Budget stays
Before paying for a seafront room in Sardinero, look at the streets around the stations and the Mercado de la Esperanza.
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Santander faces its sheltered bay on one side and the open Cantabrian Sea on the other. The centre is around the cathedral and Centro Botín. El Sardinero, the beach district, is past the Magdalena peninsula.
The 1941 fire destroyed much of the old centre. Around Plaza Porticada and the cathedral, rebuilt streets lead downhill to the Jardines de Pereda and the waterfront art centre, Centro Botín. The bus and railway stations are close together at the western edge of the centre.
Walk east along Paseo de Pereda to Puertochico and continue past the Maritime Museum toward the Magdalena peninsula. Across the headland, Primera and Segunda Playa del Sardinero run beside broad promenades and old resort hotels. Stay in the centre for ferries and trains, or in Sardinero to be on the sand.
Summer here is milder than on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Expect rain in any season, most of all in autumn. Pack a light layer even in July or August. If your hotel is outside the centre, check the bus route.
The cathedral, Plaza Porticada and Mercado de la Esperanza are near the train and bus stations. Paseo de Pereda and Centro Botín are a short walk downhill. Book here for an early train, the ferry or the museums. El Sardinero beach needs a bus or a long walk.
Around here: Santander Cathedral, Plaza Porticada, Centro Botín, Mercado de la Esperanza
The marina and Castelar waterfront lie between the centre and the Magdalena peninsula. Stay here for walks along the bay, seafood restaurants and the Maritime Museum. The railway station is farther away, and the ocean beaches are farther east.
Around here: Puertochico, Paseo de Pereda, Maritime Museum of Cantabria
The beaches of Los Peligros and La Magdalena face the sheltered bay, below the park and Palacio de la Magdalena. They are calmer than Sardinero, which takes the open-sea surf. Expect a longer trip back to the station and central shops.
Around here: Palacio de la Magdalena, Playa de los Peligros, Playa de la Magdalena
Primera and Segunda Playa del Sardinero line the open coast, with Plaza de Italia and Jardines de Piquío between them. Book here when the beach is the point of the trip. The cathedral and stations are across the peninsula, so an evening in the centre means a bus or a long walk.
Around here: Primera Playa del Sardinero, Segunda Playa del Sardinero, Jardines de Piquío
North of Sardinero, Mataleñas has a smaller cove below the park, and the path toward Cabo Mayor reaches the lighthouse and exposed cliffs. It is quieter than Plaza de Italia. With luggage, though, the uphill streets and the distance from the stations are hard work.
Around here: Playa de Mataleñas, Parque de Mataleñas, Faro de Cabo Mayor
The beach months are June to September, with average highs around 69–74 °F. Winters are mild and damp, and October to January is wetter than midsummer. Even in summer, keep a museum in reserve for a rainy day.
Seve Ballesteros–Santander Airport is across the bay from the centre. Trains, intercity buses and the ferry arrive close to the central waterfront.
3 mi from downtown
The airport bus links the terminal with Santander bus station. From there, walk to a central hotel or take a city bus to El Sardinero. With luggage, a taxi is easier.
Around the bus and rail stations. The cathedral and Centro Botín are a walk away, and a city bus goes to the beach.
The cheapest room goes for $38. Before taking a cheap centre room over a beach hotel, check what kind of room it is and the full price.
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