Santander, Spain Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Santander, a picturesque coastal jewel located on northern Spain's Cantabrian coast.
Frequently visited by cruise lines like Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises, and Princess Cruises, this elegant city delights travelers with its sweeping bays and grand royal architecture.
Passengers love the easy access from ship to shore, allowing seamless exploration of stunning beaches, cultural centers, and seaside gardens.
In This Guide
- Key Santander Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Visiting Santander Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Santander Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in Spain
- Monthly Pricing
Key Santander Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
A visit to Santander is incomplete without exploring the iconic Palacio de la Magdalena, situated on a scenic peninsula just a 10-minute taxi ride from the pier.
Art and architecture enthusiasts can stroll to the striking Centro Botín, a world-class cultural center located directly adjacent to the cruise dock.
For beach lovers, a short ride leads to El Sardinero Beach, famous for its golden sands and belle époque atmosphere, while history buffs can explore the historic Santander Cathedral nearby.
Last updated on October 21, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
Passengers looking to explore beyond the city can visit the beautifully preserved medieval village of Santillana del Mar, located about 30 kilometers (35 minutes) from the port.
Nearby, art and history enthusiasts can marvel at prehistoric rock art reproductions at the famous Cave of Altamira museum complex.
Another popular day trip destination is the coastal town of Comillas, about 50 kilometers (45 minutes) away, renowned for Antoni Gaudí's whimsical villa, El Capricho.
Last updated on October 21, 2026
Port Location
The cruise ship quay, known as Estación Marítima, is conveniently located directly in the heart of downtown.
Passengers can simply step off the ship and instantly access city gardens, shopping streets, and seafood restaurants without needing tender boats or long shuttle rides.
The passenger terminal building provides tourist information desks, local taxi ranks, and easy access to local bus connections.
Last updated on October 21, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency used in Santander is the Euro (€).
Major credit and debit cards are universally accepted in restaurants, shops, and taxis, though carrying small amounts of cash is helpful for small café or market purchases.
ATMs are widely available throughout the downtown area near the port, and US dollars are not accepted for direct transactions.
Last updated on October 21, 2026
Safety Considerations
Santander is considered one of the safest cities in Spain for cruise travelers to explore independently.
Standard tourist precautions against petty theft or pickpocketing should still be observed in crowded areas such as public markets and transit hubs.
Walking around the city center and waterfront promenades is safe, pleasant, and easy for visitors of all ages.
Last updated on October 21, 2026
Weather & Climate
Santander experiences a mild oceanic climate with comfortable summer temperatures during the main cruise season.
Average summer highs range between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making it an ideal destination for outdoor sightseeing.
Rain showers can occur unexpectedly throughout the year, so packing a lightweight waterproof jacket or umbrella is strongly recommended.
Last updated on October 21, 2026
Getting Around
Because the cruise terminal is centrally located, many top sights are easily reached on foot.
Local municipal TUS buses serve the entire city, with regular routes connecting the waterfront directly to El Sardinero Beach.
Taxis are readily available outside the cruise terminal, and visitors can also take a scenic Los Reginas ferry boat tour across the bay to explore nearby coastal towns.
Last updated on October 21, 2026
Shopping
Shopping in Santander centers around Calle Burgos and Calle San Fernando, featuring popular Spanish fashion brands and boutique shops.
Food lovers should visit the vibrant Mercado de la Esperanza to pick up local delicacies like Cantabrian anchovies, artisan cheeses, and traditional *sobaos pasiegos* pastries.
Prices in shops are fixed and non-negotiable, and tax-free shopping options are available for non-EU residents at participating retailers.
Last updated on October 21, 2026
Shore Excursions & Tours
Crime Tour "Santander Under Summary Secret"
Explore the elegant, seafaring, and scenic city of Santander, known for having one of the world's most beautiful bays, while discovering its sinister side and stories of neighbors who seemed good but hid macabre secrets. This night walk through the capital of Cantabria's alleys and streets covers the city's most peculiar and darker cases.
El Castillo Caves and Paleotithic Art- small groups
After a hotel pickup, visit the cozy village of Puente Viesgo to enjoy Pas River views and explore the UNESCO World Heritage caves of El Castillo and Las Monedas, known for their famous cave paintings. These caves were designated as World Heritage Sites in 2008.
Peninsula and Magdalena Palace in Santander
Discover the history of the Magdalena Palace, which was given to the king by the people of Santander, by visiting the interior and the most interesting rooms open to the public on the main floor. The tour recounts the stories of Spanish kings Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia of Battenberg during their summers in the city.
Comillas, Modernism & Gaudi with entrance tickets -small groups
Departing at 9:30 am, this tour includes a visit to the Old Major Seminary of Comillas, a short walking tour of the historical center, and a look at one of the few buildings Gaudí constructed outside of Catalonia. You will also enjoy a scenic tour featuring the Sobrellano Palace, the port of Comillas, and the “Exterminator Angel” sculpture.
Santoña and Anchovy Factory tour from Santander - small groups
Discover how Cantabrian anchovies are manufactured by visiting a small factory in Santoña and explore the village and its beautiful marshes of Santoña, Vitoria, and Joel. You can enjoy free time to visit Santoña at your own pace or choose an optional boat trip through the bay and marshes.
Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum with tickets- small groups
Visit the Altamira Museum and the Neocave before exploring the beautiful village of Santillana del Mar, where you will have free time for shopping. The tour also offers an optional visit to the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana.
Discover the village of San Sebastian De Garabandal- small groups
Discover the village of San Sebastian de Garabandal by visiting the church of San Sebasitián, the sanctuary of the pines, and participating in the 11:00 am village mass on morning tours. Saturday afternoon tours include the public recitation of the Rosary in the pines.
El Soplao Cave Visit with entrance ticket- small groups
Cross valleys and forests to visit the Tina Menor river estuary and take a one-hour guided walking tour of El Soplao, one of Europe's most geologically relevant caves. After visiting this natural wonder, the tour continues to a lookout to enjoy the views.
Full Day Private 4WD Tour from Bilbao to Picos de Europa. Fine meals.
Juan Fernandez Buelga, an experienced guide and driver with a BSc in Geology, offers a customized full-day tour starting from Bilbao into the Cantabria and Asturias provinces. The tour explores the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park and its spectacular mountain scenery.
Cabarceno Natural Park Guided Visit from Santander
Departing from Santander, enjoy an unforgettable day at Cabárceno Park by minivan to see animals living in semi-freedom and view the park from a cable-car. The visit includes demonstrations of sea lions and bird-raptors.
Self Guided Santander Scavenger Hunt
This self-guided experience, designed by a local 'expert', uses puzzles involving landmarks, murals, and statues to take you to town highlights and lesser-known places away from tourists. You will learn fun facts and see the area from a different perspective through this fun activity.
City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Train
See top attractions like the Santander Cathedral, Paseo Pereda, Cantabrian Maritime Museum, and El Sardinero beach with a 24-hour ticket for this double-decker hop-on hop-off bus. You can hop on and off as many times as you like at any of the 10 stops around the sultry Spanish city.
Visiting Santander Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Santander Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
Showing 17 ships in the area
No ships scheduled in port today.
Other Cruise Ports in Spain
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Santander
Overall cruises that visit Santander are moderately expensive compared to other itineraries. Sailings visiting Santander during the the peak season of fall are considerably more expensive than the the low season of spring. See the chart below for the average cost per day by month.
