VINCCI TALKS – EPISODE 17: ‘THE ART OF LIVING IN SANTANDER’

In our Vincci Talks podcast, “The Art of Conversation”, we explore destinations, stories, and the people who give meaning to every experience.

After celebrating our journey through 25 years of history with a voyage that looked both to the past and the future, we once again turn our attention to the places that inspire us and the unique way in which they are lived and experienced.

In this new episode, we head north, with the Cantabrian Sea as our backdrop and the sea breeze as our constant companion, to discover “The Art of Living Santander”.

A city of open seas and gentle light, effortless elegance, and endless promenades; a destination that has evolved while preserving the calm and authenticity that make it truly unforgettable.

To truly understand a city, it is not enough to walk its streets; you must see it through the eyes of those who love it and live it every day. Joining us in this episode are two key voices: Gema Igual, the city's mayor, who reveals the most human, everyday, and intimate side of the Cantabrian capital; and Carlos Zamora, a renowned restaurateur and the driving force behind some of the city's most iconic venues, who introduces us to the distinctly Cantabrian way of embracing life around the table.

Santander Is Not Just Visited: It Is Felt

There are places that captivate at first sight, but Santander reveals itself through all the senses. As Gema Igual explains, the city changes with every hour, shaped by the light, the tides, and the wind: “The very same landscape, with light or without it, is completely different. Santander smells of the sea and salt air; it must be tasted and truly felt.”

From the vibrant charm of the Mercado de la Esperanza to the authentic seafaring spirit of the Barrio Pesquero; from grilled seafood and the rhythm of the waves along the bay—recognised as one of the 50 most beautiful bays in the world—to the fresh air sweeping across the cliffs of Mataleñas and Costa Quebrada, Santander offers an emotional landscape where mood and weather become inseparable.

This welcoming spirit is nothing new. It dates back more than a century, when the arrival of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenie, together with the construction of the Magdalena Palace, transformed the city's summer life, giving rise to the tradition of the Sea Bathing Festival and establishing Santander's reputation for warm hospitality.

Today, that historic elegance coexists naturally with a city that is comfortable, easy to explore, and forward-looking: the perfect 15-minute city.

Vincci Talks – Episode 17: “The Art of Living Santander”.

The Power of Resetting: Between the Sea, Design, and Culture

If there is one thing that defines Santander, it is its ability to transform everyone who visits. As Carlos Zamora points out, the city has a unique magnetism shaped by its geography: facing south and embracing its magnificent bay, whose appearance changes every six hours with the rhythm of the tides.

Over recent decades, Santander has established itself as a leading destination for design, culture, and innovation. With internationally acclaimed projects such as the Centro Botín, the Santander Lighthouse, and the future home of the Reina Sofía Museum, the city offers a world-class cultural experience that perfectly complements its more than 12 urban beaches, the UNESCO Costa Quebrada Geopark, and the magnificent green valleys that surround it just minutes from the city centre.

The Table as a Meeting Place and the 'Vincci Perspective'

In Santander, gastronomy goes far beyond food: it is conversation, identity, and a shared ritual. From freshly landed rockfish at the fish market and Tudanca beef from the surrounding mountains, to the artisanal tradition of Cantabrian anchovies, rabas (crispy squid rings), sobaos, and quesada cheesecake, dining in Santander is a celebration of local produce and the beauty of simplicity done well.

This way of life can also be experienced at our Vincci Puertochico 4* Hotel, ideally located opposite the marina in the very heart of the bay. It is the perfect starting point for embracing the city's relaxed pace, watching the sunset over the water, or experiencing the unique phenomenon of the South Wind as the light of the Cantabrian Sea illuminates the coastline.

Because true urban luxury lies not only in what you see, but also in the sense of calm and warmth with which you are welcomed. In knowing that, whatever the season, Santander always offers the perfect place to slow down and let time stand still.

Don't miss Episode 17 of our Vincci Talks: “The Art of Living Santander”, and discover a story told from the inside, shaped by the sea, gastronomy, and authenticity, now available on our YouTube and Spotify channels.

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