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andrea-cristina-travel-blog · 7 years

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Our 9 favourite things to do in Santander, Spain

Ahead of the boardwalk I’m wandering along lies the delightfully green Magdalena peninsula; to my right, the golden sands of Playa el Puntal beach. In the distance, the peaks of Cordillera Cantábrica are surrounded by low lying cloud, while Santander’s shiny new tourism attraction, Centro Botin, sparkles in the pleasant morning sun. ‘This is a place I could actually live’, I muse, as a local cycles past me leisurely, no doubt enjoying another glorious morning in this part of the world. It’s not often that I’m attracted to a city so quickly, especially one with such little fanfare. I knew nothing of this coastal city before my arrival. Yet after three days spent exploring every corner of Cantabria’s capital, I was hooked. There are certain things I always seek out in a new city; a strong local culture, vast natural beauty, an impressive gourmet scene, and most importantly, many beautiful golden beaches. By the looks of it, Santandineros enjoy a good life, and for the weekend I was there, so did I. If you’re after a weekend of the good life, or you’re simply after a fun little escape, visit Santander! And while you’re there, make sure you check out these awesome things to do. 9 THOROUGHLY AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SANTANDER, SPAIN #1 VISIT SANTANDER’S ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE, CENTRO BOTIN Renzo Piano’s newest architectural masterpiece, Centro Botin, opened to much fanfare in June, and is poised to become a major art destination, similar to the Guggenheim in nearby Bilbao. The building itself is impressive, divided into two sides with interconnecting bridges, covered in over 300,000 pearlescent discs, and featuring many vantage points. But it’s the exhibitions that excited me the most. Carsten Holler’s installation, Y, will take you on a weird journey of individual choices. Objects designed to enhance our sense of orientation, restriction and displacement literally blew my mind, and provided a thrill other art galleries rarely do. There’s also a collection of famous Spanish painter and illustrator, Francisco De Goya’s, drawings When you’ve finished admiring art and architecture, stop for a coffee and pastry at El Muelle, housed on the ground floor of Centro Botin. #2 TAPAS TO YOUR HEARTS CONTENT The Spanish know how to do food, and the Cantabrians know how to do really good food. Tapas bars exist all over Santander, serving delightful dishes formed of incredibly fresh local ingredients. Local specialities include pescado y marisco – unfortunately wasted on me as I don’t eat seafood, yet I can vouch for the delicious patatas bravas, croquetas, tortilla de patatas, and mushrooms in garlic oil. Standouts include La Tuta on Calle del Medio, which does ridiculously good (and cheap) croquetas, and Bodega del Riojano, a rustic dining room lined with colourful wine barrels painted by the hands of contemporary artists, including Picasso, in return for food. Try the sharing platters! For lovers of seafood, everywhere is good. #3 WALK THE COAST AND ENJOY A FRESH SEAFOOD LUNCH IN LA MARUCA Hands down the best thing I did in Santander was to walk along the rugged Atlantic coastline. The air was fresh, the scenery breathtaking, and best of all, I had (almost) the entire walk to myself. Starting at El Faro lighthouse, follow the coastline all the way to the little town of La Maruca, where you can stop for a well deserved seafood lunch and beer (I had vegetarian tapas, which was still great!). Along the way, stop in at various hidden coves for a quick swim, or admire the stunning coastal views. Although challenging in parts, the walk is leisurely; just take enough water, and a snack or two. CANTABRIAN DREAMIN: HOW TO SPEND A PERFECT 48 HOURS IN SANTANDER, SPAIN #4 SWIM OR SURF AT EL SARDINERO BEACH After a lifetime spent enjoying the coastlines back home in Australia, I know a good beach when I see one. And El Sardinero is a good beach. A very good beach. Its golden sands draw many visitors to Santander, and for good reason; it’s a stunning stretch of sand with crystal clear waters. Placed in Sydney or Rio, El Sardinero would be considered one of the world’s great city beaches. On a warm summer’s day there’s nothing better to do in Santander, so if the weather gods are on your side, jump aboard the city bus and head straight here. If you’re ready to shake off the relaxation, surf lessons are also available. Playa de Mataleñas is a short walk away, and equally stunning. #5 ADMIRE THE VIEWS FROM MAGDALENA PENINSULA A short bus ride from the city (or a wonderful morning walk) lies Magdalena Peninsula. With 24.5 hectares of parkland perfect for picnics or leisurely walks, the peninsula is also home to the beautiful Palacio de la Magdalena. A former royal palace built in the 20th century, its interiors are opulent, its gardens expansive (€3 per person). There are also many attractive beaches, such as Playa de Bikinis, and Playa de Magdelana, which are far quieter than the popular El Sardinero and Playa de Mataleñas. But for me, the best reason to visit were the incredible views overlooking Isla de Mouro, the Santander coastline to El Sardinero beach, and the Bay of Santander. #6 EAT DELICIOUS ICE CREAM ON THE PASEO DE PEREDA PROMENADE Although i didn’t try all possible ice cream options in Santander, i tried enough to know Santandineros know what they’re doing! Grab a delicious, creamy ice cream (raspberry cheesecake was my favourite) from Santander favourites Regma, Capri or my personal favourite, Monerris Helados, and then head on down the beautiful Pereda Promenade. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your flavours, while watching as the locals go about their weekends. BE INSPIRED: 7 AWESOME EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER #7 STEP INSIDE THE UNIQUE SANTANDER CATHEDRAL I’m certainly not the most religious of folk, but I do love exploring good church, and the Santander cathedral is well worth the visit. Construction began in the 13th century and the lower part consists of the Church of El Cristo, the oldest monument in the city, and one of the most interesting churches we’ve been to. Not only is it small, with very low lying ceilings, it also houses Roman remains of a hot spring resort. Part of the cathedral had to be rebuilt after the fire of ‘41, but it still maintains the grandiose you’d expect from one the oldest buildings in the city. #8 HAVE A DRINK (OR TWO) IN PLAZA DE CANADIO You can’t come to Santander and not go for a drink or two in the lively Plaza de Cañadío. Brimming with a number of bars and restaurants, the plaza comes alive during the summer nights, with locals sipping on the finest wines and ales. #9 FILL UP ON FRESH PRODUCE AT MERCADO EL ESPERANZA Each Saturday morning, the Mercado el Esperanza comes alive with market stalls selling the very best of Cantabrian produce. You’ll find everything from fresh seafood and meats, to fruits, vegetables and flowers. Moreover, the atmosphere in the markets is buzzing with the sound of locals calling to each other and stall owners singing their wares. I managed to pick up some seriously large and tasty cherries, and a few other stone fruits for next to no Euro. Perfect. FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES ON FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST Planning a visit to Santander? Save or Pin this post! JOIN OUR TRIBE & WANDER WITH US Join 30,000+ people and receive travel stories, tips + hacks, and stunning photography to inspire your wanderlust. Straight to your inbox We hate spammers. We'll never be those people. We were hosted by Spain Tourism and Cantabria Tourism as part of the #SpainCities campaign. A big thank you to the team for making our stay memorable. As always, all views are our own. Check out #SpainCities on Twitter or Instagram. The post Our 9 favourite things to do in Santander, Spain appeared first on The Common Wanderer.

