The capital of Spain’s Cantabrian region is a popular holiday resort, albeit lesser frequented by tourists from the UK. The city is home to a Royal palace, a zoo, superb urban beaches, intriguing modern architecture, a unique cathedral, a bustling market and some superb tapas restaurants. July and August are the busiest and warmest months, when Santander becomes a hive of cultural and beach-based activity. However, with mild temperatures across the winter months and easy access to mountain ranges for skiing, it’s a super year-round destination for the discerning traveller. Here are our favourite hotels in the vicinity.
Eurostars Hotel Real
The grand five star establishment sits across from Playa de los Peligros beach, looking out imperiously over the Bay of Biscay from its hilltop location. Stay here for classic grandeur – majestic French-style hallways, marble bathrooms, wrought-iron balconies, floor to ceiling windows, heavy drapes, Queen Anne furnishings and parquet floors are all found within. The hotel has 123 bedrooms, gardens featuring no less than 80 varieties of rose, a large terrace and the 12 table El Puntal Restaurant, dressed in white linen and silver. Eurostars Hotel Real is also home to one of Europe’s most advanced thalassotherapy centres, the Talasoterapia wellbeing centre, with sauna, Turkish bath and jacuzzi.