Weekend Itinerary in Santander, Spain: How to Spend 3 Days in Santander
Looking for inspiration for a weekend in Santander? Read our tips below on the things to do in Santander, Spain plus a sample weekend itinerary, where to stay, how to get around, and best restaurants to try!
Santander is the capital city of the Cantabria region on Spain’s north coast. It is known for its peace and quiet surroundings, varied transport and communications infrastructure and its mild climate all year round. In this wonderful place, you’d enjoy a lot of outdoor activities that would definitely make your Santander getaway more memorable.
Staying in Santander for only 3 days is enough for doing the activities that they have for us. In those 3 days, you’d be able to visit Santander’s most popular tourist destination. In this article, we’ll help you organize your 3-day trip.
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Table of Contents
3 Day Weekend Trip Guide to Santander, Spain
Day 1 – Weekend Guide to Santander, Spain
Playa Primera de El Sardinero– Visiting a beach on your first day is ideal if you’re in Santander. It offers a relaxing vibe and has a lot of activities that you could do. Perfect for a family trip, with friends or even if you’re alone.
Jardines de Piquio– After a tiring day in El Sardinero, relax and rest in Jardines de Piquio. In this garden, you’d be able to enjoy nature and you’d definitely feel the real vacation feeling while staying in this gorgeous garden.
Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Santander, Spain
Parque de Cabo Mayor– Start your second day with a morning trek in Parque de Cabo Mayor. A tiring trek would be all worth it when you get to see the stunning view of Santander. What a good way to spend the rest of your day!
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Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Santander, Spain
Prehistory and Archaeology Museum of Cantabria– On your last day, visit the Museum of Prehistory of Cantabria. In this museum, you will learn a lot about prehistoric facts and you’ll get to see interactive exhibits that wouldn’t let you get bored.
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Mercado de la Esperanza– Of course, before you leave Santander, you shouldn’t miss their popular market. Mercado de La Esperanza has a lot of stuff to offer, from fresh fish and meat to vegetables and a lot more. You’d definitely enjoy shopping here!
Where to Stay in Santander, Spain
Where to Stay in Santander if you’re a Backpacker
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Hostel Allegro offers accommodation in Santander, on El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Each room has a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. All rooms come with a shared bathroom. You will find a shared kitchen at the property. Santander Port is 800 m from Hostel Allegro, while Camino de Santiago en Santander is 1.4 km away. The nearest airport is Santander Airport, 4 km from the property.
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room with a price of €20 per night, including taxes and charges, breakfast, free cancellation, and no prepayment needed, you can pay at the property.
Located in Santander, Cantabria region, Alojamientos Cantíber is set 700 m from Santander Port. The property is located a 14-minute walk from Camino de Santiago en Santander, 1.8 km from Puerto Chico and 2 km from Santander Festival Palace. A tour desk can provide information on the area. The rooms in Alojamientos Cantíber are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Alojamientos Cantíber provides certain rooms that include a balcony. The daily breakfast offers continental and buffet options. Other facilities at Alojamientos Cantiber include a shared kitchen area with a microwave, Coffee machine, and seating area, living room with a flat-screen TV. Santander Airport is 4 km away.
Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with a price of €20 per night, including taxes and charges, breakfast, no-prepayment needed, you can pay at the property, but it’s non-refundable.
Santander Central Hostel offers accommodation in Santander. It features free WiFi. The dormitory room features bunk beds with individual nightlight and lockers. You will find a shared kitchen at the property and a seating area with a library. Santander Cathedral and Santander Town Hall are both 400 m from the property. The nearest airport is Santander Airport, 4 km from the property.
Bed in 16-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with a price of €25 per night, including taxes and charges, add €3 for breakfast, free cancellation, and no prepayment needed, you can pay at the property.
Where to Stay in Santander if you’re on a Budget
Hotel Picos de Europa is set in the heart of Santander, just 600 m from Santander Train Station. This small hotel offers comfortable rooms with free internet access. Most rooms at the Picos de Europa have a private balcony. They also have an en suite bathroom and a TV. The hotel has a café-bar, serving meals and snacks, open from 07:00 until 01:00. There is also a 24-hour reception service. The Picos de Europa Hotel is a short walk from Santander Cathedral. The area around the hotel has many shops and restaurants. The ferry port and the main bus station are also nearby, and Santander Airport is only 4 km away.
Superior Single Room with a price of €47 per night, including taxes and charges, add €4 for breakfast, free cancellation, and no prepayment needed, you can pay at the property.
The good-value City House Alisas is next to the ferry port in central Santander and has a 24-hour reception. Santander train and bus stations are just 200 m away. All large, functional rooms in City House Alisas have a safe, flat-screen satellite TV and telephone. They also have modern bathrooms. City House Alisas has a café-restaurant open until late. It offers a large selection of sandwiches and salads, as well as an à la carte menu. There is also a bar. City House Alisas is located just off the S-10 road, and Santander Cathedral is just 400 m away. The hotel offers on-site parking.
