Santander Spain. Holidays in Santander

Located in Spanish Cantabria, Santander covers an area of ​​35 square kilometers and has a population of less than 200,000 inhabitants. Small but with a long and fascinating history, the city will offer its guests many interesting attractions.

Since the time of the Roman Empire, Santander has been an important port city, and in the Middle Ages it became a popular tourist destination. Members of the royal family loved to spend their summers here, and the Palacio de la Magdalena is a clear proof of this.

Ancient Santander will delight you with the variety of its attractions. Those in the city are located very compactly, while the natural ones located nearby can be reached quickly and comfortably. If you identify the most interesting ones, the list of attractions might look like this:

Santander Cathedral can be called a monumental historical and religious complex, during the construction (late 12th - early 19th centuries) a variety of architectural styles were used.

The first church here was built on the hill of Cerro de Somorrostro, where the relics of many holy martyrs rest. The cathedral was expanded in the 16th century, when chapels were built. Colorfully painted, the temple is a place of pilgrimage for many Catholics, and its main attraction is the cloister, with a fountain in the middle.

Location: Calle Somorrostro.

Another colorful iconic landmark of Santander, the Church of Saint Christ has superbly preserved its original shape and appearance. The main hall of the temple is very spacious, the columns are of considerable thickness, confidently supporting the giant domes. At the end of the last century, archaeological excavations were carried out in the basement of the church. These excavations created galleries that can be visited today.

Surrounded by enchanting landscapes, the Royal Palace of La Magdalena is located on a peninsula, next to Santander. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century for King Alfonso and his wife, who vacationed here every summer for 20 years.

After the palace was taken away from the royal family, it housed a hospital, the headquarters of the University, and housing for the poor. Today, the Palacio de la Magdalena is the venue for important meetings, weddings, and congresses. There is a museum here that introduces the life of the royal family and the history of Santander.

Location: Av. de la Reina Victoria.

“Cantabria and the Sea”, “Life at Sea”, “Fishermen and Fishes”, “Advanced Technologies” - the sections that make up the Maritime Museum of Cantabria, located in Santander. It will delight you with one of the richest maritime collections in Spain.

If we talk about the attractions of the museum, we can name the aquarium, where you can see fish, most of which live in the Cantabrian Sea; a marine laboratory created in 1886; a restaurant whose terrace offers stunning views of the sea.

The history of the Archaeological Museum of Santander dates back to 1926, when the collection of artifacts of the Marquis of Comillas was transferred to the city. Today the museum is located in El Este, a building located next to the port.

There's a lot to see here. These are ritual artifacts from the El Pendo cave, and exact copies of drawings from the caves of Altamira, and ancient Roman household items, and giant stone slabs of ancient Cantabria, and a collection of works of ancient art, and exhibits from Paleolithic times.

Opened in 1908 as part of the city library, MAS is the most extensive gallery of artistic works by Spanish and European masters. Most of it is devoted to works of the last two centuries, although there are also older paintings - from the 16th to 18th centuries.

In total, here you can see more than 1800 paintings, the authors of which are Solana and Pancho Cassio, Rosales and Iturrino, and the most famous is the portrait of Ferdinand the Seventh by maestro Goya. The museum also has rooms dedicated to temporary exhibitions.

Location: Calle Rubio - 6.

A trip to Santander would not be complete without a stroll along Paseo de Pereda, located in the tourist center of the city and declared a historical and artistic monument.

The buildings located here were built in the 18th-20th centuries. Particularly colorful on Paseo de Pereda are the Palace of the Transatlantic Company, built in the 19th century, the headquarters of the Bank of Santander, the work of Javier Riancho, and the Pereda Gardens.

Built at the beginning of the 20th century and designed by Eloy Martinez del Valle, the Grand Casino of Santander has been a popular entertainment venue in Santander, even among members of the royal family and the highest aristocracy, for more than 100 years.

The huge casino building is home not only to roulette and baccarat, but also to dance and theater companies. After a major reconstruction, led by Ricardo Lorenzo, the building of the Grand Casino became a full-fledged archaeological site of Santander.

Location: Plaza de Italia - 1.

The Pereda Gardens, like the boulevard on which they are located, are named after the Spanish writer José Maria de Pereda, whose sculpture, by Lorenzo Valera, can be seen inside the park.

Another attraction of this place are the trees that have been favored by millions of rooks. These birds are a symbol of winter Santander, as they make their home here from September to March.

Location: Paseo de Pereda.

Cuevas de Altamira are located 30 kilometers west of the center of Santander. Opened in 1868, they are 290 meters long and are the most sought-after attraction in this region of Spain.

The walls of the caves are literally painted with prehistoric animal figures, incredibly natural. The Altamira Caves Museum is located next to the cave itself. It displays photographs of the cave and also houses a miniature cinema hall.

The imposing building of the Santander Sports Palace is a masterpiece of Spanish architects Julian Franco and José Manuel Palao. Commissioned in 2003 and with a capacity 10,000 people, it is intended primarily for basketball and handball.

The palace was built in avant-garde style from concrete and 400 stainless steel plates of various sizes. Almost half of the circular stands are retractable, allowing spectators to more conveniently follow the competition. This massive structure is also used for concerts and national events.

Location: Calle Alcalde Vega Lamera.

The Bay of Biscay protects the coast of Santander from the cold winds of the north, which makes holidays here very comfortable until late autumn. The favorite beach for many tourists is El Sandinero, which is located 2.5 kilometers from the city center. On the coast of Santander you can see many prehistoric ruins and remains of the maritime activities of the ancient Romans.

Of course, it’s not just El Sandinero that can be said well: the entire coastline here is kept in excellent condition, and in the summer it becomes the venue for theater and dance performances, concerts and beach sports competitions.

Santander does not have any particularly significant attractions, however, everyone who has ever been to Spain is familiar with the name of the city. For me, as for many, Santander was once associated with the bank of the same name. Arriving in this city, we understood why the Spanish royal family loved to spend the summer here. Now I am also sure that this city is one of the best places in Spain for a complete, harmonious and very comfortable holiday. Welcome to the elegant resort of Santander!

