After visiting Santander, I can confidently say that the two best areas to stay are the city center and El Sardinero Beach. The good news is that Santander isn’t a large city, so you’re never too far from anything.
Unlike bigger destinations where location can make or break your trip, here you can move around easily and enjoy the city at a relaxed pace.
Santander is a place to be experienced as a whole. What makes it special is its geography: dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, green hills, and a bay that’s often described as one of the most beautiful in the world. And honestly, when you see it at sunset, you’ll understand why.
Culturally, the city punches above its weight. There’s plenty to see and do, and I never felt bored for a second. Its architecture has an elegant, almost romantic feel.
Walking through the streets, you’ll come across landmarks like the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Magdalena Palace, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Church of San Francisco, and the charming Palacete del Embarcadero. Everything feels refined but approachable.
Of course, you can’t talk about Santander without mentioning El Sardinero Beach. Spending time there, whether walking along the promenade or sitting near the historic Gran Casino, is one of those simple pleasures that defines a visit to the city.
Santander also has excellent museums. The Maritime Museum, the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology, and the Planetarium are fantastic, especially if you’re traveling with family or simply enjoy cultural spaces that are well curated and engaging.
And then there’s the food. This is a serious seafood destination. Cantabrian specialties like Norway lobsters, goose barnacles, spider crabs, lobster, hake, bonito tuna, anchovies, and red scorpionfish are everywhere and incredibly fresh.
But it’s not just seafood. The region also excels in beef and traditional dishes like cocido montañés, quesada pasiega, and rabas. I particularly enjoyed wandering around the lively Cañadío area, hopping between bars and sampling local flavors.
In short, Santander offers a wonderful mix of culture, history, beaches, and gastronomy. On top of that, accommodation here provides excellent value for money compared to many other coastal cities in Spain.
If you’re into photography, bring your camera. Between the bay, the cliffs, the beaches, and the elegant urban scenery, Santander is incredibly photogenic.
Despite being relatively small, the city has a solid and varied hotel scene. Whether you’re traveling on a tight budget or looking for something more upscale, you’ll find options that suit you, and in most cases, at very reasonable prices.
When deciding where to stay, it really comes down to two main areas: the city center, if you want to be close to shops, restaurants, and cultural sights, or El Sardinero, if you prefer to wake up near the sea and enjoy a more relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Puerto Chico and Canalejas are other two great choices.
Where to Stay in Santander: The Best Areas and Hotels (From My Experience)
1. The City Center, best place to stay in Santander for first timers
If it’s your first time in Santander, I’d personally recommend staying in the city center, at least for most of the year. In summer, many travelers prefer to stay in El Sardinero Beach, but outside the peak season, the center is hard to beat in terms of convenience and atmosphere.
This is the liveliest part of the city and where I found myself spending most of my time. Everything is within walking distance: Plaza Porticada, City Hall, and the elegant Paseo de Pereda are all just a short stroll away.
The center is Santander’s commercial, cultural, and administrative heart, and you can really feel that urban energy throughout the day.
The area revolves around bustling squares and pedestrian streets. Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Plaza Porticada mark the core of the city, while the Cathedral quarter adds a more historic feel.
The imposing Santander Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption) is one of the city’s symbols and a constant landmark as you wander through the old town.
Just around the corner, you’ll find Mercado de la Esperanza, a traditional market that I highly recommend visiting. It’s the perfect place to see everyday Santander life in action and browse local products.
A few minutes’ walk brings you to the waterfront and the striking Centro Botín, which beautifully connects the historic center with the bay. The contrast between the classic architecture and this contemporary cultural space is one of the things I liked most about the city.
Nearby, along Paseo de Pereda, you can also stop by the Palacete del Embarcadero, the Stone Crane, and the Raqueros Monument.
The atmosphere in the center is lively. During the day, it’s full of shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Staying here makes everything easy. You won’t need public transport, and you’ll have cultural sights, shopping, dining, and transport connections all at your fingertips.