Economy Double or Twin Room with a price of €45 per night, including taxes and charges, add €7 for breakfast, and it’s non-refundable.
Apartamentos River Santander offers accommodation in Santander. Santander Cathedral is 8 km away. Free private parking is available on site. The property offers apartments and rooms. All apartments have a kitchen equipped with a microwave and toaster. Apartamentos River Santander features free WiFi throughout the property. The nearest airport is Santander Airport, 5 km from the property.
Double Room without Kitchen with a price of €45 per night, including taxes and charges, and it’s non-refundable.
Where to Stay in Santander if you want Luxury
This luxurious 4-star hotel is located right by the beach and only 400 m from Magdalena Palace. It is within walking distance of the center of Santander and the university. Apart from its remarkably good position, the Hotel Hoyuela offers an elegant and beautiful design, lots of great facilities and services, and a good restaurant. The rooms are nicely decorated and well-equipped, and some offer a view over the sea.
Single Room with a price of €119 per night, including taxes and charges, add €15 for breakfast, with free cancellation, and no prepayment needed, you can pay at the property.
Overlooking Santander Bay and the city’s cathedral, Hotel Bahía offers free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception. Santander’s ferry terminal and main train and bus stations are just 200 m away. The Hotel Bahía’s spacious rooms have a plasma-screen satellite TV and a minibar. All rooms offer views of either the sea or Santander Cathedral. The marble bathrooms come with an amenities set and hairdryer. You can enjoy a varied buffet breakfast, à la carte meals or a daily set menu in the Bahia’s restaurant. The hotel’s café offers views of the bay.
Twin Room with Sea View with a price of €174 per night, including taxes and charges, add €15.50 for breakfast, it’s free cancellation and no prepayment needed, you can pay at the property.
Hotel Chiqui offers great views of the Cantabrian Sea and El Sardinero Beach. Set by the sea and just 3 km from Santander Ferry Terminal, it features free outdoor parking. Each room at Hotel Chiqui has sea views, an attractive nautical theme and large windows with lots of natural light. All are equipped with a safe and a bathroom with amenities. Chiqui’s café-bar opens out onto a large terrace and serves drinks and tapas. Cantabrian recipes and seasonal dishes are on offer at the main restaurant, while there is also a piano bar. Gluten-free menus are available on prior request.
Double Room with Sea View with a price of €270 per night, including taxes and charges, add €14 for breakfast, and it’s non-refundable.
List of restaurants that you can try while in Santander, Spain
El Serbal is one of the finest dining restaurants in Santander. It serves Mediterranean, European and Spanish cuisines.
Operating hours: 1:30pm-3:30pm (Sunday-Saturday) and 8:30pm-11:30pm (Monday-Saturday)
Address: Calle Andres del Rio 7 | Puertochico, 39004 Santander, Spain
A great restaurant for people who love to try international food. They serve Mediterranean, European, Spanish and Fusion cuisines. They also do breakfast and salad.
Operating hours: 11:30am-5:00pm (Sunday) and 11:30am-12:00am (Monday-Saturday)
Address: Calle Hernan Cortes 47 | Entre Cañadío y Puertochico, 39003 Santander, Spain
Bodega del Riojano is a very traditional bar. They serve Mediterranean, European, and Spanish cuisines. They also have a good selection of barbecued meats, and of course wines.
Operating hours: 12:00pm-4:00pm (Sunday-Saturday) and 8:30pm-12:00pm (Monday-Saturday)
Address: Calle del Rio de la Pila 5, 39003 Santander, Spain
Its meat, poultry and fish dishes are all cooked in a wood-fired oven and served in their own juices. Restaurante La Ventana serves Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine.
Operating hours: 11:00am-8:00pm (Sunday) and 11:00am-12:00am (Monday-Saturday)
Address: Calle Somo 114 | San Roman, 39012 Santander, Spain
It’s a small restaurant. Cadelo Restaurante serves Mediterranean, European, Spanish and Fusion cuisines. They also serve a number of Asian-inspired dishes, such as kimchi and Korean-style chicken wings.
Operating hours: 1:00pm-4:00pm and 8:00pm-12:00am (Tuesday-Saturday)
Address: Calle de Santa Lucia 33, 39003 Santander, Spain
How to go to Santander, Spain from the UK
Via Ryanair: (one way)
*From London Stansted to Santander Airport
Ticket Price: £29.37
Via Easyjet: (one way)
*From London Stansted to Bilbao Airport (103km from Santander, Spain since no direct flight to Santander in Easyjet)
Ticket Price: £35.25
* Prices are subject to change. You can visit Skyscanner for more details about the ticket prices.
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About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.