Hotels in Santander: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 11 July 2026 · 70 real hotels
Santander divides naturally into a compact, walkable city centre facing the bay and a beach-oriented residential district called El Sardinero to the east. Families and beach lovers gravitate toward El Sardinero, while business travellers and culture seekers prefer the centre or La Gándara, both within easy reach of the ferry terminal, old town, and main shopping streets.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Los Ángeles ★★★ | Santander : à 6,6 km | ★ 4 | 55 €/nuit |
| Hotel Miera ★★★ | Santander : à 14 km | ★ 4.6 | 56 €/nuit |
| Hotel Antoyana ★ | Santander | ★ 3.7 | 59 €/nuit |
| Camargo ★★★ | Camargo : à 7,8 km de Santander | ★ 3.8 | 59 €/nuit |
| Apartamentos Santander Maliaño Suites 3000 ★★★ | Camargo : à 5 km de Santander | ★ 3.4 | 59 €/nuit |
| Hotel Finca Alcamino ★★★ | Santa Cruz de Bezana : à 9,2 km de Santander | ★ 4.7 | 65 €/nuit |
| Hotel Casona de Hermosa ★★★★ | Santander : à 12,7 km | ★ 4.9 | 66 €/nuit |
| Estudios Aranzazu ★★ | Perines | ★ 3.6 | 72 €/nuit |
| Micampus Santander ★★★ | Cazoña | ★ 4 | 72 €/nuit |
Santander sits at the edge of Cantabria on a narrow peninsula that juts into one of northern Spain's most dramatic bays. The city faces the open Cantabrian Sea to the north and the sheltered Bahía de Santander to the south, giving it a maritime character that shapes everything from its cuisine to its architecture. The grand waterfront promenade, the Palacio de la Magdalena on its own headland, and the long sandy arc of El Sardinero beach are the landmarks visitors remember.
Because the peninsula is not very large, distances between neighbourhoods are manageable on foot or by a short bus ride. Staying centrally means you can walk to the Mercado de la Esperanza, the cathedral, and the ferry port in minutes. Staying near El Sardinero means waking up steps from the Atlantic, with the city centre reachable in around 20 minutes by bus. Either way, Santander rewards slow exploration: seafood pintxos, a strong surfing scene, and the green Cantabrian hills as a constant backdrop.
Which area to stay in Santander?
- City Centre (Centro): The right choice for first-time visitors who want everything within walking distance. The ferry terminal, main shopping streets, and the covered market are all here. Hotels like Dorma Coliseum (302 EUR/night, 4 stars, 4.5/5) and Hotel Bahia (300 EUR/night, 4 stars, 4.6/5) sit in this area and offer direct bay views or instant access to the old town.
- El Sardinero: Santander's beach district, about 3 km east of the centre. Two long beaches, the historic Gran Casino, and a quieter residential atmosphere make it ideal for families or anyone prioritising sand and sea over nightlife. Dorma Sardinero (400 EUR/night, 4 stars, 4.3/5) is the natural base here.
- La Gándara: A transitional neighbourhood between the old centre and El Sardinero, served well by city buses. It offers a slightly calmer urban feel while keeping both the bay and the beach accessible. Hotel Art Santander (244 EUR/night, 3 stars, 4.5/5), NH Ciudad de Santander (335 EUR/night, 3 stars, 4.3/5), and Sercotel El Balcón de la Bahía (390 EUR/night, 3 stars, 4.6/5) are all located here.
- El Sardinero / Piquío headland: The elevated northern tip of the beach zone, where the Palacio de la Magdalena gardens begin. It gives a sense of space and greenery rarely found this close to a city beach. The Eurostars Hotel Real (609 EUR/night, 5 stars, 4.6/5) stands in this area and is considered the most prestigious address in the city.
- Puerto Chico: A small marina neighbourhood sitting between the centre and El Sardinero. It has a local, neighbourhood feel with good restaurants and calm streets. Useful as a reference point when choosing accommodation that is not quite central and not quite beachside.
- Cuatro Caminos / General: The inner residential districts away from the waterfront. Quieter and cheaper, but require a bus or taxi to reach the main attractions. Better suited to long-stay travellers than short-break visitors.
Good to know
- Book well ahead for summer (July and August): Santander is one of the most popular summer destinations on the northern Spanish coast. Rates rise sharply and the best rooms in the centre and El Sardinero fill weeks in advance. If you are visiting in peak season, securing accommodation two to three months early is a sensible reflex.
- Use city buses (TUS network) with confidence: The local urban bus network connects the ferry port, city centre, La Gándara, and El Sardinero reliably. Line 1 and Line 7 are the most useful for tourists. A rechargeable card (Bono Bus) is cheaper per journey than single tickets.
- Consider shoulder season for value and comfort: June and September offer warm weather, calmer beaches, and noticeably lower hotel rates than the August peak. The city stays lively, surf schools are open, and restaurant terraces are full without the summer crowds.
- The ferry from Plymouth (UK) arrives at the central port: If you are travelling by Brittany Ferries from the UK, your ship docks right in the city centre. Choosing a hotel in the centre or La Gándara means you can walk or take a short taxi without needing to navigate public transport after a long crossing.
- Check the Palacio de la Magdalena calendar: The royal summer palace hosts cultural events and the UIMP summer university. Its grounds are free to visit, but events in the building fill accommodation in the Sardinero area quickly. Worth checking before booking if your dates overlap with a major programme.
What to know about hotels in Santander?
What is the best area to stay in Santander for a first visit?+
The city centre is the most practical base for a first visit, putting the bay, the old town, the market, and the ferry terminal all within walking distance. La Gándara is a strong alternative if you want slightly more space while staying close to both the centre and El Sardinero beach, reachable by a short bus ride.
When is the best time to visit Santander?+
June and September offer the best balance of pleasant temperatures (around 18 to 23 degrees Celsius), manageable crowds, and reasonable hotel rates. July and August are the warmest months and the most popular, but prices peak and beaches get busy. Winter is mild by northern European standards but expect rain and grey skies fairly often.
How do I get from Santander Airport to the city centre?+
Santander Parayas Airport is about 5 km south of the city centre. The TUS city bus (Line 7 or the airport shuttle) connects the airport to the city in roughly 20 to 30 minutes, making it one of the most straightforward airport transfers of any Spanish city. Taxis are also available and the journey typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the average hotel budget for a stay in Santander?+
Based on available options, three-star hotels in Santander start around 244 EUR per night and four-star properties range from roughly 300 to 420 EUR per night. The top five-star address in the city reaches 609 EUR per night. Rates are significantly higher in July and August, so booking early or travelling in shoulder season can make a real difference to your budget.
Is El Sardinero beach worth staying near, or is it better to stay central?+
El Sardinero is a genuinely fine urban beach, long and well maintained, and staying there is a good choice if swimming, surfing, or a beachside routine is central to your trip. The trade-off is a 20-minute bus ride to the old town and main sights. If sightseeing and local food exploration are your priorities, the centre or La Gándara will serve you better.
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