Santander

Santander is an historic port and city that was once the stepping off point for Spain's exploration of the 'New World'. Ships returning from the Americas would bring their riches back to the kingdom, taking advantage of Santander's huge natural harbour. Today, it is more widely used as the gateway into northern Spain for tourists, on their way to explore the rugged west coast or south into the heart of Spain. But it's worth taking a day or two out to explore its bustling streets or simply to relax on one of its golden beaches.

Visit the grand villas and beaches once reserved exclusively for royalty; learn about the unique culture of Cantabria; dine on some of the finest seafood on the entire Iberian Peninsula; or simply relax in this laid-back cosmopolitan city. Sightseeing highlights include the 12th-century Gothic cathedral, the 'beach of the bikinis' and the bull-fighting museum.

Explore the city

Museums & memorials

Museums & memorials

There is no shortage of museums to visit, including a fine maritime museum, a planetarium, a regional history museum and one dedicated to bull-fighting in the city's bullring – maybe not to everyone's taste, but certainly part of the culture.

As you explore you will see several memorials to those who fought and died during the divisive Spanish Civil War, including on La Plaza de Italia; by the Lighthouse of Cabo Mayor; and in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where a statue of Franco mounted on his horse has been replaced by an ornate lampstand representing the 'Four Seasons'.

We recommend visiting the crypt beneath the restored medieval cloisters of Santander's Gothic cathedral, the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and, for something very different, the colourful Esperanza Market.
Beyond the City

Beaches & boat trips

Beaches & boat trips

El Sardinero, the seaside suburb, boasts three main beaches: 'the first' (made popular by royalty and the nobility); 'the second' (for everyone else); and the third, the 'beach of the bikinis', named after visiting female students in the 1960s, whose skimpy beachwear attracted much attention.

You could also take a boat trip across the bay to visit the towns of Somo or Pedreña; or along the coast in search of seabirds and marine mammals.

Accommodation

The hotel is ideally located for exploring the city.

We provide suggestions for where to eat out in the documentation that we send you prior to your holiday.

Hotel Hoyuela

Located near the extensive sands and promenade of the glorious Sandinero Beach, just a short walk from the lighthouse, the elegant, Belle Epoque-style Hoyuela makes an excellent base. There are 55 rooms with all modern amenities (including free wifi) and breakfast is included in your stay. There is a snack bar, lounge, restaurant and private garage.

Meal arrangements: breakfast only
Facilities
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lounge
- Wifi
- Air conditioning

Prices

All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.

Currency converter

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Prices for first-named hotel (£ per person based on 2 sharing)

Add-on price

Hotel Hoyuela, 2 nights: 30 March 2020 - 31 October 2020

Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

Starting	Add on 2 nights	Single supplement
30 Mar - 24 Jun 2020 #	£128	£80
25 Jun - 8 Jul 2020	£212	£100
9 Jul - 22 Aug 2020	£272	£120
23 Aug - 5 Sep 2020	£212	£100
6 Sep - 29 Oct 2020	£128	£80

Includes accommodation and meals as described. No travel is included as it is assumed that you are travelling via the city as part of your main Inntravel holiday.

# ADD £38pp/n (£48pn in a single room) for stays 9-11 Apr 2020

If you are flying via a different airport and would like us to arrange connecting travel, please contact us for a quotation.

Room upgrades & extra nights for first hotel

Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

Hotel Hoyuela, Santander (B&B)	Double room	Single room
30 Mar - 24 Jun 2020 #	£55	£90
25 Jun - 08 Jul 2020	£92	£136
09 Jul - 22 Aug 2020	£120	£170
23 Aug - 05 Sep 2020	£92	£136
06 Sep - 31 Oct 2020	£55	£90

# ADD £38pp/n (£48pn in a single room) for stays 9-11 Apr 2020

Getting to the city centre

This information is for guidance only; no travel is included in our prices and you should pay locally for your chosen option.

For more information about the airport, visit the Santander airport website.

Getting between Santander airport and the city (5km):

Public transport	Approx. duration	Frequency
Bus	20 minutes	every 30 minutes

Other options	Approx. duration	Approx. cost
Taxi	15 minutes	12€

Santander City Add-On

Holiday information

Santander

Sightseeing

Accommodation