- Must visit
Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria
Museum in a historic market building covering Santander’s prehistory, Roman past and medieval development through well-presented local finds.
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IB1067Santander brings together relaxed, beach resort vibes and buzzing, contemporary urban spaces. The mid-sized Spanish city is easy to access via the nearby airport. Although Santander is busiest during the summer, some airlines offer flights year-round, so those who prefer a quieter holiday have the flexibility to visit out of season.
Flights arrive at Seve Ballesteros Santander Airport, which is just 3.7 miles from the centre of Santander. Public buses connect the airport with the city. These are provided by Transporte de Cantabria and depart every 30 minutes. The public bus stop can be found by turning right as you depart from the terminal and walking around to the side of the building. The bus journey into town should take just 15 minutes.
Travellers from the UK will find direct flights to Santander provided by Ryanair, departing year-round from London Stansted and Edinburgh. Iberia and British Airways also offer relatively short indirect flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick – these usually have a stopover in Madrid. Other carriers offering flights from around Europe include Vueling, which flies from Barcelona, and Wizz Air which flies seasonally from Bucharest.
At any time of year, there are direct flights to Santander from the UK, thanks to Ryanair, who provide a regular low-cost service. As such, it’s easy to plan a quick, sunny getaway, even at the last minute. Santander also makes a great stopping point on a longer trip to Spain. Flights from Madrid take just over an hour, so if you’d like to take in the Spanish capital and get some beach time in too, a quick diversion to Santander is just the ticket.
In Spain’s bigger, splashier resort towns there’s a danger of heading out for the night, only to be surrounded by other tourists from back home. Santander is still off the beaten tourist track, so when you head out, you can do like the locals do. Be sure to visit Plaza de Cañadío, which always comes to life after dark. Like the rest of the city, the Plaza is easy to reach on a local TUS bus. Or you might prefer to grab a bike from the TUS bike sharing system. TUSbic bike racks are installed all around the local area.
London Stansted offers direct flights to Santander via Ryanair, with journey times averaging around 2 hours long. British Airways and Iberia operate flights to Santander from London Heathrow, however there is a stopover at Madrid with these flights which increases journey time. Upon arrival at Santander airport, it is a 6 kilometre journey to the centre of the city. Buses are available for this journey, departing every 30 minutes. Taxis are also readily available onsite.
This beautiful city is nestled on the coast, and covers just 6 kilometres from one end of the town to the other. The Prehistoric and Archaeological Museum of Cantabria is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history, as it houses over 1,000 artefacts, from the Paleolithic to Iron Ages. The Playa de Langre beach has been voted the best in the area, with miles of golden sand and unspoilt ocean views to enjoy. Visitors should also stop by the Palacio Real de La Magdalena, a 20th century palace once used as a seasonal residence for the Spanish royal family, and today the grounds and peninsula are open for the public to enjoy. The views over the ocean and the cliffs are unparalleled and present a perfect photo opportunity.
Discover the best of Santander — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santander trip today.
Museum in a historic market building covering Santander’s prehistory, Roman past and medieval development through well-presented local finds.
Large art centre on the waterfront with modern and contemporary exhibitions, a striking building and broad views over the bay.
Museum dedicated to Cantabrian maritime history, fishing and oceanography, with aquariums and displays suited to adults and children.
Historic gardens by the bay and Centro Botín, ideal for a gentle walk among monuments, flowerbeds and harbour views.
Headland park with the palace, coastal paths, beaches and sea views; one of Santander’s classic places for walking and photography.
Clifftop viewpoint and green space above the sea, popular for sunsets, dramatic waves and broad views of the Cantabrian coast.
Hearty Cantabrian bean stew with white beans, chorizo, morcilla and pork. A regional cold-weather classic closely tied to Santander and wider Cantabria.
Fresh anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, often salted or preserved in olive oil. Santander is especially known for high-quality bocarte and anchovy traditions.
Bonito tuna cooked with onions, peppers and tomato. A beloved summer dish across Cantabria, showcasing local fishing and seasonal produce.
Established dining room specialising in fish and seafood rice dishes, offering polished service and a classic Santander feel.
Traditional seafood restaurant known for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Cantabrian cooking in a smart but approachable setting.
Popular traditional venue for rabas, seafood tapas and casual local eating, especially good for sampling classic Santander flavours.
Moderate for Spain: hotels and dining are fair, while local buses and casual meals stay reasonably priced for tourists.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafés; round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Santander Airport -> Santander Bus Station
Check where to Santander flights depart and arrive, plus the main airport details for this route.
Santander Airport is 4 km from Santander city centre. Public transport options include:
Santander Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the terminal.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santander Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santander Airport: Elevators, ramps.
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