How to get there

The route from Russia to Santander, located on the shores of the Bay of Biscay, is not short. It is best to travel such distances by plane. Traveling by train, the most comfortable of land transport modes, will take much longer and cost more. Travel by car and bus is even longer, and the ferry to Santander can only be reached from the UK.

By plane

There are no direct flights to Santander from Russia; you will have to make a transfer to get there. From Moscow you can choose a complex flight through Iberia and Aeroflot airlines. This flight will take 10-12 hours and cost about 380EUR round trip. From St. Petersburg the cost is the same, but a second transfer in Moscow will be added. You can search for suitable flights.

You can save some money by combining segments yourself:

• fly from Russia to, such a flight will cost about 240-260 EUR, and continue to Santander by train. A one-way train ticket can be purchased at a promotional rate of 20.5 EUR one way, the trip will take about 4 hours.

• fly from Russia to Barcelona and carry out the second segment with the low-cost airline Ryanair. Such a transfer will not be guaranteed, so it is better to make a long stopover in Barcelona in case of flight delays. The flight from Barcelona to Santander takes 1 hour 15 minutes, ticket prices start from 20 EUR.

The airport in Santander is located just 7 km from the city center. From here, buses leave every half hour and take you to the bus station located at Plaza Estaciones in 15 minutes. Buses run from 6:45 to 23:00. A taxi ride, the parking lot of which is located directly opposite the exit from the terminal, will cost about 15EUR.

By train

Traveling to Spain by train is an expensive and time-consuming pleasure, but nothing is impossible. Such a trip can actually be carried out from Moscow, and it consists of three segments:

• Moscow-Paris train, travel time - 38 hours, one way cost about 300 EUR. The train arrives at the Eastern Station, from here by metro, and, with a transfer, we get to the Lyon Station.
• The Paris-Barcelona train will take you from Gare de Lyon to Sants in at least 6 and a half hours. Cost from 70 EUR.
• By Alvia train you will reach in 4 hours. Cost from 20.5 EUR.
• The last segment of this trip can be taken by FEVE train, but it is a narrow gauge railway and the journey time will be about 3 hours. Therefore, it is better to go by bus, it will take an hour and a half. Cost 6.7 EUR.

Total: about 800 EUR round trip and 3 days travel one way.

Santander train and bus stations are located in the city centre.

Clue:

Santander - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Ekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The climate in Santander is influenced by the Atlantic, mild and very humid. Temperature differences even between seasons are small. Rains are constant companions of these places at any time of the year, however, this does not prevent tourists, as well as royalty, from choosing Santander as their holiday destination. The high season here is from the second half of July to the beginning of September, during which time housing costs rise significantly and the excellent city beaches are filled with crowds of people.

I would like to note that the Atlantic climate is characterized by unstable weather at almost all times of the year. It may happen that when you arrive in winter, you will spend a wonderful week under the gentle rays of the sun and take away a light Atlantic tan. Or you can get wet in the rain every day in the summer.

Santander in summer

Santander in summer is a vibrant and festive city, flooded with tourists, mainly Spanish and English, but other nationalities are of course also represented. The biggest festivities in the city take place in the second half of July; August also hosts many events. Beautiful beaches and plenty of activities await you in Santander in the summer. And if it rains, it will only add bright colors to the magnificent picture of the city. Daytime air temperature averages 25-27 degrees, water - 20-22. I recommend booking accommodation for the summer and especially for August, the earlier the better; the price-quality ratio will worsen as you get closer to the travel dates.

Santander in autumn

The first half of autumn is a very good time to travel to Santander. The weather in early September is practically no different from August, but the number of tourists begins to decrease. Good weather persists until mid-October, but, of course, this is very average. November is the rainiest month of the year with all the ensuing consequences, literally and figuratively. The average air temperature gradually decreases as winter approaches; in September it is 20-24 degrees, and in November 13-15.

Santander in spring

Spring is less stable than autumn, and temperature changes reach their maximum values ​​at this time. In one week, and sometimes even in one day, you can see both winter and summer Santander. Strong squally winds and rain give way to warm sunny days. Predicting certain weather for travel dates is a futile task. But this does not mean at all that you should refuse to visit Santander, because spring is beautiful, and you can hide from bad weather under an umbrella or in a bar.

Santander in winter

Winter and spring in Santander are very similar, but in winter the temperatures are slightly lower. Average daytime temperatures very rarely drop below 10 degrees. Usually cool weather is accompanied by clear sunny skies, but warm winds bring rain and storms. Winter may not be the best time to visit Santander, but the Bay of Biscay is very nice during this time. Winter is the season for surfers.

Santander - weather by month

Clue:

Santander - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Santander is a small city, so choosing a place to live is quite simple. I'll tell you about some of the nuances. Let me start with the fact that Santander is a business city, so many people come here on business trips. Therefore, I recommend booking a hotel in advance, regardless of the season. With private housing, of course, the situation is simpler; here you need to keep your finger on the pulse, mainly when booking for the summer. It is convenient to choose and book accommodation on. You can look at prices for apartments, and compare the cost of hotel rooms by.

I marked two districts very large on the city map.

• If you come to Santander in the summer, then the best place to stay is in the part of the city marked with number 2. This is the Sardinero Beach area, and in the summer the proximity of the beaches is very important. One point needs to be taken into account here. I assume that many tourists, like us, when coming to the sea, really want to see this very blue sea from the window of their temporary housing. In Santander, this option is possible in most cases in hotels. Private apartments, if they are rented out, are single and very low-budget. An understandable fact: the cost of a meter of housing in Santander is very high, especially in the Sardinero area.
• But in winter it is better to stay in the part marked in point 1. Here you will find hotels and apartments with pleasant views of the bay, and at the same time you will be located directly in the historical center. For travelers using public transport, the proximity of the bus station will be very useful. And you can take a walk to La Magdalena or the Sardinero embankment.

What are the prices for holidays?

