💱
Currency
Euro (EUR)
🗣
Language
Spanish
🕐
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1)
☀️
Best Time to Visit
Apr–Oct
🚢
Typical Duration
12-16 nights
💰
Price Range
$2,019–$94,500 per person
⚓
Port Type
Port of Call
🚤
Tender Port
No
Gateway to Spain's northern coast and a departure point for Atlantic cruises exploring the Iberian Peninsula, France, and beyond with luxury cruise lines.
Build Your Day in Santander
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM
Usually about 11 hours ashore
Getting around:
Palacio de la Magdalena
Great for events like seminars, weddings, book tours etc.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Cave of Altamira
There is the museum to walk around with lots of good exhibits.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Centro Botín
Set in nice gardens with a carousel, children's play area and sculptures.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Centro Comercial Valle Real
A large shopping center with a food court, good parking.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
El Corte Inglés Santander
the mens department had a great choice of clothes and reasonable prices
🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Mercado del Este
Amazing choice of fresh meat, fish, fruit and pastries in the main market.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Centro Comercial Peñacastillo
Big shopping center with hairdresser, small shops and cinemas
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Catedral de Santander
I think I have found some wonderful connection I never expected.
Casa Lita
You can sit outside or inside they have comfy booths.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Primera Playa del Sardinero
Family orientated
Plaza Porticada o de Velarde
Great place for kids to run about.
Centro Comercial Bahía de Santander
Very similar to a US mall layout but it is entirely Cortes Ingles.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Carrefour El Alisal
Looks huge outside but inside several shops.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
City Sightseeing Santander
Super cute little train ride- my girls enjoyed it.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Carrefour
Good stock of everything - easy parking for both levels
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Parque de Mataleñas
Beautiful park excellent playground grandson had a great time
Los Raqueros
Nice 3 sculptures of the orphan kids.
Jardines de Piquío
It’s small but feels astonishingly ample.
Paseo Marítimo de Santander
Fabulous artwork in stunning location
Playa de Mataleñas
Honestly, this is the dream.
Ascensor Río de la Pila
Fun and not really busy
🕐 Closed · Opens 6 AM
Coctelería La Solía
Location very cool, drinks and service excellent!
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Little Bobby
From the entrance to the atmosphere to the service and the drink range.
🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM
Grog
Very nice vibe, good music, great decor.
🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Duna de Gamazo o de Zaera
EXPECTACULAR
🕐 Temporarily closed
Mirador Rio de la Pila
It’s a bit of a walk but the views are amazing
King's Pub
Delicious cocktails, excellent service and nice atmosphere.
🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Pull & Bear
Very good choice of clothing, mostly for the younger generation.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Hygge Cocktail
Awesome cocktails, great service, nice music, and reasonable price.
🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Bar Canela
Lively atmosphere, good quality nightlife and drinks
🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 PM
Sfera
Great choice of clothing in very affordable price I love shopping at Sfera.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
El Mono que Chilla
Cozy, awesome music, craft beer, best Scotches, amazing.
🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 PM
Bochinche Santander
Amazing cocktails and great service!
🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Segunda playa del Sardinero
Just had a coffee, which wasn't hot, but nice place
Parque Cabo Mayor
The energy of this place is unbelievable!
Natura Santander
Great clothes and candles, travel kits.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
The Garage Club Santander
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 PM
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Santander
Santander, the elegant capital of Spain's Cantabria region, has emerged as a refined port of call for discerning cruise travelers. Six premium cruise lines including Silversea, Oceania Cruises, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection call here, offering 24 upcoming sailings that typically span 12 nights. These voyages explore the treasured ports of Western Europe, with routes connecting to Bordeaux, Lisbon, Vigo, Porto, and Saint-Malo, making Santander an ideal stop on longer European itineraries. The port experiences peak activity during spring and fall months, when the weather is particularly inviting.
During your time ashore, you'll discover a charming waterfront city with a spirited cultural scene and excellent local cuisine. The sweeping Magdalena Peninsula offers stunning coastal views and a chance to stroll through one of Spain's most picturesque seaside settings. Whether you're exploring the city's museums, sampling fresh seafood at harborside restaurants, or simply soaking in the relaxed Cantabrian atmosphere, Santander provides a memorable and authentic Spanish experience that complements any Northern European cruise adventure.
During your time ashore, you'll discover a charming waterfront city with a spirited cultural scene and excellent local cuisine. The sweeping Magdalena Peninsula offers stunning coastal views and a chance to stroll through one of Spain's most picturesque seaside settings. Whether you're exploring the city's museums, sampling fresh seafood at harborside restaurants, or simply soaking in the relaxed Cantabrian atmosphere, Santander provides a memorable and authentic Spanish experience that complements any Northern European cruise adventure.
Cruise Lines at Santander
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (9 cruises)
- Silversea (9 cruises)
- Swan Hellenic (3 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (1 cruise)
- Oceania Cruises (1 cruise)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Santander
Cruises Visiting Santander
Ship Schedule at Santander
Santander Location
Other Cruise Ports in Spain
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santander best known for?
Santander is famous for its beaches, the Magdalena Peninsula, and historic architecture in Spain's Cantabria region.
What are must-see attractions in Santander?
Visit the Palacio de la Magdalena, Santander Cathedral, and the Sardinero beaches.
What is the best time to visit Santander?
Late spring and early autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
How can I reach Santander port from the city center?
Public buses, taxis, or walking are convenient; the port is close to central Santander.