A little port town overlooking the Bay of Santoña to the east of Santander, Santoña is a wonderful destination for relaxed seaside holidays. Also brilliant as a stopping point on a road trip across northern Spain, this community has a famously friendly atmosphere and is surrounded by a number of excellent walking trails. Accommodation options include self-catering villas as well as charming hotels; our selection of the best places to stay in Santoña highlights a very special little B&B.

Santoña does have its own city beach, with beautiful bay views, but the nearby Playa de Berria is particularly striking, and well-suited to surfing as well as swimming. For glorious ocean views, clamber up to the Faro del Caballo, a historic lighthouse on Monte Buciero. You’ll be able to see the sheltered Bay of Santoña as well as the larger Cantabrian Sea from there. The Virgen del Puerto, on one side of the mountain and easily accessed by the seafront Paseo Pereda, is well worth admiring, as are the historic Fuerte de San Carlos and Fuerte de San Martín.

Expect busy summers and school holidays, with families from within Cantabria and further afield heading to the coast to make the most of the sunshine and watersports. Spring and late summer are generally quieter. Consider booking your room at one of the best places to stay in Santoña well in advance!