Car Hire - Santander Seve Ballesteros Airport (SDR)

Santander is the capital of Cantabria, a region on Spain's northern Atlantic coast. The city sits beside a wide bay, with the Cantabrian Sea on one side and the mountains of the Cordillera Cantabrica rising to the south. It is a coastal city with sandy beaches, a compact historic centre, and a strong maritime tradition. Seafood is central to the local food culture, from fresh anchovies to clams and goose barnacles. The mild climate, the bay views, and the pace of life draw visitors from across Spain and beyond. Santander is also a gateway to some of Cantabria's most striking landscapes, making it a great base for anyone who wants to explore the wider region.

Hiring a car at Santander-Seve Ballesteros Airport gives you real freedom from the moment you land. The airport sits just a few kilometres from the city centre, so you can be in Santander quickly without relying on taxis or buses. But the real benefit of car hire here is what lies beyond the city. Cantabria is a region that rewards road travel. The A-8 motorway runs along the coast, connecting Santander to smaller towns, fishing villages, and dramatic stretches of coastline. Heading inland, the roads climb into mountain valleys where the scenery changes quickly and public transport becomes sparse. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family, or a small group, Enterprise offers a range of vehicles to suit your needs, including SUVs, 7-seater people carriers, and 9-seater people carriers for larger groups, as well as automatic cars for those who prefer them. Car hire at Santander-Seve Ballesteros Airport means you can set your own schedule and go at your own pace.

Nearby attractions

Cabarceno Natural Park is a large open-air wildlife park set in a former iron mine in the hills south of Santander. The park is home to a wide range of animal species, living in large open enclosures across a varied landscape. It makes an excellent day out for families and is easy to reach by car from the city. The Picos de Europa is one of Spain's great national parks, a dramatic mountain range straddling Cantabria, Asturias and Leon. The drive from Santander takes you through river gorges and green valleys, building to views of jagged limestone peaks. Walkers can explore trails of all levels, and the Fuente De cable car provides a quick way up into the high terrain. Closer to Santander, the Palacio de la Magdalena sits on a lush peninsula jutting into the Bay of Biscay. This early 20th-century royal palace is set among parkland and beaches, and visitors can walk the grounds freely while taking in sweeping views across the bay.

Cantabria is a region where coast, mountains and culture sit close together. A hire car lets you move between them easily, whether you are spending a few days in the city or heading further into the north of Spain.