• Double room with bath - from 60 EUR
• A room in an apartment with the owners - from 35-40 EUR
• Underground parking - 1.58 EUR/hour
• Taxi - 1.35 EUR/km, minimum trip 4 EUR
• Tickets to museums 2-5 EUR
• Lunch (menu del dia) - 13-15 EUR
• Dinner for two in a restaurant - about 50 EUR
• Boat trip - 10 EUR

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

Santander is good all over, an integral and incredibly beautiful city, it is attraction number 1. Take something away from it, and part of the charm will disappear. This is how Santander should be perceived, and this is my top list.

Top 5

Beaches. Which ones are better

Few Spanish cities can boast as many as five kilometers of beaches. This is exactly the length of the beaches of Santander, located within the city. All of them have light and clean sand, with a sandy entry into the sea. Equipped with showers and toilets. You can rent sunbeds, but in Spain this option is not very popular; usually there are few places for sunbeds on the beaches. There are children's rides and canoe rentals.

Los Peligros

A small beach, closest to the city center. The name of the beach, "danger", is exactly the opposite of its essence. The beach has calm waters in the bay, making it very popular with families with children. There is parking, all beach infrastructure, children's attractions. From this beach there is a walking path leading to the La Magdalena peninsula.

La Magdalena

This beach is also great for children. It is located in close proximity to the royal palace. In addition to the 900-meter strip of golden sand, you can sit on the green lawn adjacent to the beach.

Bikinis

Unlike the beach of Los Peligros, the name Bikinis makes sense, and one might say that it is almost historical. It was here that the city of Santander, and indeed the entire conservative city, first saw bikinis worn by foreign students. The beach is small, equipped, and there are practically no waves.

El Camello

The name of the beach was given by a rock whose outline resembles a camel. The beach is popular throughout the year and is favored by palas players. This game with a tennis ball and wooden rackets was born in Cantabria at the beginning of the last century.

First and Second beaches of Sardinero

The first is the legendary beach of the golden age of Santander, where aristocrats once came to relax “on the waters.” Today, the Sardinero area ranks fourth in terms of cost per square meter of housing in Spain, behind only Madrid's Calle Cerrano, Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona and the center of San Sebastian. The first Sardinero beach is long, almost three kilometers long, with a pleasant promenade. All services are available here, including a lift for people with disabilities.

Separated from the first by the Piquio gardens, Sardinero's Second Beach once sheltered commoners who had no place among the nobility. Now this is an excellent beach with a children's playground and a lot of cafes and restaurants around.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Santander was very seriously damaged by fire in 1941, resulting in the destruction of many ancient buildings. But still, the city has several interesting churches that give an idea of ​​the architectural styles of different eras.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In the distant 9th century, monks brought the relics of Saints Emeterius and Celedonius to these places, and the Abbey of the Holy Bodies was founded on the Somorrostro hill. The city of Santander grew up around the abbey, and a church was built on the hill, which still houses the relics of the saints. The temple received the status of a Cathedral in the 18th century. The architectural complex consists of lower and upper churches and a monastery courtyard, a cloister, which once housed an orange garden, and even earlier, a city cemetery. The lower church bears the name of Christ; this is the most ancient part of the temple, founded in the 12th century. The upper one was built a century later. During the fire, almost the entire interior of the cathedral burned down; only the altar in the Churrigueresque style survived. A visit to the cathedral is possible, entrance is 1 EUR.

Church of Concord

The church in the classical Baroque style was built in the mid-18th century and is one of the few surviving buildings of the ancient city.

Church of the Sacred Heart

This Jesuit church is one of the best examples of Gothic Revival in Santander. Its walls are decorated with paintings by the German artist Enrique Imememkamp and twelve columns symbolizing the twelve apostles.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Maritime Museum of Cantabria

The Maritime Museum is located between Cape San Martin and Los Peligros beach on the bay, offering magnificent views. Approaching the museum, you once again realize how important the sea is for Santander, because without it the city would hardly exist.

The museum is divided into 4 thematic sections.

Open every day except Monday.

Ticket price: 8EUR

Museum of Contemporary Art of Santander and Cantabria

The museum is located in a building that was built in the 20s of the last century as a municipal library. Initially it was the city museum of fine arts. The museum finally acquired a new concept and name in 2011. The most valuable painting in the gallery is Goya's portrait of Ferdinand VII. In addition, the museum displays about a hundred paintings by Spanish, Flemish and Italian masters of the 16th-18th centuries. Most of the collection is modern paintings. The museum hosts 10-12 exhibitions annually. The museum was closed in 2017 for renovations and will open in 2018.

Museum of Prehistory and Archeology

The museum is located in the city center in a historical building. From 2008 to 2010, the museum was completely renovated and now impresses with its excellent modern exhibitions. Unfortunately, the museum is small, and its area does not allow visitors to show all the exhibits of a very rich collection.

The museum is open every day except Monday.

Admission 5EUR, Sunday afternoons are free.

Water Museum

This small museum tells the history of the city's water supply, the most interesting part of which is the 19th century reserve storage facility.

Entrance to the museum is free.

Firefighters Museum

A city that has experienced a terrible tragedy has a special relationship with firefighters. A wonderful exhibit for boys and perhaps girls interested in the work of firefighters. Exhibits are presented that tell the history of the fire department.

Free admission.

Parks

Santander is a very green and very walkable city. It is leisurely walks around this city that have a special, indescribable value. Parks are perfect for this.

La Magdalena

It all started in 1861, when Queen Isabella II decided to relax “on the waters” and do it in Santander. The Spanish nobility followed her, and King Alfonso XIII, Isabella’s grandson, decided that a better place for a summer residence could not be found. In 1912, construction of a palace for the royal family on the picturesque peninsula was completed.

During this period, Santander became a capital city every summer. But the times of the Belle Epoque, which lasted in Spain until the early 1930s, passed, the monarchy was overthrown, and the palace was taken away from the royal family. It was used for various purposes; at one time the building belonged to the university, and it was here that summer course students studied, showing bikinis to conservative Spaniards. At the end of the last century, the palace was restored, and now it can again be seen in all its splendor.

Currently, the palace is used for various events, congresses and conferences. You can also hold a wedding here.

Visiting the palace is only possible with a guide; there is no choice of language - only Spanish. The cost of the excursion is 3 EUR.

