TAKE a look at the little-known sunshine spot that’s just two and a half hours from Ireland with a castle, stunning beaches, cheap pints and €25 Ryanair flights.
Santander is a stunning city located in northern Spain.
Santander is one of Spain’s most underrated cities[/caption]
It overlooks the breathtaking Bay of Biscay[/caption]
And there’s miles of golden sands with a lively promenade[/caption]
The hottest month in Santander is August, but with temperatures already reaching 32C now is an ideal time to visit.
Santander is one of Spain’s most underrated coastal cities, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, elegant promenades, castle and fresh seafood.
And Ryanair flights from Dublin start at just €25 this August.
Situated on Spain’s northern coast, this fabulous city looks out over the Bay of Biscay – and it attracts thousands of visitors every year with its relaxed atmosphere and sunny weather.
The sunshine spot is also one of the more budget-friendly destinations in Spain, offering excellent value for money compared to places popular with Irish tourists like Marbella or Barcelona.
Santander lies along a spectacular stretch of coastline, with miles of golden sandy beaches and a lively promenade lined with tapas bars, seafood restaurants and ocean-views.
The underrated sunshine spot is also home to some of the region’s most scenic beaches.
This includes Playa del Sardinero and Playa de la Magdalena – both popular for their soft sands, gentle waves and beautiful sunsets over the bay.
Water-based activities are also hugely popular in the warmer months, such as sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
What’s more, tourists can take boat trips to explore secluded coves, spot dolphins and see the rugged Cantabrian coastline from the sea.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there’s plenty to do including walking tours of the old town, cycling along the coast and visiting the Mercado del Este.
Santander is also a fantastic destination for history lovers.
There are tons of fascinating sites such as the Palacio de la Magdalena, the imposing Santander Cathedral and the Centro Botín art centre overlooking the harbour.
More popular among younger visitors is nearby Bilbao – Santander’s livelier neighbour, known for its more vibrant streets and buzzing nightlife, which is just over an hour’s drive away.
Here you will find more bars, music venues and late-night spots with live DJ sets that continue into the early hours of the morning.
Drinks are also well priced in Santander, with Spanish wines and local beers for only €3 and there are happy hour deals in many seaside bars and pubs.
The city hosts a number of festivals over summer, including the Semana Grande and the Santander International Festival with concerts, theatre and open-air performances.
Visitors have shared their experiences exploring the city’s castle on TripAdvisor.
One person said: “Located in a privileged place with a spectacular view, the visit is easily done on foot.
“Surrounded by gardens, there is also a small park.”
Another noted: “The castle and the park are spectacular, as well as the part dedicated to some animal species.”
This city is a must-visit this summer[/caption]
