Santander, a city in northern Spain, on the edge of the Cantabrian Sea and located in one of the most beautiful bays in the world, is a must see place to visit, over all, for two reasons: the beauty of its streets and its closeness to a nature area that is host to impressive natural scenery
A former fishing village, Santander deserves spending several days in to wander aimlessly through its streets as well as visit its surrounding areas. As this is not always possible, here we leave you with ten must see places or what you’ve got to do if you haven’t got a lot of time.
1. The Cathedral
The Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral is a precious Gothic temple, (reformed after a fire that destroyed the city in 1941), declared a Building of Cultural Interest and is different from those that you can see in other parts of Spain.
2. The Plaza Porticada
Built after the fire of 1941, it is the city’s main square, a lovely setting inspired by the ancient customs of the eighteenth century, and considered, for forty years, the “square of music,” because it was here that was held the Santander International Festival until the nineties.
3. Banco de Santander
Headquarters of Banco Santander, its fame not only lies in this, but also in its architecture, crowned with several sculptures on top.
4. Magdalena Palace
Located at the top of a fantastic natural enclave, the Magdalena Peninsula, in the outskirts of Santander. Don’t forget to visit this palace, that is celebrating its centenary.
5. Menéndez Pelayo Library
This place is beautiful from outside, but even better inside: stained glass on the ceiling and the walls, huge and elegant wooden shelves full of books… Everything to make you feel like you’ve traveled to another time.
6. Gran Casino Sardinero
Built in the year 1916, it’s a legendary building in the city that, even if you don’t like to play, deserves a visit.
7. Beaches
If there’s good weather, don’t forget to swim at one of the following beaches: Sardinero and Magdalena beaches. And if you want to hear the sound of the sea surrounded by green landscapes, don’t forget the Mataleñas Beach.
8. Museums and cultural offerings
Culture is also important here, something that can be seen in its variety: from the courses and seminars given in the famous Menéndez Pelayo University, to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Santander, the Cantabrian Maritime Museum or the Museum Prehistory, among many others …
9. Paseo and Pereda Gardens
The Paseo de Pereda is an wide Santander street leading to Puertochico. It is full of buildings from the eighteenth to the twentieth century and large tree filled gardens.
10. Vincci Puertochico 4* Hotel
And we couldn’t finish our minitour of Santander without recommending our Vincci Puertochico 4*. Facing the bay and Puertochico area, the establishment is in an ideal location to stay when visiting the city, both for its location, near the center, a few minutes from the beach and next to one of the most “vibrant” areas, and for the quality that characterizes all of our hotels.
With 52 comfortable rooms, it also has a bar lounge and other services, among them a magnificent breakfast buffet. Also we offer different promotions to be able to always travel at the best price.