Is Santander expensive to visit?
In Santander, budget travelers spend $67 (€58) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $158 (€138) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $335 (€291) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Santander.
Santander is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Santander can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Santander is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Cesis or Auxerre.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Santander Expensive?
Santander Coastline, Spain
How much money do I need for a trip to Santander?
The average Santander trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Santander travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Santander cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Santander on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $67 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Santander, such as Santander Central Hostel, Hostel Santander, and Enjoy Santander. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most people who travel to Santander will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $158 per person, per day.
In Santander, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Hotel Bahia Santander is a great choice for families, and Gran Hotel Sardinero is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Santander.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $335 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Santander Private Arrival Transfer - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Santander
The prices for hotels in Santander can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $75, while during peak season, that average price jumps to around $140. With budget accommodations starting at $43 and luxury hotels peaking at $256, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Santander for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $119 (€102). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $60 (€51) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Santander? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Santander include:
- Hotel Bahia Santander starting at $79
- Gran Hotel Sardinero starting at $77
- Santemar Hotel starting at $107
- Vincci Puertochico starting at $86
- Gran Hotel Victoria Santander starting at $75
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding ), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Santander
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $28 (€24) per person, per day, on local transportation in Santander. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Santander is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$28
€24
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.
If you're traveling by car, check that your hotel offers convenient parking options.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport for $44 details
- Santander Private Departure Transfer for $39 details
- Santander Private Arrival Transfer for $39 details
How much does it cost to go to Santander? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Santander will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Santander
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Santander can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Santander is $82 (€70) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$82
€70
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Santander is around $81 (€70) per person, with previous travelers spending from $34 to $179. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Santander are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $24
- Lunch: $12 to $32
- Dinner: $24 to $57
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12
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.
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Santander
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Santander typically cost an average of $21 (€18) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
€18
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.
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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Santander is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Guided tour in English of the center of Santander for $18 details
- Tour to the Villages of the Western Coast of Cantabria for $95 details
- The El Centro Botin Skip the Line Entry Ticket for $12 details
Santander, Spain
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.