Santander, Spain: A City That's Well Worth Adding to Your Northern Spain Itinerary
Stayed in Santander, Cantabria, Spain | July 17–20
When people talk about northern Spain, places like San Sebastián and Bilbao often steal the spotlight.
After spending a few days in Santander, I honestly think this elegant coastal city deserves just as much attention.
As the capital of Cantabria, Santander combines beautiful beaches, grand architecture, excellent seafood and one of the prettiest bays in Europe. It has the sophistication of a larger city while still feeling relaxed enough to enjoy at a slower pace. Whether you're walking along the waterfront, discovering historic landmarks or enjoying dinner overlooking the sea, Santander has a way of making you want to stay longer.
I spent three days exploring the city, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my northern Spain road trip. If you're wondering where I stayed during my visit, you can read my full hotel review here:
https://www.golfingwithchris.com/blog/luxury-stays-in-northern-spain-three-hotels-id-recommend
If you're planning your own trip to Santander, these are the places I'd recommend adding to your itinerary.
A Little History of Santander
Santander has been an important port city for centuries, although much of the city you see today is surprisingly modern.
In 1941, a devastating fire destroyed much of Santander's medieval centre, dramatically reshaping the city. While many historic buildings were lost, the reconstruction created the elegant avenues, spacious squares and waterfront promenades that define Santander today.
The city's relationship with Spanish royalty also played a major role in its development. During the early twentieth century, King Alfonso XIII chose Santander as his summer residence, helping transform it into one of Spain's most fashionable seaside destinations. Grand villas, beautiful gardens and elegant public buildings from that era can still be admired throughout the city.
Today, Santander perfectly blends history with modern coastal living. Its working port sits alongside golden beaches, excellent restaurants and cultural attractions, making it one of northern Spain's most rewarding cities to explore.
1. Visit Palacio de la Magdalena
Image courtesy of Palacio de la Magdalena.
Península de la Magdalena | Around 6 minutes by car from Eurostars Hotel Real
If there's one attraction you shouldn't miss in Santander, it's Palacio de la Magdalena.
Standing proudly on its own peninsula overlooking the Bay of Santander, the palace is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. Built between 1909 and 1911 as the summer residence of the Spanish royal family, it remains one of the finest examples of early twentieth-century architecture in northern Spain.
The palace itself is certainly impressive, but I found the surrounding grounds just as enjoyable.
Walking around the Magdalena Peninsula offers spectacular coastal scenery in every direction. The well-maintained walking paths pass rugged cliffs, quiet coves, manicured gardens and several incredible viewpoints overlooking the bay and the Cantabrian Sea.
It's the sort of place where you can easily spend a couple of hours without feeling rushed. I found myself stopping frequently, not because I was tired, but because the views kept getting better.
Whether you're interested in history, photography or simply enjoying one of Santander's most beautiful locations, Palacio de la Magdalena is well worth visiting.
Allow: 2–3 hours.
Best for: History, scenic walks and panoramic coastal views.
2. Walk Along Paseo de Pereda and Centro Botín
Santander Waterfront | Around 10 minutes by car from Eurostars Hotel Real
One of the things I enjoyed most about Santander was simply walking along its waterfront.
Paseo de Pereda stretches beside the harbour and offers one of the city's most pleasant walks. Lined with elegant historic buildings, gardens, cafés and public art, it perfectly captures Santander's relaxed atmosphere.
Along the way, you'll also find the striking Centro Botín, one of Spain's leading contemporary art centres. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, its distinctive structure appears to float above the waterfront, creating one of Santander's most photographed modern landmarks.
Even if you're not planning to visit the exhibitions inside, it's worth walking around the building and exploring the surrounding gardens.
I found this part of the city especially enjoyable during the late afternoon. Locals strolled along the promenade, boats gently crossed the bay and outdoor terraces slowly filled as the evening approached.
It's an area that encourages you to slow down, grab a coffee and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Allow: 2 hours.
Best for: Walking, architecture and waterfront views.
Best Breakfast: Panadería Gallofa & Co.
Image courtesy of Panadería Gallofa & Co.
Santander | Around 8 minutes by car from Eurostars Hotel Real
Finding a good bakery is one of my favourite parts of travelling, and Panadería Gallofa & Co. quickly became my go-to breakfast spot in Santander.
The bakery offers an excellent selection of freshly baked pastries, artisan breads, sandwiches and speciality coffees, all served in a bright, modern café that's popular with both locals and visitors.
I ordered toasted sourdough topped with tomato and olive oil alongside a freshly brewed coffee, while on another morning I couldn't resist trying one of their buttery croissants.
Everything tasted wonderfully fresh, and it was exactly the kind of relaxed breakfast I enjoy before heading out for a full day of sightseeing.
Best for: Fresh pastries, artisan bread and excellent coffee.
Best Lunch: Bodega del Riojano
Image courtesy of Bodega del Riojano.
Santander Old Town | Around 10 minutes by car from Eurostars Hotel Real
For lunch, I wanted to try somewhere that had become something of an institution in Santander.
Bodega del Riojano has been welcoming diners for generations, serving traditional Cantabrian cuisine in a warm and character-filled dining room that's decorated with signed wine barrels from famous visitors.
The menu celebrates local ingredients, with fresh seafood, hearty stews and excellent meat dishes taking centre stage.
I ordered grilled hake accompanied by roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, followed by one of the restaurant's homemade desserts and an orange juice.
The service was friendly, the atmosphere was lively without feeling rushed, and it was one of those meals that perfectly reflected the region's rich culinary traditions.
Best Dinner: Cadelo
Image courtesy of Cadelo.
Santander | Around 8 minutes by car from Eurostars Hotel Real
For dinner, I wanted something that combined creative cooking with exceptional local produce, and Cadelo delivered exactly that.
This modern restaurant takes traditional Cantabrian flavours and presents them with a contemporary twist, creating dishes that feel refined while remaining true to the region.
The dining room has a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, making it equally suited to a special celebration or simply treating yourself after a day exploring the city.
Each course showcased beautifully sourced ingredients, thoughtful presentation and excellent attention to detail without ever becoming overly complicated.
It was the perfect way to finish one of my final evenings in Santander.
Best for: Contemporary Cantabrian cuisine and a memorable evening out.
Why Santander Became One of My Favourite Cities in Northern Spain
One of the things I appreciated most about Santander was how effortlessly it combines city life with the coast.
You can spend the morning exploring a royal palace, enjoy lunch in the historic centre, stroll beside one of Europe's most beautiful bays and finish the day with exceptional seafood overlooking the water.
Despite being Cantabria's capital, it never felt overwhelming.
Instead, Santander has a calm confidence about it. It's elegant without being pretentious, lively without feeling crowded, and full of places that reward anyone willing to explore beyond the obvious.
If you're planning a road trip through northern Spain, I'd recommend giving Santander at least a few days.
I did, and it became one of the standout destinations of my entire journey.
