Santander, Spain

Santander is the capital and also the largest city of the province of Cantabria in Spain. Santander is located on the ocean and features a small historic center and a handful of excellent beaches. Its most famous tourist attraction is the Magdalena Palace which was used as a summer getaway of Spanish royalty.

Santander is also popular resort amongst wealthy Madrileños. It has a somewhat French feel – an elegant, reserved resort in a similar vein to San Sebastián. The narrow Bahía de Santander is dramatic, with the city and port on one side in clear view of open countryside and high mountains on the other; a great first view of Spain if you're arriving on the ferry from Plymouth.

Things to See & Do


* Sanderino beaches
* Magdalena Palace
* Plaza de Cañadío
* Shopping at the Cuatro Caminos and the area bordering the Ayuntamiento
* Historic quarter

General information

Cruise Season – Feb to Dec
Currency - Euro (€)
Language – Spanish & Catalan
Land Area – 35 km²
Population – 182,926 approx
Electricity – 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC + one hour
International Country Telephone Code – + 34

Port Location – The Port of Santander is located within walking distance of the town centre, approximately 500 metres away.

Travel Links – You can arrive in Santander via plane (mostly domestic and charter flights; international flights frequently use the Bilbao airport), public bus, or car (A8 freeway from Bilbao). Distance to Bilbao is some 100km (60m).
Ryanair flies from London Stansted and from Rome Ciampino directly to Santander Airport. Ryanair also now flies from Liverpool airport. Iberia also serves this airport. Taxis are available from the Airport into Santander and an 'Alsa City' bus frequently departs for the City from directly outside the arrivals terminal.
You may also wish to take a ferry from Plymouth, England. It is an exciting journey.