Welcome to what some consider the most beautiful, unspoilt part of Spain. Listed among the “Most Beautiful Bays in the World,” Santander has a stellar view of the waters off the coast. It’s also the capital city of the Cantabria region, along Spain’s northern coast.

What to do in Santander

Originally, Santander was a fisherman’s town. Today, its main activities are focused on tourism, port activity (fishing, passenger ferries, and industrial shipping) and nearby heavy industry.

There are plenty of sights throughout the city, including the cathedral, Magdalena Palace, the stunning Plaza Porticada, the imposing Banco Santander building, the Grand Casino, and several cultural centers, the most impressive of which is the Centro Botín. No one comes to Santander without visiting Magdalena Palace, located on the peninsula that juts out into the Bay of Santander.

If you’re looking for a nice beach day with gentle waves, try the beaches of El Sardinero, La Magdalena, Bikinis, and Los Peligros.

Health Care in Santander

In general, non-EU retirees will not be able to access the Spanish health care system and will have to take out private insurance. However, there are some good hospitals in the area, including: Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, hospital Santa Clotilde, and several other private clinics. Overall costs aren’t extremely high, so some expats choose to “go naked” and pay as they go.

Cost of Living in Santander

Penny-Pincher’s Budget for Santander, Spain

Apartment or House Rental Budget for Santander, Spain

Apartment or House Ownership Budget for Santander, Spain