Centro Botín
Visit Renzo Piano’s waterfront arts centre and enjoy the elevated walkways above the Jardines de Pereda.
Cantabria · Spain
Santander Ferry & Destination Guide
Discover Santander’s elegant bayfront, beaches and Cantabrian food scene, then use its city-centre ferry terminal for direct sailings between northern Spain and the UK.
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Discover Santander
Santander combines a handsome waterfront, broad sandy beaches and compact city-centre sightseeing with one of the most convenient passenger-ferry terminals in northern Spain.
Santander opens onto one of Spain’s most attractive natural bays, with the Paseo de Pereda and Jardines de Pereda forming an easy waterfront introduction to the city. The striking Centro Botín adds contemporary art and architecture beside the harbour.
El Sardinero is the city’s best-known beach district, where long sweeps of sand, seafront gardens and Belle Époque buildings make a relaxed contrast to the working port and central shopping streets.
The Magdalena Peninsula is another essential stop. Its parkland, royal palace, viewpoints and small beaches are easily reached from the centre and give excellent views back across the bay.
Santander is also a rewarding food destination. Cantabrian seafood, anchovies, local cheeses and the city’s much-loved rabas make bars, markets and neighbourhood restaurants a worthwhile part of even a short stay.
The city works well as a base for wider Cantabria. The Picos de Europa, Santillana del Mar, Comillas and the green Atlantic coast can all be combined with a ferry journey by travellers continuing by road.
Unlike many large ferry ports, Santander’s Brittany Ferries terminal is genuinely close to the centre. The railway and bus stations are only a short walk away, so foot passengers can combine the ferry with a city stay or onward public transport without a lengthy port transfer.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Santander
Santander mixes waterfront culture, sandy beaches, royal parkland and easy access to Cantabria’s green coast.
Paseo de Pereda
Walk the elegant harbourfront avenue beside historic façades, gardens and views across the bay.
Magdalena Peninsula
Explore parkland, beaches and the Palacio de la Magdalena on a headland overlooking the city.
El Sardinero
Spend time on Santander’s broad Atlantic-facing beaches and lively seafront promenade.
Mercado del Este
Stop for Cantabrian produce, seafood and tapas close to the historic centre.
Cabo Mayor
Walk around the lighthouse and clifftop viewpoints for a wilder perspective on Santander’s coast.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Santander
Browse Santander walking tours, food experiences and Cantabria day trips to combine with your ferry journey.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Santander Ferry Terminal
Brittany Ferries uses the Estación Marítima in the Port of Santander. The terminal is unusually central, with the city centre, railway station and bus station all within practical walking distance for most travellers.
Current 2026 passenger sailings connect Santander with Portsmouth and Plymouth. These long-distance routes carry foot passengers and vehicles, with cabins and other onboard accommodation options depending on the sailing.
For vehicle check-in, follow the signed ferry access into the controlled port area rather than relying only on a city-centre map pin. Check the latest arrival time on your booking confirmation, particularly when travelling with a vehicle, pet or special assistance requirement.
Passenger portBrittany Ferries, Estación Marítima s/n, 39002 Santander, Spain
Main connectionsPortsmouth & Plymouth
OperatorsBrittany Ferries
VehiclesCars, motorcycles, campervans, caravans, bicycles and foot passengers
Check-inFollow the Brittany Ferries booking confirmation and arrive before the published passenger or vehicle check-in cut-off
Plan your stay
Getting around Santander
Santander is compact enough for straightforward city sightseeing, while rail, bus and road links make onward travel through Cantabria practical.
Explore on foot
The waterfront, Centro Botín, shopping streets and old centre are close together; local buses connect the centre with El Sardinero and Magdalena.
Continue by rail
Santander station is close to the ferry terminal and connects with Spanish rail services. Find Santander rail tickets here...
Drive into Cantabria
A car is useful for the Picos de Europa, smaller coastal towns and rural Cantabria. Leave time for city traffic when returning to the ferry terminal.
Stay in Santander
Find Santander Accommodation
Stay in central Santander or beside El Sardinero
Central accommodation is ideal for ferry foot passengers and city sightseeing, while El Sardinero suits travellers who want beach access before or after the crossing.
Common planning questions
Santander ferry & destination FAQs
Where is Santander Ferry Terminal?
Brittany Ferries uses the Estación Marítima in the Port of Santander, close to the city centre at Estación Marítima s/n, 39002 Santander.
Where can I sail from Santander in 2026?
Current Brittany Ferries passenger sailings link Santander with Portsmouth and Plymouth in the United Kingdom.
Is Santander Ferry Terminal close to the city centre?
Yes. The terminal is in the central port area and is within walking distance of central Santander, the railway station and the bus station.
Can I take a car on ferries from Santander?
Yes. The UK routes are vehicle ferries and can carry cars, motorcycles, campervans, caravans and other booked vehicle types.
Can foot passengers use Santander ferries?
Yes, subject to the passenger conditions of the specific sailing. Foot passengers check in at the ferry terminal.
What are the best things to do in Santander?
Popular choices include Centro Botín, Paseo de Pereda, the Magdalena Peninsula, El Sardinero beaches and the Cabo Mayor lighthouse area.
Is Santander good for an onward road trip?
Yes. It is a useful gateway for Cantabria, the Picos de Europa and the north coast of Spain.
Should I book Santander ferries in advance?
Yes, especially for vehicles, cabins, pets and peak travel periods, because long-distance UK sailings can fill well ahead of departure.
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