Car rental Santander

Parking in Santander

• Alfonso XIII is an underground car park by Santander ferry port.
• Parking Sardinero is a parking lot by Santander’s beach and is free year-round.
• Interparking Esperanza is another underground spot in the city centre with 245 spaces.

Traffic in Santander

During the week, congestion can occur at peak times, usually between the hours of 8am and 7pm. Weekends can be busy during the summer as tourists and nearby residents flock to the beaches.

How to get from Santander Airport toPalace of La Magdalena

The Palace of La Magdalena, one of the city’s main tourist spots, is just 15mins from the airport at Av de la Reina Victoria, 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.

To get to Palace of La Magdalena from the airport:

1. Leave the car rental parking lot and join the S-10 north.
2. Merge onto Calle Marqués de la Hermida and continue onto Calle Antonio López.
3. At the roundabout, take the first exit to join Paseo de Pereda.
4. Then take the second exit onto Calle Castelar and Av de la Reina Victoria
5. Follow Calle Familia Real round the coast to find Palace of La Magdalena parking.

Roads and freeways

Main routes in Santander

• S-10 runs from Santander centre, passing the airport toCabárceno Nature Park.
• N-611 heads south of Santander to Palencia.
• A-8 runs across norther Spain, from Lugo to Bilbao, crossing Santander from the south.

Santander to Bilbao

The capital of the Basque country is just over an hour from Santander. Join the S-10 south to merge onto the A-8 highway to Bilbao.

Santander to Valladolid

The medieval city of Valladolid is around two and a half hours south of Santander and provides the perfect halfway point if you’re looking to drive to the capital, Madrid. Take the A-67 to merge on the E-80 to Valladolid.

What to see and do in Santander

Palace of La Magdalena

Situated on Santander’s peak, the Royal Place of La Magdalena (39005 Santander) is a beacon of the city. Built in the early 1900s and inspired by the Queen’s English heritage, the palace is lavishly designed with French, English and Cantabrian touches. Tour the palace to see the elegant curved staircase, beautiful gardens and grand rooms.

Paseo de Pereda

Santander’s bustling promenade, Paseo de Pereda is a bustling street filled with several historic landmarks. Take a stroll to soak up the sea breeze while watching the ships leaving the harbour. There’s also several monuments and a sprawling park dedicated to Spanish novelist and Santander native, Jose Maria de Pereda.

Centro Botín

Find modernity among Santander’s historic heart at the Centro Botín art centre (39004 Santander). This striking building has two parts, designed by award-winning architect Renzo Piano. The west segment showcases art throughout the centuries in a series of exhibits, while the east block is reserved for activities relating to Santander’s culture, including workshops and performing arts.

Santander’s best hotels

Hotel Real

While you may not be able to stay in the royal palace, the luxury five-star Hotel Real (39005 Santander) is the next best thing. Situated on Santander’s coast, with breathtaking views of the ocean, guests can unwind in style with traditional, French-inspired rooms.

Hotel Bahia

Located in the heart of Santander, four-star Hotel Bahia (39002 Santander) offers two views from their spacious and comfortable rooms – cathedral or ocean. Hop out in your rental car for a day of sightseeing before parking up in the hotel car park and enjoying a meal in the exclusive restaurant.

Le Petit Boutique Hotel

Unique as it is charming, Le Petit Boutique Hotel (39005 Santander) is close to Sardinero beach. All seven rooms on offer are inspired by a different city around the globe, including New York, Tokyo and Nairobi.

Best places to eat in Santander

El Serbal

Don’t be fooled by the Michelin star this restaurant boasts, the dishes on offer at El Serbal are just as affordable as any other restaurant in the city. The difference, however, is creative dishes that encompass traditional Cantabrian flavours with a unique twist.

Marucho

Cantabria is known for its seafood, and where better to sample the sea than in the region’s capital? Marucho specializes in fresh and flavoursome seafood, including clams of the day, lobster and spider crab.

Bodega del Riojano

Open since 1938, Bodega del Riojano is a must-visit for those wanting a truly authentic Cantabrian experience. Park up your rental car for an evening and dine on tapas and wine at the bar, or head inside the restaurant to tuck into seasonal delights such as snails, squid and stuffed peppers.

Santander’s top beaches

Playa del Sardinero

Santander’s most popular beach, Sardinero is 1.5km of golden sands and clear waters. During summer, expect crowds of tourists and locals alike, while autumn and winter are peak seasons for surfers.

Playa de Somo

A short drive away, on the opposite side of the Bay of Santander, Playa de Somo is another hotspot for surfers. Boasting a clear, sandy beach and constant beach breaks, surfers and sunbathers alike can find the perfect spot to unwind in.

Playa de Langre

Another beach on the other side of the bay, Playa de Langre is just over half an hour away by car. Nestled in a picturesque cove, with a backdrop of the striking cliffs, this beach is a world away from the busy Santander streets.