Cantabria’s capital Santander is an elegant city stretched over a wide bay. Its streets rise up the hill on which the city is built, so views of the Cantabrian Sea can be spotted from much of the town. Highlights include the city’s old quarter, including the historic buildings set against a beautiful backdrop of sea and mountains.

The city is built around a natural port, which was in use before Roman times. The surrounding countryside is stunning, with wide-open verdant areas. The sandy beaches are unspoilt, particularly Mataleñas, El Sardinero and La Magdalena, where Alfonso XIII had his summer residence.

The Pilgrim's Road passes through the city to Santiago de Compostela and the neighbouring Altamira Caves, both of which have been designated World Heritage sites. Santander also provides a gateway to the Natural Parks of Oyambre, Peña Cabarga and Saja-Besaya, and the beautiful Picos de Europa National Park.

Top Attractions

There are two main areas of the city of interest to visitors: the centre and El Sardinero. The centre is where you will find most of the shops, monuments and tourist attractions. El Sardinero is a beach resort less than 3km from the city.

Beaches Santander has three beaches: Playa de Castaneda, Playa del Sardinero, and Playa de la Concha. If they become too crowded, take a short boat trip to El Puntal, a beautiful beach that is rarely crowded, even at the height of summer. Península de la Magdalena The former retreat of the Spanish Royalty, this Peninsula is one of the town’s most sought-after areas, owing to its spectacular views over the bay. In its park stands the palace built for Alfonso XIII (1886-1941). The park stretches as far as El Sardinero, where there is a small zoo. Dunas Liencres Natural Park Just a few kilometres away is the Dunas Liencres Natural Park, the most extensive dune system in the whole of the Cantabrian coast. Santander also provides a gateway to the Natural Parks of Oyabre, Peña Cabarga and Saja-Besaya and the beautiful Picos de Europa National Park.

Cathedral Perched on the hill, the imposing cathedral resembles a fortress and it was rebuilt in the Gothic style after fire in 1941. The Crypt of Santísimo Cristo is the oldest preserved building in Santander, and Roman ruins were discovered under the Cathedral’s north isle in 1983. Museo Regional de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria This fascinating museum has prehistoric exhibits over 15,000 years old.

Biblioteca Menéndez y Pelayo
This 45,000-volume library was amassed by Menéndez y Pelayo, Santander’s most well-known writer.

Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes
Located near the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts has some interesting Goya paintings, notably his portrait of Ferdinand VII.

Paseo Maritimo
Santander’s new coastal path runs parallel to the sea, offering stunning views.

Eating & Drinking

Thanks to its location near rivers, mountains and sea, Santander's restaurants and markets boast top-quality fresh food, including seafood, freshwater fish, and meats. Tapas is a must in Spain, and there are a wide number of excellent places in town. Recommended tapas bars are Hijas de Florencio in a former carpenter’s shop, popular with the young, and the Bodega Cigalena which is a busy bodega, doubling up as a wine museum.

Other dining recommendations include the Bodega del Riojano, which dates from the 1500s. Locals call it the "Round Museum" (Museo Redondo), because of its display of paintings on the ends of old wine barrels, many of which have been signed by famous stars.  La Sardina de Plata is renowned for its freshwater fish dishes, and has a delightful nautical theme. Zacarías is also a favourite. Its chef is the best-known in Santander, and has an original take on traditional Cantabrian dishes. The dishes are pricey but delicious