Ultimate Guide to Traveling from Santander to Popular Destin

1. Overview

Santander, a city on the north coast of Spain, serves as a gateway to more exciting destinations nearby. This article provides insights into the top cities you can explore from Santander, the best modes of transport, and highlights of each location.

2. Exciting Destinations Near Santander

While Santander itself may not be the most thrilling city, it is well-connected to several vibrant locations in northern Spain. Here are some must-visit destinations:

3. Bilbao and San Sebastian

The Guggenheim in Bilbao. Andrea Ciambra/Creative Commons

Travel east along the northern coast of Spain to reach the Basque Country—a gastronomical paradise. Bilbao is likely your first stop, known for its art and culinary scene. Do note that Bilbao has its own airport, offering numerous flight options.

How to Get to Bilbao

Taking the FEVE narrow-gauge railway from Santander to Bilbao takes about three hours with three departures daily. Alternatively, a bus can get you there in about an hour and a half for around six euros.

4. Oviedo

Bus to Oviedo — Sleep and you might miss some beautiful views!. (c) Damian Corrigan

Famous for its cider and unique cuisine, Oviedo is another great option to explore. Just outside the city, visitors can find notable pre-Romanesque churches.

How to Get to Oviedo

Daily, there are two journeys on the FEVE railway that take about five hours. Meanwhile, bus travel takes around two-and-a-quarter to three-and-a-half hours, depending on the route.

5. Picos de Europa

The Picos de Europa are renowned as Spain’s most beautiful mountain range, situated conveniently between Oviedo and Santander. This area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

How to Get to the Picos de Europa from Santander

You can take the FEVE to Unquera, which provides access to Desfiladero de Hermida, one of the world’s deepest gorges. The trip lasts around two hours, costing approximately five euros.

6. Logroño

Wine flows freely in Logroño. (c) Damian Corrigan

As the capital of the Rioja wine region, Logroño is celebrated as one of the best cities in Spain for tapas. This is a place where food lovers can truly indulge.

How to Get to Logroño

From Santander, two daily buses take about three hours to reach Logroño, costing around 20 euros.

7. Madrid

Retiro Park in Madrid in May. Image: Victoria Peckham (Creative Commons/Some Rights Reserved)

The dynamic capital city of Spain, Madrid is easily accessible by train from Santander. However, flying direct might save time and hassle.

How to Get to Madrid from Santander

Direct trains run every couple of hours, taking approximately four hours and thirty minutes. Likewise, direct buses take about six hours.

8. Pamplona

Learn the Pamplona bull run route so you don't get run into a fence! — Learn the Pamplona bull run route so you don’t get run into a fence!. Image: Asier Solana Bermejo/Creative Commons

If you’re planning on attending the famous Running of the Bulls in July, utilizing Santander airport is an excellent choice for your arrival.

How to Get to Pamplona

The bus journey from Santander to Pamplona takes about two hours and thirty minutes, costing roughly fifteen euros.

9. Burgos

Burgos cathedral. Image: Bren Buenaluz/Creative Commons (Some Rights Reserved)

Burgos, with its stunning cathedral, is conveniently close to Santander and makes for a good stop en route to Madrid, although it may not top most travel lists.

How to Get to Burgos

Buses from Santander to Burgos take between two-and-a-half to three hours, costing around thirteen euros. If driving, it takes about two hours.

10. Leon

Leon is a delightful city famous for its free tapas and vibrant culinary scene. The journey duration from Santander is longer than anticipated, hence driving may be advantageous.

How to Get to Leon

Driving from Santander to Leon takes about two-and-a-half hours, utilizing the A-67 and A-231 roads, while bus rides can range from five to six hours.

11. Santiago

Although it’s quite far from Santander, Santiago is worth discussing. Consider stopping in Oviedo to break up the journey.

How to Get to Santiago

Traveling by bus takes anywhere from seven to ten hours, costing about fifty euros, while a car ride lasts around five hours.

12. Barcelona

Barcelona in May — Image: hermanosgausch (Creative Commons/Some Rights Reserved)

Barcelona is distant from Santander, prompting you to assess whether the trip aligns with your travel goals.

How to Get to Barcelona

Flying is the most efficient way, with Ryanair and Vueling offering services. The bus ride takes about ten hours, roughly costing fifty euros, while direct trains require a transfer in Madrid.