Top 2 Itineraries in Santander

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Santander.

If you only have a few days, Santander weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Santander offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Santander are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Santander’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Santander offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Spain's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Santander offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Santander truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Santander belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Santander are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Santander and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Santander itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Santander for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 2 itineraries will help you experience the best of Santander without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Santander!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Santander, Bilbao, Valladolid, León, and Burgos is one of the best ways to experience Spain. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Santander can easily be combined with other top destinations in Spain without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Santander, Bilbao, Valladolid, León, and Burgos by public transport, renting a car in Spain opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Valladolid

• Arrival city: Valladolid
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Valladolid, e.g., Gareus Boutique
• Sightseeing: Plaza Mayor de Valladolid

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Valladolid. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Valladolid

• Destinations: Valladolid
• Driving distance: 3.71 km, approx. 46 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Valladolid, e.g., Gareus Boutique
• Sightseeing: Plaza de Zorrilla, Museo Nacional de Escultura, Casa de Cervantes, Parque Campo Grande, and Parroquia Santa María de la Antigua

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Plaza de Zorrilla, Museo Nacional de Escultura, Casa de Cervantes, Parque Campo Grande, and Parroquia Santa María de la Antigua. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Valladolid, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Burgos

• Destinations: Burgos
• Driving distance: 127.89 km, approx. 2 hours and 24 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Burgos Province, e.g., Crisol Mesón del Cid
• Sightseeing: Burgos Cathedral, Mirador Del Castillo, Saint John's Monastery, Arco de Santa María, and The Huelgas Monastery
• Recommended tour: Visit a winery of the 19th century and its draft

Spend the day exploring Burgos Cathedral, Mirador Del Castillo, Saint John's Monastery, Arco de Santa María, and The Huelgas Monastery. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Burgos Province.

Day 4: Experience Bilbao

• Destinations: Bilbao
• Driving distance: 164.12 km, approx. 2 hours and 22 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bilbao, e.g., Hotel Gran Bilbao
• Sightseeing: Federico Moyúa enparantza, Zubizuri, Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and Puppy
• Recommended tour: Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika Tour from Bilbao

Continue your journey through Bilbao, where you can explore Federico Moyúa enparantza, Zubizuri, Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and Puppy. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Bilbao.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Donostia / San Sebastián

• Destinations: Donostia / San Sebastián
• Driving distance: 206.97 km, approx. 3 hours and 1 minute
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bilbao, e.g., Hotel Gran Bilbao
• Sightseeing: Funicular Monte Igueldo, Alderdi Eder parkea, Comb of the Wind (Eduardo Chillida, 1976), Beach of La Concha, and San Telmo Museum
• Recommended tour: Bizkaia, Route of the Coast. Unforgettable corners to enjoy by the sea.

Drive through Donostia / San Sebastián, stopping to visit Funicular Monte Igueldo, Alderdi Eder parkea, Comb of the Wind (Eduardo Chillida, 1976), Beach of La Concha, and San Telmo Museum. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Santander and Cueto

• Destinations: Santander and Cueto
• Driving distance: 210.42 km, approx. 3 hours and 5 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bilbao, e.g., Hotel Gran Bilbao
• Sightseeing: Segunda playa de El Sardinero, Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde), Palacio de la Magdalena, Centro Botín, and Paseo Marítimo de Santander
• Recommended tour: Bilbao Walking Small Group Tour

Spend time discovering Segunda playa de El Sardinero, Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde), Palacio de la Magdalena, Centro Botín, and Paseo Marítimo de Santander, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Oviedo / Uviéu and La Peña'l Fuelle

• Destinations: Oviedo / Uviéu and La Peña'l Fuelle
• Driving distance: 575.63 km, approx. 6 hours and 12 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bilbao, e.g., Hotel Gran Bilbao
• Sightseeing: Plaza del Fontán, Mercado El Fontán, Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco, and Church of San Miguel de Lillo
• Recommended tour: Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour

Explore Plaza del Fontán, Mercado El Fontán, Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco, and Church of San Miguel de Lillo at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore León

• Destinations: León
• Driving distance: 521.22 km, approx. 5 hours and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Burgos Province, e.g., Crisol Mesón del Cid
• Sightseeing: Casa Botines, Plaza del Grano, Basílica de San Isidoro, and León Cathedral

Continue your road trip through León, enjoying the flexibility to explore Casa Botines, Plaza del Grano, Basílica de San Isidoro, and León Cathedral and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Burgos Province.

