Santander

Santander is a beautiful coastal city sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. It is a popular seaside resort which welcomes both Spanish and foreign tourists.
There is a busy cargo port as well as one for passengers. Many visitors come by ferry, the crossing from the Plymouth (UK) takes only 24hours.

During the 15th and 16th century Santander was granted the privilege of exporting wool from Castille to Flanders and Antwerp in Belgium. At the end of the 19th century it was at the height of its fame mainly because the aristocracy began to spend their holidays there. It was a fashionable resort for the Spanish king, Alfonso X111and his queen,Victoria Eugenia. Sadly, much of the old quarter was destroyed by a fire in 194, although many of the buildings have now been successfully restored. Santander is considered as one of the most beautiful cities on the Cantabrian coast, thus, tourism is one of the main activities.

The Sardinero area stretches from the Magdalena palace to Mataleñas beach the real centre of the Sardinero is “Plaza de Italia” square where there are lots of pavement cafes.There are also many magnificent historic buildings: The Hotel Real, neo-classic style, was built in 1917, the Casino which dominates the area was built in 1916 and the Magdalena Palace which is now the Menendez Pelayo International University where students both nationals and overseas come to courses during the summer months.

Beaches

Mataleñas is the main beach in the Sardinero area, but just a few kilometres from Santander there are other beautiful beaches: Noja, Oriñon, Suances, and Liencres where there famous “Dunas de Liencres” sand dunes are found.

Cantabria Tourist Office

Hernán Cortés, 4
(Mercado del Este), Santander
Phone: +34 942 310 708