The palace is surrounded by a beautiful park, through which you can go down to the beach of the same name.

And admire the incredibly beautiful panorama.

Replicas of ancient ships are also presented here; they were installed in honor of the discoverer of the Amazon, Francisco Orellana. These ships are real travelers who participated in Victor Alsar's expeditions across the Pacific Ocean.

The youngest tourists will be delighted by the mini-zoo with penguins, fur seals and sea lions.

What to see in 1 day

Thanks to Santander's small size, it can be explored in one day at a calm, measured pace. Unless you have to choose whether to visit museums, spend time shopping, swim on one of the beaches or go on a boat trip. But I am sure that you will accomplish most of the tourist activities that are important to you.

• Start your walk from the Pereda Gardens, where the tourist office is located. Here you can get a city map and other information that interests you.

• Next, go to the Cathedral. But if you come to the city by bus, you won't miss it, since the Cathedral is right on the way to the tourist office.
• After a walk among the cedars and magnolias of the Pereda Gardens, begin your exploration of Santander's Old Town. Notice the majestic bank buildings. Don't miss Porticada Square, which has become the symbol of Santander, which was rebuilt after the fire.

• A stone's throw from it is Town Hall Square, always lively and crowded. This is a favorite meeting place for townspeople.

• Behind the city hall is the Esperanza market. It was opened in 1904, its creators, the architects Eduardo Reinals and Juan Moya, were awarded the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando. Be sure to visit the market building; the abundance of fish rows looks especially impressive.

• The Museum of Fine Arts is closed for now, but I recommend visiting the Menedes Pelayo Library. Visiting is free, but is only possible until 11:30, after which time researchers begin working here.

• Continuing along Jesús de Monasterio and San Fernando streets, the city's most important shopping streets, you can do a little shopping. Or a lot. It's just how you like it. If hunger strikes you in this part of the city, you can have an excellent lunch on Vargas Street, parallel to San Fernando.
• Coming full circle, we return to the Peredo Gardens. Pleasure boats run from the Palacete del Embarcadero here. An hour-long walk will be very pleasant in good weather, it will give you the opportunity to see Santander from the sea and at the same time relax a little.

• Returning from the boat trip, we head to the La Magdalena peninsula, along the way we will be curious about the touching sculptures of Los Raqueros. This composition takes us back to the beginning of the last century and depicts local boys diving for coins that tourists threw to them.

• We finish our acquaintance with Santander on the Sardinero promenade.

What to see in the area

While staying in Santander, you can and should travel around Cantabria. The towns of Castro Urdiales, Comillas, and Santillana del Mar are within an hour's drive by bus.

Be sure to visit Cabarceno Park, it’s only about twenty minutes away; there are organized excursions that include travel and a tour directly through the park. The park area is large; if you arrive by public transport or walk, you may not see much.

You can also visit the Altamira Cave Museum.

Public transport in Cantabria is excellent, comfortable buses run on schedule and are inexpensive - from 2 to 9 EUR depending on the distance.

Food. What to try

Try everything! Because everything is very tasty. Of course, first of all it is fish and seafood. Incredibly tasty and fresh. Everywhere. Classic Cantabrian tapas - rabas, battered squid, a simple and very popular dish.

Various types of fish in different designs. Seafood: octopus, shrimp, lobster, all kinds of shells, oysters and persebes.

Meat dishes are also incredibly good. Don't make the mistake of ignoring meat dishes just because there is an abundance of fish. This is something not to be missed.

The cheeses are, of course, Cantabrian cheeses:

• Queso Nata de Cantabria, cream cheese made from cow's milk,

• Queso de Liébana, sometimes smoked or not, is made from two or three types of milk, sheep, goat, cow,

Queso Picón Bejes – Trevisco - the cheese is made from a mixture of different types of dairy products, matures in caves for at least two months, has a bluish-green hue and a very strong smell.

Staying in an apartment, you can try your culinary skills, and then a walk through the Esperanza market will turn from an excursion into a business one. But I, for example, don’t risk cooking seafood - I’m afraid of spoiling it. Here's fish - yes, it's easier.

Buying groceries at the market is fun, so it's not very budget-friendly. For purely practical purposes, it is still better to go to the supermarket. There are various chain stores in Santander, I love Mercadona for its excellent selection of fish and seafood and the lowest prices. But in general, the assortment is probably better at Carrefour. In addition to chain stores, there are also many small shops, some specialized and some not. Their prices are usually a little higher than online ones.

At any time of the day or half the night you can enjoy the wonderful cuisine of Santander. I would like to note that finding a place where you will be fed tastelessly is a difficult, almost impossible task. Santander is not the most budget-friendly city, but if you approach the issue of food wisely, you will be able to appreciate its culinary attractions and not go broke. Lunch, menu del dia, will cost about 13-15EUR, this amount usually includes two dishes, bread, beer or wine; when ordering wine, they often bring a whole bottle, and coffee or dessert.

In the evening, a walk through the gastro bars is a must; such a dinner, of course, will not go to the enemy, but will give you the opportunity to try some goodies and not overeat at night.

Budget

• Dias Desur, Calle Hernan Cortes 47
• Casa Goria, Calle Del Rio de la Pila, 12
• La Casa del Indiano, Calle Hernan Cortes, 4
• Casa Ajero, Calle Daoiz y Velarde, 18

Mid-level

• Refugio del Pescador, Calle Corbanera 104
• Marucho, Calle Tetuan, 21
• La Mulata, Calle Andres del Rio 7

Expensive

• La Bombi, calle Casimiro Sainz, 15
• El Puerto, calle Hernan Cortes, 63
• La Posada del Mar, calle Castela, 19

Holidays

The brightest holidays of Santander occur in the summer, so tourists have a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with this vibrant side of city life.

Virgen del Mar

The holiday is held in late May-early June, depending on the church calendar, and is dedicated to the patron saint of the city. On this day there is a solemn procession to the Ermita Virgen del Mar. The most interesting event is a theatrical reconstruction of the events of 1590, when Dutch pirates attacked and plundered the Ermita.