Accommodation-wise, there’s something for every budget, from simple guesthouses to comfortable hotels and modern apartments.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CITY CENTRE
2. El Sardinero Beach, best area to stay in Santander in summer months
If your idea of a perfect stay involves waking up near the sea, then Playa del Sardinero is the place to be. This is one of Santander’s most iconic areas and once you see the wide stretch of sand and the elegant seafront promenade, you’ll understand why.
I found the vibe here noticeably different from the center. It’s more relaxed and slightly more refined.
During the day, life revolves around the beach and long walks along the promenade. In the late afternoon, the terraces facing the sea start to fill up with people enjoying the ocean breeze. Nights are generally calm and peaceful.
One of the area’s landmarks is the historic Gran Casino del Sardinero, which perfectly reflects the aristocratic feel of El Sardinero. The architecture here is elegant, with regional-style buildings and classic hotels that evoke the era when Spanish royalty used to summer in Santander.
Very close by stands the magnificent Palacio de la Magdalena, perched on its own peninsula surrounded by the sea.
Walking through its gardens or following the coastal path from El Sardinero to La Magdalena is, in my opinion, one of the most enjoyable experiences in the city.
El Sardinero is especially appealing in the warmer months if your priority is being just steps from the beach while still staying within easy reach of the center, which you can access by bus or via a pleasant walk along the coast.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN EL SARDINERO BEACH
- ($$$) Gran Hotel Sardinero
- ($$) Dorma Sardinero
- ($) Hosteria Santander
3. Puerto Chico, exclusive area in the city centre
If you ask me, Puerto Chico is one of the best areas to stay in Santander. Technically, it’s part of the city center, but it has a personality of its own.
This used to be a traditional fishermen’s quarter, and you can still feel that maritime heritage in the air. At the same time, it’s now one of the most desirable and one of the pricier neighborhoods in the city.
What I love about Puerto Chico is how it blends that old seafaring soul with a modern, lively atmosphere.
Streets like Castelar and Peña Herbosa are packed with bars, seafood restaurants, and terraces where you can sit for hours enjoying good food and soaking up the local vibe. In the evening, the area really comes alive.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for energy, great gastronomy, and a social atmosphere that stretches into the night. I’d especially recommend it for younger travelers or anyone who wants to feel in the middle of everything.
From here, you’re just a short walk from Plaza Porticada and other central landmarks. You’re also close to beaches like Playa de los Peligros and Playa de la Magdalena, which makes it a fantastic all-round location.
And then there’s the marina. One of my favorite simple pleasures was walking along the docks at sunset, watching the boats gently rocking in the water. It’s one of those small moments that really define a stay in Santander.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PUERTO CHICO
- ($$$) Vincci Puertochico
- ($$) Hotel Sol Boutique
- ($) Enjoy Santander
4. Canalejas, quiet, residential neighborhood located between the city centre and El Sardinero
If Puerto Chico feels a bit too lively for you, Canalejas is a quieter alternative. This is a quiet, residential neighborhood located between Puerto Chico and El Sardinero, and it has a much more laid-back feel.
What makes Canalejas interesting is its location. You’re perfectly positioned between the city center and the beaches.
Depending on where you stay, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes on foot to reach Plaza Porticada, which I personally don’t mind at all. It’s a pleasant walk.
From here, you can easily reach urban beaches like Playa de los Peligros, Playa de la Magdalena, and even El Sardinero.
You’re also close to the beautiful surroundings of the Palacio de la Magdalena, which is one of the highlights of the city.
I’d say Canalejas is perfect for families, couples, or travelers who want a peaceful base without being isolated.
You can spend the day at the beach or exploring the harbor, and when you come back in the evening, you’ll find a quieter, more local neighborhood atmosphere waiting for you.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CANALEJAS
- ($$$) Eurostars Hotel Real
- ($$) Suite Home Pinares
- ($) Hostel Villa Miguela