March 6, 2025 | Getaway to Cantabria and Bilbao

Santander is a wonderful city, but it’s also the perfect starting point to explore the most spectacular corners of Cantabria and the Basque Country. From charming villages and natural parks to the vibrant city of Bilbao, there are plenty of day trips you can take.

If you’re considering using Santander as your base to explore the region, here are the best one-day routes. And after your adventures, Castelar3.com is the perfect accommodation, offering a strategic location and all the comforts you need.

📍 Distance from Santander: 30 minutes by car / 40 minutes by bus

Santillana del Mar is one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, featuring cobbled streets, medieval mansions, and a fascinating history.

✔️ Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana → The town’s Romanesque gem.
✔️ Old Town Streets → Ideal for strolling among flower-filled balconies and artisan shops.
✔️ Altamira Museum → A replica of the famous prehistoric caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

💡 Tip: Try a sobao pasiego or quesada at one of the traditional bakeries.

📍 Distance from Santander: 20 minutes by car

Cabárceno Park is one of Cantabria’s most impressive attractions, a vast natural space where animals roam semi-free.

✔️ Over 120 species → Elephants, bears, giraffes, rhinos…
✔️ Panoramic cable car → Enjoy spectacular views of the park.
✔️ Special activities → 4x4 safaris and exclusive guided tours available.

💡 Tip: Buy tickets in advance, especially during summer.

📍 Distance from Santander: 40 minutes by car / 50 minutes by bus

If you’re looking for a trip that combines the sea, culture, and gastronomy, Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera make a perfect duo.

✔️ El Capricho by Gaudí (Comillas) → One of the few works by the famous architect outside Catalonia.
✔️ Sobrellano Palace → A neo-Gothic palace with a fascinating history.
✔️ San Vicente de la Barquera → A charming fishing village with breathtaking views of the Picos de Europa.

💡 Tip: Try a delicious lobster rice at Restaurante El Bodegón in San Vicente.

📍 Distance from Santander: 1 hour 45 minutes by car

If you love the mountains, the Picos de Europa are a must-visit. Here, you’ll find amazing hiking trails, stunning landscapes, and a unique cable car experience.

✔️ Fuente Dé Cable Car → Ascends to 1,823 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
✔️ Potes → A charming village surrounded by mountains.
✔️ Liebana Stew (Cocido Lebaniego) → A traditional dish, perfect for refueling after a hike.

💡 Tip: Bring warm clothing, even in summer—the weather in the mountains can change rapidly.

📍 Distance from Santander: 1 hour by car / 1 hour 30 minutes by bus

If you want to combine your visit to Santander with a vibrant, culture-rich city, Bilbao is the ideal destination for a day trip.

✔️ Guggenheim Museum → One of the world’s most important museums.
✔️ Old Town (Casco Viejo) → Perfect for strolling among pintxos bars and boutique shops.
✔️ Ribera Market → One of Spain’s largest food markets.
✔️ Zubizuri Bridge & Riverfront Walk → Modern architecture and stunning views.

💡 Tip: Don’t leave without trying some pintxos at Café Iruña or La Viña del Ensanche.

✅ By car → The most flexible option, with excellent roads.
✅ By bus → ALSA offers routes to most of these destinations.
✅ By train (FEVE) → Ideal for coastal villages like San Vicente de la Barquera and Comillas.

💡 Tip: If you don’t want to rent a car, there are organized tours from Santander that include transport and a guide.

If you’re looking for a strategic accommodation for your trips, Castelar 3 is your best option:

✅ Prime location → In the heart of Santander, near train and bus stations.
✅ Luxury & comfort → A modern apartment with all amenities.
✅ Close to the port → Perfect if you plan to explore the bay and Cantabrian coast by boat.

📲 Check availability and make the most of Santander as your base for exploration.

👉 Book directly for the best price at Castelar3.com.