San Juan

Like all coastal cities, Santander celebrates the summer solstice. The main bonfire is set up on the Second Beach of Sardinero.

El Carmen

On July 16, Santander celebrates a holiday in honor of la Virgen de Carmen, the patroness of all those at sea. This is one of the most colorful holidays; the main action takes place in Barrio Pesquero. Here you can watch a procession of beautifully decorated boats accompanying the image of the Virgin Mary. Other theatrical performances are also held.

Banos de Ola

The fashion for holidays “on the waters” and the choice of Santander as the site of the royal residence changed the appearance of the city at the beginning of the twentieth century, and it would be even strange if a holiday were not dedicated to such wonderful times.

In mid-July, Santander recreates the "belle epoque" atmosphere with lots of people dressed in appropriate style, tents on the beach and plenty of entertainment.

Santiago

July in Santander is an endless holiday. On July 24, the La Semana Grande celebrations begin on Town Hall Square, there are explosions, a parade of giant dolls, fireworks, various shows, restaurant competitions, a fair takes place in the Campos de Sport de El Sardinero parking lot, and on the same days a bullfight is held, one of the most significant in northern Spain.

Safety. What to watch out for

In Santander, as in any decent city, you should beware of pickpockets. Maybe. I would be careful just in case, but actually I’ve never heard of them in the north of Spain. Santander is a calm and quite safe city.

Things to do

The first and most important thing to do in Santander is to relax. Wander aimlessly along the streets and embankments, go on walking trails along the coast, take a boat ride, enjoy great food, lazily shop and just enjoy life.

Shopping and shops

In Santander, like in every more or less large city, there are shopping malls, they are located at some distance from the center:

In my opinion, it is much more pleasant to wander around the shops in the city center, combining shopping with exploring the main streets, where you can sit, drink a cup of coffee, watching people pass by, or go to a bar and have a tapas. In addition, among the chain stores, you can find very interesting designer boutiques. The main shopping streets in Santander are Calle Burgos and Calle Hernan Cortes.

Bars. Where to go

Going to tapas bars is an integral part of the life of Spaniards, and, of course, an obligatory part of the tourist program. The level of gastronomy in Santander is very high and the variety of bars is amazing. What to choose? I would venture to recommend a few.

Clubs and nightlife

Bar hopping, trying your luck at the casino, having fun in nightclubs - this is all the nightlife in Santander. The city will not let you get bored either day or night. Nightclubs in Santander operate differently, most are closed on Sunday and Monday, many open quite early, around 9-10 pm, and close at 4-6 am. The cost of cocktails is on average 5-7EUR, a glass of wine or beer - 2 EUR. Entry for girls is often free. When planning to go to nightclubs, pay attention to these:

• El Divino is one of the most popular clubs in Santander, designed like a theater with classic decor, and has an outdoor terrace in summer. Closed: Sunday and Monday.
• Rocambole - this club has been around for over 20 years. Concerts are often held here. Open seven days a week, admission 10 EUR for men, free for girls.
• Malaspina is another very popular club, open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Entrance for men - 6 EUR.

How to get around the city

The best way to get to know Santander is to walk around it. The distances are short, and along the way you can see a lot of interesting things. Alternatively, you can ride a bicycle.

A tourist bus runs around Santander, its route runs mainly along the coastline, lasts one hour, stops in 8 places. Cost - 15 EUR. In my opinion, the price is too high, and I don’t see much point in such an excursion.

I advise you to get a special plan from the tourist office with the routes of city buses that go to tourist places.

A complete map of bus routes can be downloaded. Ticket price is 1.3EUR, ticket for one trip without transfers.

Transport rental

Renting a car in Santander is easy. To do this, you can use any rental car, or you can go to a rental office.

Choosing a rental company is a delicate matter; for example, we usually focus simply on price. There is no particular preference for any companies. The main thing is to read the contract carefully. Rental requirements are absolutely standard: an international driving license, a credit card in the driver’s name.

You won’t need a car to get around the city; rather, it will be a burden. For short radial trips, I wouldn’t rent a car either; it’s more convenient to use public transport. But if you plan frequent trips around the surrounding area, especially with a natural inclination, then a car will come in very handy.

You can also rent a bike from the city system. To register a rental, you need a credit card; a small deposit will be blocked on it. The cost of a one-day subscription is 2.08 EUR plus 0.63 EUR/hour. Having received a special card, you can take a bike in one place and leave it in another, the actual time is read. Very comfortably.

Santander - holidays with children

Santander is a great place to holiday with children, especially in summer. The only thing that many parents may not like is the cool sea water. If this moment doesn’t bother you, the rest of the place is excellent.

Santander has beautiful sandy beaches with a smooth entry into the water and various children's entertainment, and many excellent playgrounds. If the sky gets cloudy, you can go for a walk on the La Magdalena Peninsula or go to Cabárceno Park, visit Forestal Park with aerial paths in the trees. If the weather is really bad, you can go to the various museums of Santander.

It seems to me that there shouldn’t be any problems with nutrition either. Not every child will eat octopus and steaks, but del Dia's menu almost always includes a chicken dish as one of the options.

The capital of Cantabria is one of the most noble and aristocratic cities not only in Spain, but throughout the entire Earth. Perhaps the most beautiful and visited place in Santander is the pedestrian promenade running along Paseo de Pereda and Castellar streets. The granite-paved promenade, which once served as a quay for fishing and transport vessels, is located on the shores of the magnificent Santander Bay (Bahia de Sentander), opposite the mountain (Peña Cabarga). The walk starts from the currently under construction Centro Botin and ends at one of the buildings of the University of Cantabria and the Aquatics Center. There are benches comfortably located on the embankment to bask in the gentle Cantabrian sun, and a small station from where a passenger ferry departs every 30 minutes to the wonderful resort town (Somo).

The history of the founding of Santander began during the era of the conquest of these places by the Roman Empire. It was then, in 26 AD. The Romans founded here the port city of Portus Victoriae Iuliobrigensium, which became their outpost on Biscay, along with three other harbors: Portus Blendium (Suances), Portus Vereasueca (San Vicente de la Barquera), and Portus Samanum, or Flaviobriga (Castro Urdiales). The capital of the Cantabrian possessions of the Romans, at that time, was Juliobriga, near Reynosa.

