Travel to Santander in summer: beaches and landscapes you'll fall in love with

If what you are looking for this summer is a destination with beaches, stunning landscapes, culture, and great gastronomy, Santander is the right choice. Located in the north of Spain, this Cantabrian city will surprise you with its balance between urban and natural life. You can start the day on a fine sandy beach, have lunch with sea views, and end the evening strolling along its seafront promenade, visiting the Centro Botín, or watching the sun set behind the cliffs of Cabo Mayor. In this article, we tell you everything you need to enjoy this city to the fullest and why staying at our Vincci Puertochico hotel is your best option.

Why choose Santander as your summer destination

Santander is one of those cities that truly has it all for a complete holiday: spectacular beaches, lush green landscapes, excellent gastronomy, and the calm charm of the north. In summer, its mild climate is a real relief compared to the heat of the south, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors all day long without giving up comfort.

The city is made for walking: in just a few minutes you can go from the seafront promenade to a hidden cove, or from a shaded park to a terrace with sea views. Plus, it’s not an overcrowded destination, making each plan a more authentic experience.

The best beaches in Santander

One of Santander’s greatest attractions is, without a doubt, its beaches. There’s something for everyone: urban, wild, family-friendly, with waves or sheltered, all bearing the northern hallmark: nature, open landscapes, and a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to linger.

Playa del Sardinero

This is Santander’s most iconic beach and probably one of the most beautiful urban beaches in northern Spain. It is divided into two sections, First and Second Sardinero, separated by the Jardines de Piquío, from where you can enjoy one of the most photogenic panoramas of the city.

With more than a kilometer in length, fine sand, and a lively promenade, it’s perfect if you want comfort without giving up scenery. You’ll find beach bars, cafés, showers, sunbed rentals, surfer areas, and plenty of space to enjoy with family, a partner, or friends.

Playa de Mataleñas

If you’re looking for a wilder beach, quiet and surrounded by nature, Mataleñas will steal your heart. It’s located between cliffs, right next to Santander’s golf course and very close to the Cabo Mayor lighthouse. It’s a small cove of fine sand and clear waters, accessed by descending a long staircase… but the view from above already tells you it’s worth it.

Mataleñas is perfect for those who prefer to escape the bustle and enjoy the sea in a more intimate setting. It doesn’t have as many services as urban beaches, but that’s part of its charm: here, what matters is the peace, the sound of the waves, and the feeling of being in a small paradise among cliffs.

Playa de los Peligros

Peaceful, sheltered, and very accessible, Playa de los Peligros is a favorite among those seeking a relaxing swim without leaving Santander. Despite its curious name, it’s a safe beach, with calm waters thanks to its protected location inside the bay, making it an ideal option for families with children or for those who simply want to swim without waves.

It’s located very close to the Magdalena Peninsula, so you can easily combine a beach morning with a visit to the palace or a stroll through the gardens. From the shore, you’ll also enjoy beautiful views of Torre Island and the coastline that frames the city.

What to see and do in Santander in summer

Santander isn’t just about beaches. Its urban surroundings, history, and culture make every stroll through the city special. Plus, if you choose to stay at Vincci Puerto Chico 4*, you can complement your getaway with guided tours organized in collaboration with excursion companies, accompanied by professionals who will help you discover the city. Here are some must-see spots during your trip:

Magdalena Peninsula and its palace

The Magdalena Peninsula is a vast natural park that combines spectacular sea views, green areas for walking, and a historic palace that looks straight out of a movie. You can explore it on foot, by tourist train, or even by bike, and enjoylookout points, picnic areas, a small marine zoo, and the history of the Palacio de la Magdalena, former royal residence.

Centro Botín

Located next to the Jardines de Pereda, this contemporary art center is one of the great symbols of modern Santander. The building, designed by Renzo Piano, overlooks the sea and offers exhibitions, cultural activities, and spectacular views from its terrace. Even if you don’t go inside, just walking around it is an experience in itself.

Barrio Pesquero and Puerto Chico

If you want to experience the most authentic Santander, head to the Barrio Pesquero. Here, everything revolves around the sea: the houses, the restaurants, the atmosphere… It’s the perfect place to enjoy some fresh fish or rabas with a cold beer. Nearby, in Puerto Chico, you’ll find a promenade full of terraces and moored boats, ideal for ending the day.

Cabo Mayor and its lighthouse

To the north of the city, this cliff offers some of the most striking views of the Cantabrian coast; from the top of the lighthouse you can see the waves crashing against the rocks, breathe in fresh air, and feel the immensity of the Cantabrian Sea. It’s a perfect place to walk aimlessly, take photos, or simply let the landscape embrace you without needing to say a word.

Flavors of the north: what to eat in Santander

Here, eating well isn’t optional: it’s an essential part of the experience. Products from the sea and the land are found in every dish, with recipes that blend simplicity, tradition, and fresh, quality ingredients.

Rabas, the must-try classic

If there’s one thing you absolutely must try in Santander, it’s rabas; crispy, freshly made, with a hint of lemon, they’re a true classic that you’ll find in almost any bar in the city. Perfect for an aperitif by the sea or as part of an informal meal on a terrace with views.

Fresh fish and seafood from the Cantabrian Sea

The proximity to the sea is evident in every dish. Hake, tuna, anchovies, razor clams, clams… all are a regular feature on the menu. In the Barrio Pesquero, or in restaurants along the bay, you can treat yourself to these top-quality products.

Quesadas and sobaos: Cantabrian sweet specialties

And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t leave without trying two of Cantabria’s most typical desserts: the quesada pasiega, with its soft texture and delicate flavor, and the sobao: spongy, rich, and perfect with coffee for an afternoon snack by the sea.

Markets and food scene

To get a closer look at Santander’s culinary essence, nothing beats a visit to the Mercado del Este or the Mercado de la Esperanza, two spots where you can see fresh products, discover local flavors, and even take home some edible souvenirs. If you prefer something more casual, you’ll also find modern options: from food trucks and gastro bars to terraces with music and tapas.

Where to stay in Santander: Vincci Puerto Chico 4*

Located right on the seafront promenade and facing Santander’s most iconic marina, Vincci Puerto Chico 4* is the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy everything the city has to offer without having to move around much, as from here you can walk to the Centro Botín, Jardines de Pereda, Puerto Chico, or the Magdalena Peninsula. And if you choose a room with views, the bay will be the backdrop to every morning.

As in all our Vincci Hotels, you’ll find modern rooms, comfortable and designed for real rest, with services such as a pillow menu, adjustable air conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibar, and a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to relax. Plus, every morning you can start your day with a complete buffet breakfast, prepared with fresh products and options for every taste.

If you want to enjoy the surroundings even more, the hotel’s restaurant and its summer terrace with marina views are the ideal spot to have a drink at your leisure, let time pass, or enjoy a light dinner with the sound of the sea in the background.



Santander is that destination that has it all to make your summer special: sea, culture, great food, and plans for every taste. Experience it with the comfort of staying on the seafront promenade, facing the bay, at our Vincci Puerto Chico 4*.
Book your stay at Vincci Hotels and get ready to enjoy the north like never before.

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