El Puntal Sand Spit
A stunning natural sand spit offering miles of golden beach, accessible by a short ferry from Santander. A true coastal paradise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm sun, fewer crowds
El Puntal Sand Spit
Best Time
Warm sun, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning natural sand spit offering miles of golden beach, accessible by a short ferry from Santander. A true coastal paradise.
"Fantastic beach! One of the best I’ve been to in all of Spain, only a short boat ride from central Santander."
🚢 Ferry is your ride
The ferry is the main way to get here. Check schedules to avoid missing the last boat back!
☀️ Pack beach essentials
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection as amenities are limited.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pristine Sand Spit
El Puntal
Miles of golden sand stretching into the sea, offering a tranquil escape from the city bustle.
Chiringuito Refreshments
Near the ferry landing
Enjoy a drink or snack with stunning bay views at this casual beachside bar.
Surfing Lessons
El Puntal beach
The gentle waves make it an ideal spot for beginners to try their hand at surfing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Access is Key
Embrace the Natural Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry is your ride
The ferry is the main way to get here. Check schedules to avoid missing the last boat back!
☀️ Pack beach essentials
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection as amenities are limited.
🏄♀️ Try a surf lesson
El Puntal is great for beginners learning to surf.
📸 Stunning photo ops
The sand spit offers beautiful scenery for photos, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry is your ride
The ferry is the main way to get here. Check schedules to avoid missing the last boat back!
☀️ Pack beach essentials
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection as amenities are limited.
🏄♀️ Try a surf lesson
El Puntal is great for beginners learning to surf.
📸 Stunning photo ops
The sand spit offers beautiful scenery for photos, especially during golden hour.
🏖️ Relax on the sand
Enjoy the vast, beautiful beach – it's a true natural paradise.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about El Puntal's stunning, expansive beach, often comparing its beauty favorably to more famous destinations. The short ferry ride from Santander is convenient and scenic, adding to the overall positive experience. While amenities are basic, the natural charm and opportunities for relaxation and water sports make it a highly recommended spot.
"If you’re spending more than one night in Santander, this ferry service is definitely worthwhile. We have often looked over to the sandy peninsula on the other side of the bay and wondered what it would be like. This ferry to the other side only takes 10 minutes and - whether to walk or sunbathe - the beach is fabulous. We didn’t try the chiringuito next to the landing pier - but its there if refreshment needed."
Mark Hamilton
"I felt unsecure cause the day before i had to go to jail in Santander out of a 'parking fraud'.
Here comes what happened:
This region has a security problem.
I don't speak of criminalism. I speak of a police (Guardia Civil) which will do what ever they like.
12 years i went there. But recently i got into jail, cause of something like a parking fraud. In respect of my Italian inheritage i was wearing a Shirt which says 'Partisano'
The police of Santander puted me into jail for more than 12 hours. To comments like water, or that i would like to speak to a lawyer i got laught out initially.
They made up a storry that it looked like i would have stolen my own car. Well the owners paper where visibly and easy to find.
In July of the same year, i got into a control near Entrembassaguas. Comment of the guardia civil, it shows something. I know, cause i sometimes smoke weed, not that day tough. I had 0.00 alcohol.
While the pich drunk local, which obviously only had to pay 500 Euros could somehow go on. 1000 Euros of my monney got blocked for labour tests of the governement for 3 Weeks. Well thats monney which was tought for my holidays. I work hard (Gardens) for this monney. The promiss to unlock my car at 11pm the same day was not held.
A friend of mine had to get out there.
(Gasstation near Entrembassaguas), to get me somewhere.
And the Guardias where to lazy to hold therre promiss, which they should have done, cause thats what the law says.
Well believe me, as a connaisseure of the region. This would never happen anywhere else than in Cantabria, speaking of north spain.
I am from a country where we treat the tourists well and with dignity. We put people to Universities where they learn to be Hoteliers, where the learn to....
And we have a governement which doesn't allow to terrorise our tourists.
Well just drive on. The Asturian boarder is close from here."
GCE
"Fantastic beach! One of the best I’ve been to in all of Spain, only a short boat ride from central Santander."
Sigbjørn Hovda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common and recommended way to reach El Puntal is by taking a short ferry ride from the port of Santander. The ferry journey is quick, usually around 10 minutes, and offers scenic views of the bay. Some TikTok videos showcase the ferry departure point and the short trip across the water.