Unfortunately, after the departure of the Roman Empire from Spain, around the 3rd century, it is almost impossible to find anything about Santander until the 13th century, when the city became a refuge for the Spanish Visigoths, who brought here for safekeeping the relics of two saints: Emeterio (San Emeterio) and Celedonio ( San Seledonio). During the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors, the remains were hidden in former Roman baths. Subsequently, they served as the site for the construction of the main attraction of the city - the city Cathedral (Catedral de Santander). This will play an important role for the city in the future. There will even be a legend that the heads of the murdered Emeterio and Celedonio, after the persecution of Diolectian, were brought to Santander by boat as a shrine. Since then, these two saints have been powerful patrons of the capital of Cantabria.

By the way, the very name of the city, Santander, comes precisely from the names of its patrons, when the Latin Sancti Emeteri was transformed into San Emeteri, and later into Santander.

By the 13th century, Santander was experiencing rapid development through commercial maritime activities, with approximately 2,000 inhabitants. The city begins to form buildings around two “nuclei”: the Cathedral - Calle Alta, moving into the area of ​​​​the current streets of San Francisco - Santa Clara. By the 15th century, the population of the city reached 6,000 people. However, at the end of this century, a plague came to the city on board one of the ships, which seriously affected the mortality rate of the population. After 200 years, Santander will have only 5,000 inhabitants.

In the 17th century, despite the diversion of a large part of maritime cargo traffic by neighboring Bilbao, Santander remained a significant player in cargo transshipment. This was facilitated by the opening of the trade route deep into the mainland “Camino de Reinosa”, along which wool and products from other Castilian provinces were transported to the port; this became especially important after the Cantabrian capital became involved in trade with the colonies in South America.

The 19th century was truly an era of full-fledged prosperity for Santander, which was not prevented even by the crisis of the beginning of the century associated with the war with Napoleon. The port has strong cargo flows of both imported colonial goods and products from the interior of the country exported. Another powerful boost to the region's economy was the opening of the railway between Santander and Alar del Rey. At this time the city was even called “Spanish Liverpool”.

After Santandr was granted city status by King Fernando VI in 1755, active development of Paseo de Pereda began, and by 1766 the first five adjacent neighborhoods appeared. In 1827, the famous building appeared on the street, which is now the headquarters of the Santander Bank. Subsequently, new residential areas are growing towards Puerto Chico, Castellar and Reina Victoria streets, which are a natural extension of Paseo de Pereda. New buildings and neighborhoods are emerging thanks to the fruitful work of municipal architect Ramón Lavín Casalís. The complex of buildings on Paseo de Pereda dates back to the construction of the 18th-19th centuries, among which we can also highlight the creations in the classical Baroque style, built by Atilano Rodríguez Collado between 1882-1885. Fortunately, all these buildings survived the great fire of 1941, which became the greatest disaster for Santander.

Enjoy your walk around Santander!

I have long dreamed of visiting Santander, the center of the Spanish region of Cantabria. Of course, the statues of bathing boys on the city embankment are to blame for everything.

I came across their photographs on the Internet more than once. They evoked strong associations with Daineka’s painting “Future Pilots”, and at the same time with numerous Soviet films about the everyday life of a classic pioneer camp: scenes with jumping over a river from the same “Welcome or No Trespassing”, when looking at the sculptural group, as they say, they came to mind , automatically.

It is believed that the best period to visit Santander is: early June - late September. At this time, it is not too rainy here, and the wind blows from the ocean moderately, bringing only pleasant coolness, but not knocking you down.

If we talk about the famous Spanish summer heat, which many people are afraid of for obvious reasons, then in the case of Calabria in general and Santander in particular, there is no need to worry. It almost never gets too hot here; for example, in July the air temperature stays around 20-27 degrees.

Like all Spanish cities, Santander is a place with history. There is an assumption that in ancient times there was a Roman port here. However, the first documentary mention of this place dates back to 1068, when Castile, a medieval kingdom that later became part of Spain, was ruled by King Sancho II the Strong.

Of course, the story about Santander discovered by historians is associated with a Christian legend. Like, in the ninth run, two boats landed on the local rocky shores. The remains of Saints Emeterius and Celedonius were discovered in them, whom Emperor Diocletian, who ruled in Rome in the second half of the third - early fourth century AD, ordered to be beheaded for refusing to renounce their faith in Christ.

Several centuries later, the heads of Emeterius and Celedonius were hidden in a stone boat, which was sent to freely sail the seas in order to protect the relics of the Saints from the hordes of advancing Muslims. Off the coast of modern Santander, the boat miraculously split into two parts and landed on the hill of Somorrostro, where the Abbey of the Holy Bodies was founded in the 9th century. A city arose near it. Actually, according to many etymologists, the name Santander is just an abbreviation for the long phrase Portus Sanctorum Emeterii et Celedonii.

I hasten to upset antiquity lovers right away: there is tension with this matter in Santander. No, the pirates, who desperately ravaged many coastal cities of Spain with their raids, have absolutely nothing to do with this. It’s just that in 1941 a terrible fire happened in Santander. It raged for several days and completely destroyed the city center, which was rebuilt from scratch in the 20th century.

In general, if you take a closer look at the history of Santander, you will have to admit: the city was regularly desperately unlucky. Here are just a few examples. In 1497, the fleet of Margaret of Austria, the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Kaiser Maximilian I, arrived here from Flanders. Plague raged on the ships, the infection immediately spread to the entire city and the result was sad. The disease decimated the population of Santander: out of 8,000 people, only 2,000 survived.

Or let us remember the events of the 19th century. In 1893, the Cabo Machichaco, a ship carrying dynamite, exploded in the city port. 590 people died, about 2000 more were injured, and the fact that the port and the streets closest to it were seriously damaged by fire in the light of what was described above seems almost “nonsense, an everyday matter.”