Day 9: Wander Through Zamora

• Destinations: Zamora
• Driving distance: 327.48 km, approx. 3 hours and 42 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Valladolid, e.g., Gareus Boutique
• Sightseeing: Church of San Pedro y San Ildefonso, Catedral de Zamora, Zamora Castle, Palacio de los Momos, and San Martin Park

Visit Church of San Pedro y San Ildefonso, Catedral de Zamora, Zamora Castle, Palacio de los Momos, and San Martin Park as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Valladolid.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Valladolid

• Departure city: Valladolid
• Driving distance: 586 metres, approx. 7 minutes
• Sightseeing: Iglesia De San Benito

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Valladolid. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 966 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Santander.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Santander for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

A 13-day beach vacation in Santander offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Santander:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Playa de Los Peligros, Playa de San Juan II, and Playa de Langre.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Santemar for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like surfing, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Restaurante la Mayor, Restaurante Rincón De La Canal, and RESTAURANTE ANJUA, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Bar Los Espinos, Rock Island Bar, and Liverpool Pub, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Palacio de la Magdalena, Centro Botín, Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico, Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde), Parque Atlántico de Las Llamas, Parque de Mataleñas, and Plaza de Pombo, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 13-day beach vacation itinerary in Santander, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Santander

Arrive in Bilbao, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 13 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Playa de Los Peligros or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Santander.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Playa de San Juan II, a top beach in Santander. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Faro de Punta del Torco de Afuera and Suances pueblo for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 4: Ride the Waves with Thrilling Water Sports

Enjoy a fun-filled day of water sports at Playa del Camello. Alternatively, try out popular activities in Santander to add some adventure to your day. End the evening with a meal at a local restaurant and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Day 5: Relax at a Local Beach

Start your day by lounging by the crystal-clear waters of Playa de Los Peligros, one of the best beaches in Santander. Add a cultural twist to your beach trip in the afternoon by choosing from a wide selection of cultural tours in Santander.

Day 6: Explore the Local Scene

Spend a sun-filled day at Playa de San Juan II. In the afternoon, explore the local scene by visiting Fuerte San Martín, Palacio de Albaicín, and Faro de Cabo Ajo. As the day winds down, enjoy a meal and a refreshing drink while admiring the beautiful views.

Day 7: Unwind by the Beach

Relax and rejuvenate with a beach day at Playa de Langre. Bring a book, lounge under an umbrella, and enjoy the day at Parque Cabo Mayor, Playa de Mataleñas, and Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, with a refreshing drink in hand. As evening falls, enjoy a beachside dinner.

Day 8: Discover Local Culture and Sunset Views

Soak up the sun at Playa del Camello. In the afternoon, dive into the local culture with visits to La Maruca and Doctor Morales Park. As the sun sets, have a picnic on the beach and create some amazing memories.

Day 10: Embrace Beach Serenity

Spend the day enjoying the inviting waters of Playa de San Juan II. Enjoy the beach’s peaceful vibe and go out for a refreshing swim or a visit to Cave of El Castillo and Cave of Las Monedas for a bit of activity. Cap off the evening with a sunset dinner on the shore or a trip to a local bar.

Day 11: Engage in Water Adventures

Spend an exciting day at Playa de Langre, where water sports await to fill your day with fun. Dive into an adventure by exploring nearby attractions like Refugio Antiaereo Santander, Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde), and Centro Botín, making the most of your beach experience.

Day 12: Recharge with a Blend of Beach Relaxation and Cultural Exploration

Unwind and refresh with a relaxing day at Playa del Camello. If you're looking for a change of scenery, you can also explore Faro de La Cerda and Palacio de la Magdalena. As the day comes to a close, indulge in a delicious dinner by the beach.

Day 13: Say Farewell to Santander

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Santander. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye. Then, choose from many convenient transfers in Santander to make your departure easier.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Santander. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Santander's coastline.

As you explore Santander, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Santander for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Santander in a way that feels truly unforgettable!