Santander is a port city and the capital of Cantabria region, on the north coast of Spain. The elegant port city extends over a wide bay with wonderful views of the Cantabrian Sea. The buildings in its historic quarter stand majestically with the sea and mountains as their backdrop.
The bustling center of modern Santander with its clanking port and shapeless suburbs stand in contrast to its pretty beaches and the old-world El Sardinero.
A Little Bit of History
This port town was an important part of the Roman Empire until the Romans lost their power. Later it became an important port of the Spanish and a center of world trade.
The urban development of the town started to grow in the eleventh century around the San Emeterio abbey. In the twelfth century, Santander became the vacation city of King Alfonso VIII.
Covachos beach near Santander
It was made an official city in the middle of the eighteenth century and the random explosion of a large ship in its harbor made Santander internationally known.
In the twentieth century, King Alfonso XIII with Queen Victoria Eugene moved to this place and started living in the Magdalena Palace.
Although a large fire destroyed most of the city in 1941, it was rebuilt by the inhabitants and the city officials.
Fiestas Virgen del Mar, Los Banos de Ola, Fiestas de Santiago, Mercado medieval, Romeria del Faro, Music and Dance Festival and Artesande Festival are some of the popular festivals here.
The view of Santander waterfront
The town is popular for its local pottery that reflects the modern handicrafts as well as the history of the area’s artistic expressions.
Where is Santander?
- 18.4 miles/ 29.7 km from Santillana del Mar, Spain
- 17 miles/ 27.5 km from Loredo, Spain
- 43 miles/ 69.3 km from Castro Urdiales, Spain
- 62 miles/ 99.8 km from Bilbao, Spain
- 282.7 miles/ 455 km from Madrid, Spain
- 439.9 miles/ 708 km from Barcelona, Spain
- 4.5 miles/ 7.4 km from Santander Airport, Spain
- 67.7 miles/ 109 km from Bilbao Airport, Spain
Things to See
Palace of La Magdalena, Santander
- Cathedral
- Plaza Porticada
- Maritime Museum
- Lighthouse of Cabo Mayor
- Biblioteca de Menendez Pelayo
- Magdalena Peninsula
Beaches
- El Sardinero
- El Camello
- Virgin del Mar
- La Concha
- Matalenas
- The other popular beaches are Magdalena, Molinucos, Los Biquinis and Los Peligros
Excursions
- Train Ride
- Santillana del Mar
- Bilbao
You can enjoy beautiful yellow-sand beaches, an impressive historic city center, an epic planetarium, great tapas bars and imposing Gothic cathedrals here as you breathe in the refreshing coastal air.
Although once it was the playground of the royalty, today it is an attractive holiday destination for all.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
