Making the most of Santander
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
In the town center, ferries and cruise liners berth metres from the commercial area, placing leisure areas within walking reach. As you move into the port entrance, one of the world's most beautiful bays comes into view.
Santander is now a popular tourist destination, renowned for a mild, though rainy, climate.
Restored after severe damage in the 1941 fire, the fortress like 13th-century cathedral contains the tomb of Santander's most illustrious man of letters, historian/writer Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo (1856-1912).
Santander's fascinating city is best explored on foot.
A European style casino stands beside Sardinero beach. The Sardinero beaches are pleasant urban beaches, with certain areas popular with local surfers.
The Plaza de Cañadío is a popular starting point for a drinking night. It directly borders seven bars and has many more taverns nearby. Cuatro Caminos and the area around the Ayuntamiento have many interesting shops.
The Bay of Biscay, on which Santander sits, is unquestionably one of the city's most recognisable icons.
Wind changes the calm water's colour, creating a magical quality. The bay leads to Barrio Pesquero, a fisherman's area with gritty taverns and earthy restaurants. Further along, Paseo de Pereda is the locale of Pereda Gardens, the "lungs of the city."
Among Spain's most beautiful maritime avenues, Santander's main avenue, Reina Victoria, leads to Magdalena Peninsula and its English-style Magdalena Royal Palace.
For adventurous visitors, take one of the bay's sightseeing motorboats to orientate yourself, travelling to Cabo Mayor's lighthouse on high, steep cliffs. The bay also contains The International Festival Hall of Santander, a modern box-like building able to drop a wall and open towards the bay for under-the-stars performances.
Centro Botin opened almost beside the cruise dock in 2017. Its west block is for art, with two exhibition rooms totalling 2,500 m2; the east block hosts cultural and educational activities, including a 300-person auditorium, classrooms, work spaces and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking Santander and Bay views.
Getting around
Hop on/off tours depart from the cruise terminal.
Most Santander visitors go to El Sardinero, a resort under 2.5km (1 1/2 miles) from the city. Day and night, buses and trolleys make this short connection from the city center.
Santander has Playa de Castaneda, Playa del Sardinero and Playa de la Concha, three beaches where people relax under candy-striped umbrellas. If they are too crowded, take the 15-minute boat to beautiful El Puntal, rarely crowded even in August.
Those who dislike crowds and beaches can visit the lighthouse, a little over 2km (1 1/4 miles) from El Sardinero, for wide-ranging views. Its restaurant offers indoor and outdoor snacks. Hike the green cliffs or loll on the grass.
Nearby places
Excursions from here visit Bilbao and its spectacular Guggenheim Museum.
Only half an hour from the city center, Santillana del Mar is Cantabria's outstanding Romanesque example; its abbey church dates to the mid 12th century. This medieval town is a collection of historical monuments from the 14th to 18th centuries, best seen while strolling its narrow cobbled streets.
Food and shopping
Santander divides into two distinct areas: the busy commercial center, with most shops, the local market, historic buildings and tourist attractions; and El Sardinero beach resort, with its former royal palace and casino.
Money
Spain uses the euro.
There are 100 cents in the euro. • Its eight coin denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, plus 1 and 2 Euro. • Seven bank notes are issued in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro amounts.
Staying connected
Spanish is official across the entire national territory, though certain Spanish regions also use other languages: Catalan in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, Euskera/Basque in the Basque Country, Valencian in the Valencia Region, and a particular Catalan variety on the Balearic Islands.
Dial 112, free of charge, for emergencies throughout Spain. In some tourist areas, the service is available in Spanish and also English, French and German.
A pleasant webcam.
Opening Hours and
Expect most shops and businesses to open Monday through Saturday at 9.30 h–13.30 h and again 16.30–20.00 h.
Large shopping centers and department stores trade uninterruptedly from 10.00 h to 21.00 or 22.00 h. These large stores sometimes open Sunday.
During high season in coastal cities, shops usually stay open passed 22.00 h.
Pharmacies are normally open 9.30 to 13.30 h and 16.30 to 20.00 h. All major cities have pharmacies open 24 hours. A rolling late-hour rota, published in newspapers and posted at every pharmacy, applies.