Car Hire Santander Airport

Santander Airport is just six kilometres south of the city and is connected by the S-10 road. This route also continues south of the airport to join the A-8, also known as the Autovía del Cantabrico, a major route that runs right across the northern coast of Spain, connecting Galicia in the west to Bilbao in the east.

The A-8 then continues out of Bilbao as the Autopista AP-8, continuing east to the French border. It’s a picturesque route, and if you follow the E70 portion of the road between Santander and Bilbao you will also be able to reach destinations such as the port of Castro-Urdiales, home to a historic harbour and castle.

With car hire from Santander Airport it’s easy to reach El Sardinero beach – just follow the S-10 into the city and join the Calle Marqués de la Hermida. You can also follow the A-8 west of the city to reach the Picos de Europa mountains where you will find walking routes suitable for all abilities, from gentle strolls to mountain hikes.

The roads in northern Spain are not as busy as the big tourist cities and resorts further south, so driving around Cantabria is often a relaxed experience, although the roads do get busier in the summer. If you are planning to explore Santander on foot, you will find plenty of convenient places where you can leave your hire car, including underground garages and free parking close to El Sardinero beach – just make sure you read the signs for any time limits.

With its mountainous backdrop and majestic sea views, Santander boasts spectacular scenery and many attractions that are easy to reach by car. You’ll also be able to head further afield to explore more of northern Spain - just make sure you don’t leave Santander until you’ve taken in these highlights.

Artistic hub

A great place to begin your visit is the modern cultural centre, Centro Botin. First opened to the public in 2017, this distinctive building almost gives the appearance of floating over the water. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions of modern art on its first and second-floor galleries, but perhaps the main attractions are the viewing platforms that jut out over the water, offering spectacular views of the bay.

You’ll need to buy tickets to enter the exhibition rooms, but it’s free to wander around the building and take in the stunning surroundings. Parking is available at the nearby Town Hall and Alfonso XIII garage.

Historic palace

Another of Santander’s top attractions is the Palacio de la Magdelena, located on the peninsula of the same name on the outskirts of the city. Built in the early 20^th century, this was once a summer residence for the kings and queens of Spain.

The peninsula and palace grounds offer beautiful views of the coastline, and for a small entry fee you can even head inside to explore the lavishly furnished rooms. Parking is available, but try to arrive early as the palace and peninsula do attract crowds, particularly during the summer months.

Hit the beach

If you’re planning to soak up some sun during your stay, you’ll find plenty of options in and around Santander. The main beach is El Sardinero, a long stretch of golden stand with a picturesque promenade, divided in two by the Jardines de Piquio. This is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike, and in the winter months you will see surfers hitting the waves.

Other popular city beaches include La Magdalena, located below the palace of the same name, and Playa del Camello. Slightly quieter is the small cove of Playa de Matalenas, just a short distance north of the city, home to scenic cliffs and golden sand. Also within easy driving distance away is Playa de Langre, backed by rocky cliffs and popular for snorkelling.

Ancient art 

With car hire from Santander Airport you can also take a break from the beach to visit the Monte Castillo caves in Puente Viesgo. This ancient site includes four Unesco World Heritage-listed caves, which are famous for their Paleolithic cave art.

Two of the caves – Las Monedas and the spectacular El Castillo – are open to the public. El Castillo contains cave art thought to date back up to 40,000 years, and as you head inside you will see drawings depicting horses, bison, goats, bears and even a mammoth. Tickets for both caves can be booked online, and guided tours are available in Spanish only.

Just a short drive away is perhaps the most famous of all Cantabria’s caves, Altamira, near the town of Santillana del Mar. The cave itself is no longer open to the public, but you can explore an impressive replica and take in its detailed prehistoric drawings. With a hire car at Santander Airport, all this and more is within easy reach.