Port of Santander, photograph from 1867

However, it seems Santander's destiny is to be forever reborn from the ashes. And associations with the Phoenix bird would be completely appropriate here. Today, about 180 thousand people live here, and the city is economically successful. It is worth mentioning just one well-known fact: the Botin family comes from here. Since 1909, its representatives have been part of Banco Santander, the largest financial and credit group in Spain.

Pictured: Grupo Santander headquarters in Santander

It was Santander native Emilio Botin, who became the head of the bank in 1986, who managed to make Grupo Santander the most powerful financial institution in Spain. In addition, today the bank occupies leading positions in the UK and Latin America. However, the latter is logical, because Banco Santander was established by decree of Queen Isabella II in 1857 precisely for intensive investment in trade between Spain and its colonies in the New World.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SANTANDER?

1. VISIT CENTRO BOTIN

I mentioned the Botín family and Santander Bank for a reason. The fact is that the main attraction of Santander is directly connected with them. This is a center for contemporary art, which is located on the city embankment. It is called Centro Botin, and its official opening took place quite recently - in June 2017.

In the photo: Botin Center, source – Centro Botin

The unusual building of Centro Botin will remind many of an open spaceship, the entrance to which is located in the middle of the hull. It was created by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, according to whose design the Pompidou Center in Paris was built. If we move from form to filling, then Centro Botin is a several times improved analogue of the Moscow “Garage”. Its space is rented out for exhibitions; during our visit there was an exhibition of works by Joan (Juan) Miró.

If you are far from art, still stop by Centro Botin to stroll along its open balconies, and at the same time drink wine and have a snack in the cafe on the ground floor of the art space. There are panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, and the summer veranda of the establishment is located right on the city embankment. The prices in the cafe are low, the quality of the food is high, and the terrace tables are located under the canopy of the exhibition center, so you can hang out there even during heavy rains, which are not uncommon in this area of ​​Spain.

In the photo: glass balconies of the Botin center

If you prefer classical art to modern art and have a good understanding of Spanish painting, then it makes sense for you to look into the Museo de Bellas Artes - the Santander Museum of Fine Arts. His collection includes paintings by Goya, works by Maria Fortuny and Eduardo Rosales.

2. WALK ALONG THE CITY EMBANKMENT

For local residents, the Santander embankment is a multifunctional place. Here you can simply go to the promenade, you can sit in one of the cafes, or you can sunbathe on its stone parapet or dive from it into the waters of the Atlantic.

Actually, this process is illustrated by a sculptural group depicting naked teenagers about to jump into the coastal waves. On hot days, next to the bronze boys you can see living children doing the same thing.

3. TOUCH HISTORY

The main surviving landmark of Santander is the city Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To some extent this is true. The construction of the cathedral on the hill of Somorrostro, where, according to legend, the boats with the severed heads of Saints Emeterius and Celedonius landed, began in the 9th century, and its current building roughly dates back to the 12th century.

In the photo: Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Why conditional? The fact is that in the 19th and 20th centuries the cathedral was destroyed several times: first due to a dynamite explosion in the port, then during a fire in 1941. So the current building in the Gothic style is the result of a large-scale reconstruction. At the same time, the relics of Saints Emeterius and Celedonius survived and are kept in the cathedral to this day.

Architecture buffs can also take a look at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, built in 1890, and the Baroque Church of St. Lucia, again built in the 19th century. The second building, by the way, is also not entirely original. The fire of 1941 destroyed it almost to the ground, but by 1953 the church was literally rebuilt stone by stone.

4. EAT ANCHOVIES AND DRINK WINE

As you know, in Spain there is no shame in treating yourself to a glass of wine at lunchtime, and at 17.00-18.00 stopping by the bar for an evening aperitif is a completely sacred thing. There are a lot of tapas bars in Santander. Some even offer fresh oysters as appetizers.

In the photo: cava and oysters at the Santander market

However, the most original local snacks: canned navajas and anchovies. And, I’ll say right away, this is the best accompaniment to white wine! Especially the anchovies: spicy, juicy, a sort of Castilian alternative to our pickled cucumbers.

Pictured: canned navaja and anchovies

I ate a whole jar and ordered a second one! The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise you won’t have time to get hungry before dinner. Yes, they serve anchovies and navaja directly in cans; with a fork you simply pick up the product and put it in your mouth. Those who love classic Spanish tapas can easily find traditional snacks in local bars, for example, the well-known patatas bravas.

5. ALL TO THE BEACH!

After exploring the center, head to the most fun district of Santander - El Sardinero. Actually, here an ordinary city turns into a garden city. In fact, there are two gardens in El Sardinero: Piquio and Mesones Park, but, most importantly, the local beach Primera playa del Sardinero. A long coastline with completely snow-white sand, which turns pink at sunset, wild waves and clear water.

One minus is that it’s a bit cold: after all, we’re on the Atlantic. Therefore, going into the water out of habit seems like a test, however, after only about three minutes the body gets used to the invigorating coolness of the ocean waves, the unpleasant sensation goes away, and you get nothing but pleasure from swimming. By the way, locals also go to El Sardinero to surf – the waves off the coast are sometimes very rough.

6. GO TO THE PENINSULA OF LA MAGDALENA

A city bus departs from the Primera playa del Sardinero beach every half hour, taking you to the La Magdalena peninsula, another resort and entertainment area of ​​the city, in 15 minutes. Those who loved the cartoon “We came to the port today” as a child will be curious to take a look at the Dock of the Caravels - caravels moored to the shore, which exist today as museum exhibits.

But, most importantly, there is a royal palace here, built at the beginning of the 20th century for the monarch Alfonso XIII, who decided to turn Santander into a respectable Spanish resort and was very successful in this. The residence, designed by Javier Gonzalez-Riancho and Gonzalo Vega, with its turrets and carved balconies, looks like a toy from afar.

In the photo: the royal residence of Alfonso XIII

The architects admitted that they were inspired by the architectural trends of medieval Europe and based their fantasies on them, while the premises of the stables in the residence are a direct reference to the English village of the Middle Ages. There is also a lighthouse on La Magdalena called Faro de La Cerda.

