Santander On a Budget
Santander, Spain
Sights
The most emblematic sight of Santander is the Magdalena Palace which was once a summer residence for the Spanish king. Located on a peninsula of the same name, the palace stands in beautiful stone masonry overlooking the sea. Other architectural sights include a handful of churches and public buildings, historic streets and squares, and a number of peaceful parks. One of the more notable churches is the Catedral de Santa Maria de la Asunción, or simply the Cathedral of Santander. Its impressive structure is mainly Gothic, though it has been extended and renovated over time.In addition to the park surrounding the Magdalena Palace (which also has a zoo), another of Santander's more distinguished parks is the Parque de Cabo Mayor. Overlooking cliffs, the waves put on a spectacular show on windy days. The park is also home to the Faro de Cabo Mayor, the oldest lighthouse in Cantabria built in 1839. It is about 30m high, and is also the site of a museum at its base.
Other museums worth mention include the Prehistoric and Archaeological Museum of Cantabria, the Maritime Museum of Cantabria, the Bullfighting Museum, and the Municipal Museum of Arts.
Neighborhoods
Santander is the city hub for the Cantabria region of Spain. Like any city it has plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. One of the main stretches in the city center is the Paseo de Pereda y Calle Castelar, a 1550-meter stretch of road lined with cathedrals and historic buildings from the 18th to 20th centuries. It runs from the city center right down to the water where you can find great views of the harbor. Another nearby center is the Plaza de Jose Antonio or Plaza Pombo, which is a charming square featuring a musical bandstand and many colorful flowerbeds. Santander is a modern city, so if you seek something on the quainter side, take a day trip to the village of Santillana del Mar just 30 kilometers west of Santander. One of Spain's prettiest towns, Santillana del Mar and its cobbled streets are lined with palaces, churches, and balconies full of flowers. There are plenty of traditional shops selling local specialties, and it is nearby the UNESCO world heritage site of the Altamira caves for something a little different.Activities
If it is outdoor adventure you seek, the area surrounding Santander has a full range of activities from hiking or skiing in the mountains to swimming and watersports along the beaches of the coastline. The Primera de El Sardinero is the most famous beach of Santander, while Somo Beach just outside of Santander is more secluded and less crowded than beaches in Santander. Some others include Playa de El Puntal, Playa de Bikinis, Playa de Covachos, and many more. Other activities along the water include sailing, yacht charter, picnics, and climbing the lighthouse at Cabo Mayor for breathtaking views of the bay.There are also the sights of the city to explore, offering some great opportunities to admire old world architecture and become immersed in the culture that thrives today. If you prefer to get lost in the history of the region, spend your days wandering city streets and villages, exploring museums, or hopping on a tour for a more guided experience.
Food and Dining
The northwest of Spain is an area bordered by coastline, making seafood and fish a common staple for dishes throughout the region. The Spanish word for seafood is "marisco," and fresh catches include things like clams, mussels, pod razors, cockles, crabs, barnacles, crayfish, snails, lobster, squid, sea bass, hake, scorpion fish, anchovies, sardines, and tuna. Pulpo a feira is a common seafood dish of octopus prepared with oil, salt, and hot paprika. Then there are empanadas-pies made with a traditional dough, filled with onion, pepper, and some meat, usually tuna, veal, or seafood. Some popular beverages include cider, wine, and orujo which is a type of pomace brandy. A great selection of dining options can be found in the city of Santander, especially in the district by the fishing harbor, Barrio Pesquero, if you're looking for seafood.Transportation
By plane, Santander Airport is the main point of entry, located 5 kilometers east of the city. It operates domestic flights, primarily from Madrid, and international flights with Ryanair from London, Dublin, Brussels, Rome, Milan, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam, plus other international flights to Bilbao.By train, RENFE operates daily from Madrid and Alicante to Santander with stops in the main cities of Palencia, Valladolid, and Avila along the way. (5-6 hours from Madrid to Santander)
There is also a ferry terminal in Santander if you wish to arrive by ferry from the UK.
By car from Bilbao, travel the A8 Freeway.
Navigating within the region is best done by rental car if you wish to see some of the smaller villages. Public buses are also available to the larger towns as well as between Santander and Bilbao.
Related:
Looking for a party in Barcelona or Madrid?
Traveling alone to Granada or Seville?
Find a Contiki tour to Europe.
Train and Bus Prices
The best prices for buses and trains in Spain can be found on Omio (formerly GoEuro). They let you search across all train, bus, and plane routes throughout the region.
