Question 1

Are Santander's beaches good for swimming?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Santander has several excellent beaches. Playa del Sardinero is the largest and most famous, with golden sand and good facilities. Playa de la Magdalena is calmer and more sheltered, ideal for families. Atlantic waters can feel cool, but summer swimming and surf lessons are popular along this stretch of coast.

Question 2

How far is Santander from Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

Santander sits about 65 miles (105 km) west of Bilbao along Spain's northern coast. The drive takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, with scenic Bay of Biscay views along the route. It's a popular and easy day trip for travelers based in the Basque Country.

Question 3

Is Santander walkable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Santander's center is compact and very walkable. Most sights, including the cathedral, port, Centro Botin, and main shopping streets, lie within easy strolling distance. The Magdalena Peninsula and Sardinero beach are a longer walk or a short ride away. Bring comfortable shoes for the mix of flat streets and gentle hills.

Question 4

Is Santander worth visiting from Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Santander offers a relaxed, elegant counterpart to Bilbao's edgy art scene. Where Bilbao is industrial and design-driven, Santander is a refined seaside city with golden beaches, royal residences, and traditional Cantabrian cuisine. The contrast makes them a great pairing on a single trip to northern Spain.

Question 5

What are the top things to do in Santander?

Accepted Answer

Santander's main highlights include the Palacio de la Magdalena, a former royal residence on a peninsula with sweeping ocean views. Other must-sees are Playa del Sardinero beach, the Centro Botin contemporary arts center designed by Renzo Piano, the cathedral, and the lively Mercado de la Esperanza food market.

Question 6

What food is Santander famous for?

Accepted Answer

Santander is known for top-quality seafood and Cantabrian cuisine. Try rabas (fried calamari), grilled fish, anchovies from nearby Santona, and rice dishes with shellfish. Pair them with crisp local white wines or cider. The bars around Calle Hernan Cortes and the city's mercados are great spots to graze.

Question 7

What is the best time of year to visit Santander?

Accepted Answer

Late June through September brings the warmest weather and the liveliest beach scene. Spring and early fall are quieter and pleasant for sightseeing, though showers are more common. Winters are mild but rainy. If you want to combine swimming, festivals, and dining outdoors, July and August are ideal.

Question 8

What should I pack for a day trip to Santander?

Accepted Answer

Pack comfortable walking shoes and a light layer, since coastal breezes can feel cool even on warm days. In summer, bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat for the beach. A light rain jacket is wise outside of July and August. Cards are widely accepted, but small cash helps at markets.

Question 9

How do day trips with Daytrip work?

Accepted Answer

Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.

Question 10

Will I have to wait around for the driver to return?

Accepted Answer

Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.

Question 11

Can I customize the pickup and drop-off times?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.

Question 12

Are entrance tickets and tours included in the price?

Accepted Answer

The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.

Question 13

How long will I have to explore?

Accepted Answer

Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.

Question 14

If my plans change, is the booking flexible?

Accepted Answer

Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.

Question 15

Can I take a large group?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Day trips are fully customizable to suit the needs of any private group. From solo travelers to large families with children and even corporate groups, we are ready to create a bespoke itinerary that accommodates parties of all sizes. The price is dependent on the number of vehicles required to serve your group, and we also provide child seats.

Question 16

Will my driver speak English?

Accepted Answer

Your friendly, professional, local driver will speak English. Our drivers are happy to provide any local insight they can on the way to your destination and may be able to answer questions and provide tips for the best possible experience on your day trip.

Question 17

Can I request children’s car seats for the journey?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide car seats for children of all ages, which meet stringent safety standards and local legal requirements. You can even bring your own car seat. We also have handicapped-accessible vehicles available for a wide range of needs for our passengers. When booking your day trip, please specify the accommodations you will need.

Question 18

Can I pay securely online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Daytrip offers flexible payment options. We accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Ali Pay. You also can pay securely online with any major credit card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

Question 19

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Booking your day trip is as easy as our one-way and return trips! On the landing page of the day trip you’d like to take, simply select the date, pick up time, and how many adults and children will be on the trip. On the second page, you’ll fill in personal details, including any special requests, disability accommodations, and children’s car seats you may need. We are flexible too! You can change your exact pick-up location (hotel address, etc) up to 24 hours before your day trip.

Bilbao to Santander: Private day trip

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