Places of interest in Santander

It's no coincidence that Santander is one of the most popular holiday destinations with those people who are really in the know - in other words the Spanish themselves. In fact during the early part of the 20th century it was the favoured summer retreat of King Alfonso XIII and his queen, and there are many reminders of this royal patronage still to be seen. The magnificent Magdalena Palace, presented to the monarch by the city fathers, is just one example.

Beaches and Gardens

The beach resort of El Sardinero is roughly a mile and a half from the city centre. This is definitely one of Santander's wealthiest suburbs, and close to all the opulent residences you'll find a selection of lovely sandy beaches to choose from, all scrupulously clean and with good facilities. Some are sheltered with calm waters, some more open and ideal for surfing.

Fronting onto the beaches are a selection of elegant cafes and colourful gardens, plus the majestic white Grand Casino that could easily have come straight out of a James Bond novel. Overlooking all these, at the very end of the peninsula, is the previously mentioned Magdalena Palace and the huge gardens that surround it. As well as containing a wonderful selection of exotic plant life and providing magnificent views of the bay, the gardens are also home to a small zoo.

With its wide tree-lined boulevards, elegant plazas, numerous well-tended parks and gardens, plus a very noticeable air of hospitality and friendliness, Santander has the happy knack of making its visitors feel good right from the first few moments of arrival. And with so much to do and see, that feeling is sure to continue right up until it is time to depart.

Things to do

Santander, the capital of Cantabria, can be divided up into two very separate areas: the city's commercial centre and the beach resort of El Sardinero. The centre is where you'll find the majority of shops, restaurants, historic buildings, tourist attractions and museums, including the fascinating maritime museum that explores Santander's rich seafaring heritage.

Tapas bars abound (the areas of Canadio and Santa Lucia are especially good for these), and there is no shortage of music venues and nightclubs either, thankfully with none of the rowdyism associated with many Mediterranean resorts.