It marks the era when the city emerged as a royal seaside destination, shaping its transformation into one of Spain’s most distinguished coastal capitals. Surrounding the hotel, the rhythm of the sea remains constant. Waves roll toward the sandy beaches of El Sardinero, promenades stretch along the coastline, and the salt-laced wind carries the memory of aristocratic summers spent overlooking the Bay of Biscay. 📍 Location: Santander, Cantabria 🏛️ Known for: Royal summer residence era, Belle Époque seaside architecture ✨ Highlights: White coastal façade, Atlantic views, historic promenades, aristocratic heritage 📸 Best moment: Late afternoon, when golden light softens the white architecture against the blue sea Some buildings define a skyline. This one defines a city’s memory—where monarchy, sea breeze, and summer light once met every year. 🌊🏛️✨
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