Enjoy the urban charms of Santander and other Cantabria, Spain Things to Do Tips

Puerto Chico

by DanielF , 4 more photos

The capital and main city of Cantabria, with a population of less than 200.000 inhabitants, is a charming place located on what has been dubbed one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Since Santander does not have many historical sites, it is the pleasant waterfront that keeps on attracting visitors to this area. The city's natural backdrop is indeed remarkable and the phenomenal beaches are perfect to enjoy the mild weather from which the city benefits year round. Beaches in and around the city are awesome and varied: surfers throng where waves are fiercest; the ones on the estuary are as quite as a pool, perfect for paddling; others are scenically fringed by rocks where toddlers go shelling.

The beaches and the mild weather turned Santander into a fashionable sea resort with Spanish aristocracy in the early 20th century. However, Santander could not cope with the changing social trends and the lack of permanent blue skies resulted in its popularity being eclipsed by the coastal towns on the Mediterranean, which boast a much sunnier weather. Today, many savvy tourists flee the extreme torridness of Madrile�o summers in the mild northern coast, but overseas visitors are still relatively rare and that makes of Santander an even more rewarding destination to explore.

If you want to see more Santander pictures and have some ideas about itineraries in the city, you are welcome to visit my Santander page.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Explore the Santander Bay

Tip Rating:

Updated by DanielF

on Jul 25, 2008

by DanielF , 3 more photos

The so-called Santander Bay is actually the largest estuary in the North coast of Spain. Most of the region's population is concentrated in the city of Santander and around its bay, and yet, there are plenty of unspoilt beaches and wetlands to enjoy. For instance, if you visit Santander by the end of the Summer, you can presence the annual gathering of thousands of swallows on their route from the British Isles to Africa. They usually concentrate around the Marisma de Alday.

Beaches like Somo and El Puntal have commanding views of the city and the Madeleine Peninsula. Despite their easy access from the city, they have remained in a beautiful state of almost wilderness.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Have a Concentrated Taste of the Sea in Pedre�a

Tip Rating:

Updated by DanielF

on Jul 28, 2008

Of all the small villages on the opposite shore of the Bay of Santander, Pedre�a is the best known. Still, it is just a small fishing village which is famous for the quality of its shellfish and other sea fruits (clams and razor clams in particular) and for its gorgeous golf course, where the local hero Severiano Ballesteros started his career.

Pedre�a is very easily reached from Santander by road (about 20 km of scenic drive around the bay) or, much better, by a short ferry ride across the bay.

The pedre�eras, women who collect clams and razor clams in the sand banks around the village during low tide, are some of the most idiosyncratic characters in the Santander area. They are still a common sight today and the fruits of their work are particularly appreciated throughout Cantabria. If you want to experience what the sea really tastes like, do not leave without trying a portion of grilled razor clams, seasoned with just sea salt, olive oil and a splash of lemon juice.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Cab�rceno

Tip Rating: [Not enough ratings yet]

Updated by DanielF

on Jul 25, 2008

Landscape of Cabarceno

by DanielF , 3 more photos

In spite of officially being called Nature Park, Cab�rceno is actually a zoo, however one of the best in Spain. It was built at the foot of Pe�a Cabarga in a former iron mine that had been exploited since the time of the Romans. Ancestral mining techniques and the remains of the iron mineral had turned the landscape into an out-of-worldly space, full of bizarre rock formations and appealing chromatic clashes between the red of the earth and the bright green of the fields. For the beauty of the environment, a visit to Cab�rceno is a very pleasant experience even for those not travelling with children or without an interest in animals.

There is not a large variety of species in Cab�rceno, but they are kept in a friendly environment for the animals. The enclosures where the animals live are huge, so you can do the visit of the park by car, which is very recommendable if you do not have much time (there are about 17 km of hiking trails altogether!). You will need a car anyway to reach the park, as public transportation to Cab�rceno is not very extensive.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Comillas

Tip Rating:

Written by DanielF

on Mar 27, 2003

The skyline of Comillas

Comillas is one of the jewels of Cantabria: it combines the elegant and sophisticated atmosphere of a traditional beach resort of the Spanish aristocracy and bourgeoisy with the charm of a traditional fishing village.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Laredo

Tip Rating:

Written by DanielF

on Apr 29, 2003

An old town with historical significance and a splendid beach that has made it grow as a major tourist center.

You can see more pictures in my page about Laredo.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Li�rganes

Tip Rating:

Written by DanielF

on Jan 19, 2004

Many little towns in rural Cantabria have retained a sober atmosphere of nobility and authenticity. Li�rganes is one of them. Its cobbled streets lined with rural palaces and big stone houses (casonas) invite to the walk.

In the picture you can see the Medieval bridge of Li�rganes over the river Miera.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Casta�eda

Tip Rating:

Written by DanielF

on Jan 19, 2004

Casta�eda is a small hamlet that deserves a visit because of its Romanesque church of Saint Mary, one of the most important in this style in the region.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Reinosa

Tip Rating:

Written by DanielF

on Jan 19, 2004

Reinosa is the largest town in southern Cantabria. Crossed by a just born river Ebro, its main attractions are lined along the main street that used to be the road connecting the port of Santander with the Castillian plains.

This picture shows the oldest picture that crosses the Ebro at Reinosa.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Things To Do: Saint Vincent of the Boatwoman

Tip Rating:

Written by DanielF

on Jan 19, 2004

San Vicente de la Barquera