SIGHTSEEING
Discover the Magdalena Peninsula and Magdalena Palace in Santander. This old but beautiful Royal Palace has become the symbol of Santander. Visit Parque de Cabo Mayor to enjoy the refreshing sea view from the lighthouse. It is a paradise for those who love beaches and nature.
Magdalena Palace
Parque de Cabo Mayor
DOWNTOWN
Downtown Santander is famous for the Centro Botin. It is the newest arts center that has unique design. This building displays contemporary arts and other forms of art such as video, photography, painting, and sculpture. Another way to enjoy the city center is by walking around the Playa del Bocal or The Playa Molinucus beach located in Puerto Chico, the old town.
Centro Botin
The Playa Molinucus
SHOPPING
Mercado de la Esperanza or known as Market of Hope offers you many things such as seafood, meat, vegetable, and flower. This place is worth to visit because it is located in the city center. Don't miss the largest mall in Santander called Centro Comercial Valle Real. You can find plenty of shops selling local and international brand.
Mercado de la Esperanza
Centro Comercial Valle Real
FOOD & DRINK
Don't forget to taste Rabas, a crispy fried squid seasoned with salt and fresh lemon juice. Or you may try various tastes of cheese such as Queso Nata de Cantabria or Quesueos de Liebana. The hot chocolate is a good drink to accompany your dishes.
CULTURE
Santander is rich for its tradition and cultural activities. There are various dance and music festivals such as The Festival Internacional de Santander (FIS), Festival Internacional de Música de Órgano (FiMÓC), Encounter of Music and Academy of Santander, and the Paloma O'Shea International Piano Competition that become the main cultural events in the city.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Summer time: July and August are best months to visit Santander because it's not a rainy season.
HOTEL
Book a room at Eurostars Hotel Realf for the best stay. This 5 stars hotel offers you beautiful view of Playa de los Peligos beach. The hotel is also surrounded by gardens. Or you may try Gran Hotel Sardinero located in the city center. It gives you easy access to explore Santander's cultural and business activities.
Gran Hotel Sardinero
Eurostars Hotel Real
RESTAURANT
Santander is the home of seafood. Recharge your energy by eating the best seafood dishes at Restaurante Los Penucas. If you want to try Spanish cuisines, you may go to Bodega del Riojano. Classic dishes, meats, and wines are also served there.
Restaurante Los Penucas
Bodega del Riojano
CAFE
Gallofa & Co is one of the most popular spots of the city. Yummy pastries, sandwiches, and Spanish traditional omelette are ready for your breakfast. Don't forget to visit Chocolatería Áliva. Your trip to Spanish is not complete without eating churros there.
Gallofa & Co
Chocolatería Áliva,
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
Plaza de Canadio is the best place for enjoying the nightlife of Santander. You can get the drink from any bars or restaurants in this place. Come to the Bar Canela Canadio, another popular bar located in Canadio. Enjoy drinking in the bar with perfect spot for live music performed by local bands.
Plaza de Cañadio
Bar Canela Canadio
INTERESTING PLACE
Looking for interesting places? Cabárceno Natural Park is the best answer. You will see various animals such as European bison, jaguars, and white rhinoceros living in their natural habitat. Restaurant and gift shop are also available here. You should explore the beach in Santander. Primera Playa del Sardinero is the popular beach to hangout and sunbathing.
Primera Playa del Sardinero
Cabárceno Natural Park
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
Explore the Sacred Heart Church and Cathedral de Santander, a gothic church in the city perfect for your Instagram feed. Both of these places have many good spots for photography. Go inside the church and capture yourself under the ceiling unique design.
Cathedral de Santander
Sacred Heart Church
