With the summer approaching the Northern hemisphere, coastal towns and villages are starting to prepare for the next season. The Mediterranean coast is one of the most sought after destinations, and Spain is one of the most visited countries, known for its beaches. The Northern provinces bordering the Atlantic Ocean are a great destination for surfers and windsurfers, and the Eastern coast is a family destination filled with beaches, clubs and water activities.
Santander, located in the North of Spain, used to be the place where aristocrats spent their summers. The city is located on the Atlantic Coast, and the strong currents and winds should not dissuade travellers from visiting these clear, pristine beaches.
Architecture
The city’s architecture, inspired by the mansions and palaces from Northern Europe, make this city a sought after destination by those interested in culture and history. The city centre, with its ancient buildings, fountains in parks, stone plazas and tree lined streets, can be explored by foot.
Most of the ancient grand hotels where members of the aristocracy used to stay are located near the Pereda and the Sardinero beach. The Pereda is the main promenade a short walk away from the sea. Along this walk visitors can relax in the Pereda Gardens, located close to the Plaza of Alfonso XIII.
The Gran Casino Sardinero is an historical casino that was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the previous building. The Casino is one of the city’s symbols, with its elaborate façade. Inside the casino there is a stage where visitors can enjoy live performances, and art exhibitions are organized.
Península of La Magdalena
The city’s culture scene evolves around the Peninsula de la Magdalena, a peninsula with gardens, a palace and a zoo in Santander Bay. The Royal Palace of La Magdalena is located there, a large building that used to be a Royal residence for aristocrats who wanted to enjoy the beach.
Visitors can walk around the ancient gardens of the palace where Kings and Queens used to live. There are several historical monuments to historical figures, most notably a monument to the explorer and naturalist Felix Rodriguez de la Fuente.
There is a small zoo on the peninsula. There are fishes, penguins, sea lions and marine creatures living in this coastal zoo. A small train takes visitors around the steep hills of this peninsula, and guided tours are offered during the scenic ride. Replicas of the Cantabrian sailor Vital Alsar’s ships and statues of mermaids line the coast.
El Sardinero
The Sardinero beach is the city’s main beach, located near the Península of Magdalena. During the summer months local festivities are celebrated on the beach.
The Piquio Gardens were built two centuries ago. The gardens are located between the two areas of the Sardinero beach, the city’s main beach, and have views towards the Magdalena Peninsula.
Cathedral and Crypt
The city’s Cathedral is located in the city centre. The Cathedral was rebuilt in a Gothic style after a series of fires, and visitors can discover the ancient cloister and enjoy Mass in this historical building. Guided tours are offered around the Cathderal and the Crypt of Christ, which is older than the building.
The Plaza Porticada square is located next to the Cathedral, where there are several official buildings. Two main shopping street, Arrabal and Cubo, are located there.
Tapas
Santander is a city located near the mountains and the sea, which is reflected on its gastronomy. There are many traditional bars and restaurants near the city centre and along the beach front where visitors can enjoy some rabas, small fried squid, fresh sea fruit, and sobaos pasiegos, a type of sponge cake.