Ferry operating hours can vary, especially outside of peak season. It's crucial to check the latest schedule before your visit to ensure you don't miss the last ferry back to Santander. Social media posts often highlight the ferry as the primary access, implying its importance for planning.
El Puntal is a natural sand spit and is not accessible by car. The primary mode of transport is the ferry service from Santander.
While it's a sand spit, walking to El Puntal from mainland Santander is not practical due to its location across the bay. The ferry is the intended and most efficient method of access.
The ferry is the main public transport option. Private boat rentals might be possible but are less common for day visitors. The focus in online content is overwhelmingly on the ferry service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You will need to purchase tickets for the ferry service to El Puntal. There isn't an entry fee for the sand spit itself, but the ferry is essential for access.
Ferry ticket prices are generally affordable for the short journey. It's best to check the current prices at the Santander ferry terminal or their official website if available.
While you can often buy tickets on the day at the terminal, purchasing in advance might be an option during peak season to secure your spot, though it's usually not necessary for this short route.
As a natural area, El Puntal is generally open to visitors. However, it's important to respect the natural environment and follow any posted guidelines.
El Puntal itself is a natural beach and doesn't have set opening hours. However, access is dependent on the operating hours of the ferry service.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
El Puntal is primarily a beach destination perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. It's also a popular spot for learning to surf due to its gentle waves.
Facilities are limited. There is a chiringuito (beach bar) near the landing pier that may offer restrooms, but dedicated public showers are generally not available.
Surfboard rentals and lessons are often available, especially during the summer months. It's advisable to check with local surf schools in Santander or inquire at the chiringuito.
Yes, El Puntal is a great spot for families looking for a beautiful beach experience. The calmer waters on one side can be suitable for children, and the vast sand offers plenty of space to play.
The water at El Puntal is generally warmer and less windy on the restaurant side, making it pleasant for swimming. It's a beautiful natural setting surrounded by water on both sides.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a chiringuito (beach bar) located near the ferry landing point that serves drinks and snacks. It's a convenient spot for refreshments after a day on the beach.
The chiringuito typically offers casual beach fare, including drinks, sandwiches, and light snacks. It's a good place to grab a bite while enjoying the views.
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is a great idea, especially if you plan to spend the whole day. It's recommended to pack plenty of water and snacks.
There are no supermarkets directly on El Puntal. You'll need to purchase any food or drinks you plan to bring before you take the ferry from Santander.
Santander offers a wide array of dining options, from traditional tapas bars to seafood restaurants. You can find plenty of choices before or after your trip to El Puntal.
📸 📸 Photography
El Puntal offers stunning panoramic views of the bay, the city of Santander, and the open sea. The long stretch of sand, the boardwalk, and the natural landscape are all picturesque. 
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive beach still offers great shots.
The wooden boardwalk (pasarela) leading onto the sand is a popular spot for photos, especially for events like beach weddings.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for shots of the Santander skyline across the bay.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in natural protected areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While amenities are limited, bringing a picnic and plenty of water is easy to manage. The calmer waters on the bay side can be more suitable for younger children to paddle in. Consider packing beach toys and sun protection for a comfortable family day out.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Beyond surfing, the bay waters are generally pleasant for swimming. The unique position of the sand spit means you're surrounded by water, offering different conditions depending on which side you choose.
📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers
+2Nature lovers will appreciate the unique ecosystem and the feeling of being in a vast, open natural space. The changing light throughout the day, especially during golden hour, creates dramatic and beautiful scenes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Natural Beauty of El Puntal
Visitors often describe it as a 'paradise' and compare it favorably to more famous destinations.
It's important to remember that El Puntal is a natural area. While beautiful, it means amenities are minimal. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment, pack out what they pack in, and be mindful of the delicate ecosystem.
Getting There: The Santander Ferry Experience
Ferries typically depart from the port area in Santander. It's essential to check the timetable, especially for the last return ferry, as missing it could lead to an unplanned stay.
Many visitors find the ferry ride itself to be a pleasant part of their day trip, adding to the sense of adventure and escape. It's a convenient and scenic way to access this unique natural attraction without the need for a car.
Activities and Relaxation at El Puntal
For the more active, El Puntal is a well-regarded spot for learning to surf. The gentle waves are often suitable for beginners, making it a popular choice for surf schools and individuals trying the sport for the first time.
Evenings can be magical, with the sand spit offering beautiful sunset views. The presence of a chiringuito near the ferry landing provides a convenient option for refreshments, allowing visitors to extend their stay and enjoy the ambiance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit