Updated May 2026 · Written by the Hostal La Mexicana team
Santander is a city that has the beach on one side and the bay on the other. The bay side — Paseo de Pereda, Puertochico, La Magdalena — is walking distance from the centre. The ocean beaches — El Sardinero, with its two wide sandy stretches — are a short bus ride away. If you are staying in the city centre and planning to spend a day at the sea, this guide tells you exactly how to get there, which beach to choose and what you will find when you arrive.
Beach options within reach of the centre
There are several beaches you can reach from the hostal without a car, ranging from a short walk to a 20-minute bus ride.
| Beach | Distance from hostal | How to get there | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Peligros | ~1.2 km / 15 min walk | On foot via Paseo de Pereda | Small urban beach, sheltered by the peninsulas, calmer water |
| La Magdalena | ~2.5 km / 30 min walk | On foot via Paseo de Pereda and peninsula path | Natural setting below the palace, rockier, popular with families |
| Primera del Sardinero | ~4.5 km / 20 min by bus | TUS lines 1 or 2 | Wide sandy beach, full services, high summer crowds |
| Segunda del Sardinero | ~5 km / 20 min by bus | TUS lines 1 or 2 | Slightly wider and less crowded than Primera, same services |
Getting to Sardinero by bus
The simplest way to reach El Sardinero from the city centre is by TUS urban bus, lines 1 or 2. Both lines connect the centre with the Sardinero in about 20 minutes. You can board at several stops on Calle Burgos or near the Town Hall area.
- Line 1: Runs along Calle Burgos and Avenida de los Castros, stopping at or near Primera del Sardinero.
- Line 2: Similar route via Cuatro Caminos, reaching both Primera and Segunda del Sardinero.
Check current timetables at tusbus.com. Buses run frequently during the day in summer — typically every 10–15 minutes at peak times. A single TUS journey costs around €1.30 (exact fare — keep coins handy or use a TUS card for a discount). The same lines bring you back to the centre in the evening.
Walking the coastal path
If you prefer to walk, the coastal path from La Magdalena to El Sardinero is one of the most beautiful routes in the city. From the hostal, you first follow Paseo de Pereda to Puertochico (about 15 minutes on foot), then continue up to the Magdalena peninsula and along the cliffs. From La Magdalena to Primera del Sardinero takes another 25–30 minutes along the seafront promenade.
Total walking time from the hostal to Sardinero: approximately 55–70 minutes depending on pace and stops. The route passes through some of the best scenery in the city, including views of the bay and the open sea from the Magdalena headland. This is the walk described in more detail in the Santander bay walk guide.
By taxi or VTC
A taxi from the city centre to El Sardinero takes about 10–12 minutes and costs approximately €8–10. This is the most convenient option if you are carrying beach equipment, going with young children or arriving in bad weather. Taxi ranks are available near the Town Hall and the RENFE station. You can also request a taxi via the official Tele Taxi Santander service.
By car: summer parking
In July and August, parking near the Sardinero beaches is scarce. If you arrive by car, the Sardinero area has some metered street parking and a couple of car parks, but spaces fill quickly by 10:30–11:00 on summer mornings. The recommendation for a beach day in high summer is to use public transport and avoid the parking problem entirely.
Services at the Sardinero beaches
Primera and Segunda del Sardinero are fully equipped urban beaches with a comprehensive range of services:
- Lifeguards: On duty throughout the bathing season (approximately mid-June to mid-September), 10:00–20:00.
- Showers and footwashing stations: Available at the main beach access points, free of charge.
- Sun lounger and parasol rental: Available at the beach during the bathing season. Bring your own or rent on the day.
- Beach bars (chiringuitos): Several bars and snack bars operate on the seafront promenade adjacent to the beach. Food, drinks and ice cream available.
- Disabled access: Both beaches have accessible ramps, adapted showers and assisted bathing services available in summer on request.
- Changing rooms: Available at the main beach facilities buildings.
Sea temperature and swimming conditions
The Cantabrian Sea is part of the Atlantic and is noticeably cooler than the Mediterranean. At Santander, average water temperatures are:
- June: 16–18°C — refreshing, comfortable for strong swimmers
- July: 18–20°C — pleasant for most people
- August: 19–21°C — warmest of the year; comfortable for extended swimming
- September: 18–20°C — still warm, beaches much less crowded
The sea at Sardinero is generally safe for swimming when the green flag is flying. The Cantabrian coast can have surf and occasional rip currents; always check the flag before entering the water and follow lifeguard instructions.
Best time to visit Sardinero
The Sardinero beaches are most crowded in late July and August, particularly on weekends. If you want more space, the best times are early morning (before 10:30), weekday afternoons or the period from mid-June to early July when the water is already warm but the summer crowds have not yet arrived. September is an excellent month: the sea temperature remains close to its summer maximum, the weather stays fine and the beaches are much quieter.
Frequently asked questions
Which bus goes from Santander centre to Sardinero beach?
TUS lines 1 and 2 connect the city centre with El Sardinero in about 20 minutes. Line 1 runs via Calle Burgos and Avenida de los Castros; line 2 via Cuatro Caminos. Both stop near Primera and Segunda del Sardinero. Check current timetables at tusbus.com.
How far is Sardinero beach from Santander city centre on foot?
El Sardinero is about 4.5–5 km from the city centre. Walking the coastal path via La Magdalena takes about 55–65 minutes and is one of the most scenic routes in the city. From the hostal the total walk is about 70 minutes.
What is the sea temperature at Sardinero beach?
The Cantabrian Sea reaches 19–21°C in late July and August. In June it is around 16–18°C and in September around 18–20°C. The water is refreshing but not cold in high summer — comfortable for swimming from July onwards.