 This is a very neat city, full of historical buildings where just over one third of the population of Cantabria live and is built around the bay and the beaches.
Santander was an important port for the Crown of Castile in the later Middle Ages, and also for trade with the New World. It officially became a city in 1755 and in 1893 the freighter Cabo Machichaco exploded in the harbour, killing 500 people.
Santander became the favoured summer location for King Alfonso XIII, and it remains popular for vacations to this day, although a fire in 1941 destroyed much of the old part of the city when many thousands of people were left homeless and the city was plunged into chaos.
Tourism
Today Santander remains a popular tourist destination. It is renowned for its mild, (though rainy) climate and listed below are some of the best places to see.
- El Sardinero - the Sardinero beaches are nice urban beaches, certain parts of which are popular among local surfers.
- Casino - next to the Sardinero beach is a European style casino.
- Plaza de Cañadío - the Plaza de Cañadío is a very popular place to start a night of drinking. The Plaza immediately borders seven different bars, and many other taverns are close by.
- The Port with its numerous bars and restaurants with terraces allowing you to sit out and ‘people watch’.
- Puerto Chico – the old port, now a marina where you can try typical fish and seafood dishes.
Castles and Palaces in Santander
- Palacio de la Magadalena
- Palacio de Pronillo
- Castillo de San Felipe
Cathedrals and Churches
- Cathedral de la Asunción de la Virgen
- Iglesia de la Compañía or Iglesia de la Anunciación
- Convento de Santa Cruz
- Iglesia de la Consolación
- Iglesia de Santa Lucia
- Monasterio de Corbán
Museums in Santander
- Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes
- Casa-Museo Menéndez Pelayo
- Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
- Museo Regional de Prehistoria y Arqueología
- Planetario
- Fundación Emilio Botín
- Fundación Marcelino Botín
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