The sunshine spot just 2 hours from Ireland with beautiful beaches, top attractions, €3 pints & €25 Ryanair flights

The Irish Sun

5 hours ago

TAKE a look at the sunshine spot just two hours from Ireland with beautiful beaches, top attractions, €3 pints and €25 Ryanair flights.
Santander is a stunning city located in northern Spain.
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Santander, Spain is just two hours from Ireland
Credit: Alamy
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There's plenty to explore in this underrated gem
Credit: Alamy
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The city overlooks the fabulous El Sardinero Beach
Credit: Alamy
The hottest month in Santander is August with temperatures reaching a whopping 35C now in the country's recent heatwave.
Santander is one of Spain's most underrated coastal cities, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, elegant promenades, castle and fresh seafood.
And Ryanair flights from Dublin start at just €25 this month.
Situated on Spain's northern coast, this fabulous city looks out over the Bay of Biscay – and it attracts thousands of visitors every year with its relaxed atmosphere and sunny weather.
Ryanair bosses said: 'Santander, the capital of Cantabria, is without a doubt one of the most elegant and beautiful cities in the north coast of Spain, and the ideal spot to plan a trip.
'The sea and mountains serve as the perpetual backdrop of this city, which attracts visitors for its aristocratic feel, 19th-century buildings, charming open-air terraces and its breathtaking bay, considered one of the most beautiful worldwide.
'One of the cultural emblems of Santander is the recently opened Centro Botín, designed by well-known architect Renzo Piano and located along the city's sea front.'
The sunshine spot is also one of the more budget-friendly destinations in Spain, offering excellent value for money compared to places popular with Irish tourists like Marbella or Barcelona.
Santander lies along a spectacular stretch of coastline, with miles of golden sandy beaches and a lively promenade lined with tapas bars, seafood restaurants and ocean-views.
Visitors can spend the day at one of Santander's popular beaches including Playa de la Magdalena, Playa de Mataleñas, El Sardinero or Playa del Camello.
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Water-based activities are also hugely popular in the warmer months, such as sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
What's more, tourists can take boat trips to explore secluded coves, spot dolphins and see the rugged Cantabrian coastline from the sea.
Culture vultures can step back in time in the historic quarter or deep dive into the Cantabrian Maritime Museum.
With an electric cuisine scene and pints from €3, there will be plenty for foodies to indulge in.
Choose from sea-based dishes including lobster, sardines, and mussels or drop into one of the local tapas bars for a bite and some Spanish wines.
Visitors can also try their luck at the popular Gran Casino del Sardinero or dance the night away at a nightclub.
Santander is also a fantastic destination for history lovers.
There are tons of fascinating sites such as the Palacio de la Magdalena, the imposing Santander Cathedral and the Centro Botín art centre overlooking the harbour.
Visitors said Santander is a 'city with everything' on TripAdvisor.
One person said: 'The Bay of Santander provides a natural harbour and a haven from the wild Atlantic weather, yet the city boasts three extensive beaches for sun lovers.
'But if you want to surf, you will find better breaks at Laredo 45k to the east.
'The old city, basically south of Calles De Guevara and Santa Lucia divides itself into a shopping area west of Calle de Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola and a restaurant area to the east although the line is fairly blurred.'
Another noted: 'The city's castle and the park are spectacular, as well as the part dedicated to some animal species.'