Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Santander

Santander rewards anyone willing to cover a bit of ground. Ride out from the centre and within minutes you're circling the clifftop grounds of the Palacio de la Magdalena, its peninsula park framed by sea on both sides, then following the promenade to Playa del Sardinero for that classic first look at the Atlantic. Push on a little further and the Faro de Cabo Mayor opens up wide, wind-scoured views over the headland — the kind of stop that's easy on two wheels and a slog on foot or by bus.

The old town itself is small enough to walk, but the coastline is where a bike earns its keep. The bay crossing to Somo, the corniche road toward Comillas, the inland detour to Puente Viesgo — none of these are quick or pleasant by public transport, and traffic outside peak summer weekends stays light and manageable. A moped or small-displacement bike also gets you around the centre's tight, metered parking, which is reason enough on its own to skip the car.

Top 10 things to see in Santander by motorcycle

1. Palacio de la Magdalena — the iconic clifftop royal palace on its own peninsula park, sea views on both sides, just a short ride from the centre.
2. Playa del Sardinero — Santander's main urban beach and promenade, a natural warm-up ride along the seafront.
3. Faro de Cabo Mayor — a lighthouse and headland with open Atlantic views, minutes past El Sardinero.
4. Bahía de Santander waterfront (Paseo Pereda / Puerto Chico) — a scenic harbourside ride through the city with views across the bay.
5. Playa de Somo — reached by ferry across the bay or by road around it, a popular surf beach and a relaxed ride out of town.
6. Santillana del Mar — a beautifully preserved medieval village around 30 km away, a favourite countryside route.
7. Cuevas de Altamira / Museo de Altamira — the famous prehistoric cave art site near Santillana del Mar, an easy add to that same ride.
8. Comillas — a coastal town with Gaudí's El Capricho, about 45 km along the scenic coast road west of the city.
9. Playa de Liencres and the Dunas de Liencres natural park — dune-backed beach and pine woods just west of town, good for a nature-and-coast loop.
10. Puente Viesgo and the Cuevas del Monte Castillo — an inland ride into the hills to more prehistoric caves, a nice contrast to the coastal routes.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Santander?

For a moped up to 50cc, an AM licence covers you (minimum age 15 in Spain), and a full category B car licence also works. For a 125cc scooter, you'll generally need an A1 motorcycle licence — the B-based entitlement that some Spanish/EU drivers use only applies inside Spain, so most non-EU visitors should plan on holding a proper motorcycle licence. If your licence isn't from the EU/EEA, bring an International Driving Permit alongside it, since rental desks commonly ask for one. Rental companies typically set their own minimum age, often 18 or 21 depending on the bike, and will usually block a deposit on a credit card in your name.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Santander?

Expect around 25-30 EUR per day in low season and 35-45 EUR per day in high season, with premium models running 50-70 EUR per day.

• Cheapest: November through February.
• Dearest: July and August.
• Shoulder months tend to sit somewhere between the two extremes.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Santander?

High season on the Spanish mainland runs through July and August, plus Easter week, when prices climb and popular bikes get booked early. Low season stretches from November to March, with the best rates of the year. If you want good weather without the crowds or the high-season price tag, May-June and September-October hit that sweet spot.

Local traffic rules in Santander

Spain drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers on mopeds and motorcycles at all times, on every road. Speed limits top out at 90 km/h on conventional roads and drop to 50 km/h in built-up areas, down to 30 km/h on single-lane urban roads — mopeds are capped at 45 km/h and can't use motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, lowered to 0.3 g/l for riders with under two years' experience. Dipped headlights are required day and night on motorcycles and mopeds, and handheld phones are off-limits while riding.

If you want to rent a motorcycle in Santander, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!