6 gorgeous Santander Airbnbs to book now (the Cork-Spain ferry launches in April)

Pack your togs.
Brittany Ferries has announced a new route linking Ireland and Spain for the first time… and it will operate from Cork.
A new ship called the Connemara has been chartered to ferry passengers from the Rebel county to the pretty port city of Santander in northern Spain.
The crossing will take around 26 hours in total and there will be a small allocation of pet-friendly cabins, so you can finally take your beloved pet on your family holiday.
Kicking off at the end of April, the service will make two return-sailings a week, with booking due to go live by the end of January.
Whether you plan on staying put in Santander or spending the night and heading on to San Sebastian, Bilbao or Rioja country, here are six lovely Airbnbs to book before the rush…
From €50 per night, sleeps three people
This newly renovated loft style apartment is in the heart of Santander, next to one of its most famous areas, the Rio de la Pila. There’s a double bedroom with double bed, living room with sofa bed and a kitchen and bathroom. It’s even been featured in Architectural Digest AD.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW (AND PARKING)
From €60 per night, sleeps four people
If you’re taking advantage of the ferry to bring your car to Spain, this beautiful bright apartment with garage could provide the perfect base. Just behind the famous Plaza de Cañadio (home to bars, restaurants and shops), it’s just five minutes walk from the Lanchas de Santander, with stunning views over the rooftops.
From €115 per night, sleeps eight people
Just a ten minute spin outside Santander, this magnificent house overlooks the nature park of Cabarceno. Sip wine on the porch while the kids play in the huge private garden and take in the stunning sunsets over the Pico De Europa mountain range in the distance. Previous guests describe it as ‘a little paradise’.
AN ARTSY APARTMENT ON THE BEACHFRONT
From €95 per night, sleeps four people
The views from this apartment alone are enough to entice you to book it, but the interior is the icing on the cake. Located in a swish area just five minutes from Santander, the terrace looks directly onto the ocean so you can go to sleep to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.
From €69 per night, sleeps four people
Located in a handsome old building right in the centre of Santander (next to Puerto Chico leisure harbour), this stylish apartment is close to restaurants, museums and city beaches. Recently renovated, it’s on the third floor so you can leave the windows open and feel the sea breeze in the evening.
From €55 per night, sleeps four people
This home is the work of interior designer Antonio Fuente and it boasts all the signs of it; just five minutes from the Town Hall, its beautiful natural beams, comfortable living room, kitchenette, dressing room and quality finishes make for a luxury stay. Just five minutes from the beach, it also has a large garden terrace for entertaining.