Discover Santander: Culture, Coast and History

Santander’s Centro Botín is a place where architecture, art and creative development come together: the building was designed by Renzo Piano and is a space for art and creative development. It has two large exhibition halls and an auditorium with a capacity of 300 people.

Culture

The Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico offers more than 3,000 m² of exhibition space. The maritime exhibition is divided into four areas covering marine life, fishermen and fishing, maritime history, and maritime technology. In Santander, architectural, artistic and maritime themes therefore come together in clearly distinct exhibition venues.

History

The Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was declared a national monument in 1931. The Centro Arqueológico de la Muralla Medieval displays ceramics, coins and other objects recovered during the restoration of the site. The centre also preserves a section of Santander’s medieval city wall, which was built after the granting of the Fuero in 1187.

The bell tower of the cathedral complex houses the Centro de Interpretación de la Historia de la Ciudad. It explains the history of the buildings and the city; a visit offers panoramic views over the city from the top of the bell tower. The Mercado de La Esperanza is an outstanding example of 19th-century iron architecture in Spain.

Coast and Nature

Santander Bay is considered a refuge for biodiversity and attracts birdwatchers and nature lovers. The La Magdalena Peninsula covers 24.5 hectares. The Palacio de La Magdalena was the summer residence of Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia and has been the main venue for the summer courses of the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo (UIMP) since 1933.

The La Magdalena Peninsula can be explored by tourist train, which explains its history during the journey. On the peninsula, visitors can see seals, sea lions and penguins in an open-air marine enclosure. The Senda de Mataleñas passes small beaches, cliffs and parks.

Primera de El Sardinero was promoted from 1847 onwards as suitable for therapeutic sea bathing. For planning the day, coastal paths, nature observation and historical sightseeing can be treated as separate focal points alongside one another.

Getting Around the City

Santander city centre can be explored on foot, as the distances are relatively short.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Santander, compare travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the accommodation listing pages. For planning your trip, exhibitions, historical sites, coastal paths, nature observation and food can be given different levels of priority.

Other places you can discover: Herrera De Ibio, Vega De Pas, Los Tojos, Gibaja, Caviedes, Bostronizo, Valmeo, Hermandad De Campoo De Suso.

Culinary Delights

In Santander, you can enjoy fish and seafood in restaurants and taverns.

To the main travel overview: Cantabria.