We are considering going to either one of these cities this August. Which one do you recommend and why? We have to active boys ages 10 & 8. Swimming is a must. Also, which airport is the most convenient for both?
THANKS

Valencia will be hotter than Santander, but besides that I can only comment on Valencia.

Beaches.. lots of them

City of Arts and Sciences... kids should love the Science Museum, and especially the Oceanográfico
www.cac.es

Castles, e.g. Xàtiva
http://www.xativa.es/xativa/castella...s/castillo.htm


Airport.. since you only want to go either VLC or Santander, why not fly to or connect to the cities' own airports?

I know Santander well, Valencia not so much(was only one day there). So, I will give you the pluses, as I see them , of Santander and let others comment/ compare to Valencia.

I love Santander and its location. It has one of the most gorgeous beaches right in the city, Sardinero beach. It has many good restaurants.
You can do many interesting day trips from Santander, such as Bilbao, Santillana del Mar, Picos de Europa area, etc.

In August, my experience is that weather is warm , but not stifling. In the evenings sometimes it cools down, I needed a sweater . Lovely weather.

Santander's airport is close to the city, probably less than 20 mins. It's a small airport, you will probably have to connect through Madrid or Barcelona. There are probably connections through the UK, I'm not sure.

Be aware that August is peak season in Santander. Hotel prices do go up considerably.

I agree with PP about Santander.
It is very popular with Spaniards because it is not too hot in the summer
Don't know Valencia, but loved Suntander. We flew in from Madrid and out to Barcelona.

Do not know Valencia but love Santander. I was lucky enough to see the original cave drawings at Altamira but be sure to see Altimira Dos.