7. GO TO THE FARO CABO MAYOR LIGHTHOUSE

The most beautiful lighthouse of Santander - Faro Cabo Mayor - is located on the mountain above the city. And this is the best place to admire the sunset.

The lighthouse flaunts on the cliff. In its building today there is a museum, the visit to which is completely free, so you can look there purely out of curiosity. Inside are photographs of the lighthouse over the years, as well as paintings in which it is depicted. There is a café next door offering classic snacks, wine and coffee.

After refreshing yourself, go along the path leading from the lighthouse to the edge of the cape, where there is an observation deck. The walk is completely safe, and at the end you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, which tirelessly breaks its blue-green waves against the black stones of the coastal cliffs.

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Yulia Malkova- Yulia Malkova - founder of the website project. In the past, he was the editor-in-chief of the elle.ru Internet project and the editor-in-chief of the cosmo.ru website. I talk about travel for my own pleasure and the pleasure of my readers. If you are a representative of hotels or a tourism office, but we do not know each other, you can contact me by email: [email protected]

A city with a thousand-year history on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cathedral

The founders of Santander in Spain are considered to be the Romans, who built a port here at the beginning of the 1st century AD. Nothing more was known about the harbor until the 9th century, when the Asturian king Alfonso II ordered the foundation of the Abbey of the Holy Corps on the territory of what is now Spanish Santander. The relics of Saints Emeterius and Celedonius, who suffered in the struggle for the Christian faith, were transferred to it. According to legend, when the boat with the relics moored to the shore of Spanish Santander, the rocks moved apart by themselves, and the shrines found refuge near the Somorrostro hill. On this hill the construction of the current Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary began, Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Santander

The Cathedral is one of the main attractions of Santander, miraculously preserved to this day. The fact is that most of Santander's attractions were destroyed by an explosion on board the ship Cabo Machichaco at the end of the 19th century. It was carrying 51 tons of dynamite. Everything that survived the explosion in Spanish Santander was burned in a fire. In February 1941, the fire burned for two days and destroyed 37 medieval streets with ancient buildings. As a result, Santander in Spain was almost completely rebuilt. The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary took 10 years to restore.

Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Another of the Christian shrines of Santander in Spain is the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús was built in 1890 according to the design of the architect José Maria Basterra in the form of a Latin cross. The temple vaults are supported by 12 pillars, equal to the number of apostles, and at the entrance, next to the tower, there is a monument to the Sacred Heart - Sagrado de Corazón. Thanks to its original exterior and frescoes, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the main attractions of Santander, a favorite wedding venue for newlyweds and a constant subject for photos in Santander.

Beaches of Santander in Spain

Simultaneously with the construction of the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, a tourist boom begins in Spanish Santander. Travelers from all over the world are attracted not only by the sights of Santander, but also by its natural landscapes. In the bay of the same name there are practically no waves or wind. Taking advantage of this geographical advantage, local authorities created 12 pristine sandy beaches within the Spanish Santander. The most popular of them today are El Sardinero, Las Mataleñas, Virgen del Mar and Los Peligros. The latter is especially good for diving enthusiasts.

Santander Casino in Spain

The El Sardinero beach area in Spanish Santander has gradually turned into the tourist center of the city, acquiring hotels, restaurants and gambling houses. To this day, the largest casino in Cantabria remains El Gran Casino Sardinero, which opened in 1916 in Piazza Italia. In the Art Nouveau building, built by architect Eloy Martinez del Valle, they not only played roulette, but also danced, staged musicals and opera performances. During the Franco dictatorship, this Santander landmark housed a cinema. And after the restoration of the monarchy, El Gran Casino Sardinero returned to its former status.

Royal Palace on the Magdalena Peninsula

The monarchs chose Santander in Spain and made it their summer residence. By order of King Alfonso XIII, a palace of the same name was built on the Magdalena Peninsula (La Magdalena) in 1912. The eclectic building is reminiscent of similar structures in England during the time of Queen Victoria. After the 1931 revolution it was transferred to the university. Today, three caravels are exhibited in the palace park and there is a mini-zoo with seals, sea lions and penguins. The peninsula offers an unparalleled view of the Faro de Cabo Mayor lighthouse, built back in 1839. It houses an art museum. And the lighthouse itself is one of the main attributes of all Santander postcard photos.

Not only the La Magdalena peninsula, but also the many kilometers of Santander promenade in Spain offer tourists long walks. The Palace of Festivals of Cantabria, Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria, is worthy of attention. Built in 1990, the Santander landmark still causes a lot of controversy. For some residents of the kingdom, the Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria resembles a dog lying with its paws up. Others are outraged by the gigantic size and lack of natural light inside the building. Still others are puzzled by the strange passage to the stalls under the stage and the insufficient space between the rows of seats. The dissatisfaction is aggravated by the exceeded construction budget. Last year, visitors to the Idealista portal included the Palace in the list of the 13 ugliest buildings in Spain.

Pereda Street and Park

Next to the Palace of Festivals is the campus of the University of Cantabria, one of the youngest universities in Spain. 13 thousand students study here in 14 areas, including schools of marine research, medicine and environmental engineering. Just behind the university is the Royal Nautical Club of Santander in Spain, where one of the most picturesque streets of the city, Paceo de Pereda, begins. Among the main attractions of Santander on this street are a small park named after the Spanish writer José Maria de Pereda - Jardines de Pereda, and the majestic building of the Santander bank in the neoclassical style.

Santander, Spain's mild oceanic climate attracts visitors all year round. The average air temperature here in winter reaches 13 degrees, in summer – 23 degrees. Getting to Santander in Spain is easy. The city has its own airport, railway and bus stations, and a seaport, from where there is a constant ferry connection with British Plymouth. The exciting journey from Santander in Spain to England takes exactly 24 hours.

If you are planning to do trip to Spain, visit northern cities or spend time on the southern beaches of the country, company“Spain in Russian” will help organize your trip in the best possible way. We offer more than 100 types of services: from obtaining a visa and booking a hotel in Spain to renting a yacht and organizing an individual excursion program. Contact us by phone numbers listed on the website or by email and make your trip unforgettable!