https://www.thecommonwanderer.com/santander-spain-things-to-do/

#Destinations #Europe #Spain #Cantabria #Santander #Things to do

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andrea-cristina-travel-blog · 7 years

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A Spanish surprise: How to spend 48 hours in Santander, Spain

“Santander is a very beautiful city; we have the sea, the mountains, and real culture”, says my guide Carolina, as I gaze across the glassy Bay of Santander, admiring the rising peaks in the distance. And she’s right too. Here in northern Spain’s Cantabria region, an area still largely unspoiled by the hordes of tourists that flock to the south, green rolling valleys spill towards sleepy towns, while beautiful Mediterranean-like beaches hug the coastline. Admittedly, the seaside capital of Santander is somewhat misleading at first encounter. It’s definitely not as elegant as other Spanish towns – much of the old city burnt down in 1941 – but what it lacks in old-world charm it certainly makes up for in character, and natural beauty. I recently spent a weekend here, arriving with no prior knowledge or expectation and departing having immensely enjoyed all this charming city has to offer. From the elegant tree-lined ‘Paseo de Pereda’ promenade, to the atmospheric plazas; the golden sands of El Sardinero, and the impressive (yet blustery) coastal walks; and the newest jewel in Santander’s cultural crown, Centro Botin. Curious? You should be. Santander offers the perfect weekend getaway. And with flights just two hours from London, it’s a city calling your name. Here’s how to make the most of your own weekend getaway to Santander. HOW TO SPEND AN AMAZING 48 HOURS IN SANTANDER DAY #1 9AM Early birds catch the worm, and if you’re that way inclined, head for a walk along the Paseo de Pereda promenade, when the waters of Santander bay are still, and the paths quiet. Alternatively, sleep in and leisurely make your way to Mercado de la Esperanza, Santander’s historic marketplace. Here, fishmongers hawk the freshest of fresh seafood plucked straight from the surrounding waters, and local farmers sell a huge array of delicious summer fruits. We also recommend picking up some local cherries and peaches for the day. 11AM Wind your way slowly through what remains of the city’s old town, stopping at the imposing Santander Cathedral, before arriving at Centro Botin, Santander’s glorious (and somewhat divisive) arts centre. If you’ve been to Paris’s Centre Pompidou you probably already have an idea why Centro Botin divides opinions. Designed by the same renowned Italian architect, Renzo Piano, this contemporary gallery is bold and futuristic. Locals were wary of it pre-construction, saying it would block their views to the sea, but today this contemporary gallery is likely to be the highlight of your weekend in Santander. Featuring installations by famed artists, including Carsten Holler, and Francisco de Goya, as well as the impressive architecture and rooftop terrace, it’s the perfect place to spend at least a few hours. When you’ve finished admiring art and architecture, stop for a coffee and pastry El Muelle, housed on the ground floor of Centro Botin. 2PM Just a short work away is the Estaciόn Marίtima Los Reginas, where the ferry between Santander and Padrena departs from. It’s also the perfect spot to admire the impressive view of Santander, before following the scent of barbequed seafood to one of the local seafood restaurants. Local specialities include oysters, squid, octopus and tuna, and we’d definitely recommend a glass of white wine to accompany your meal. While there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, El Tronky was a personal fave for us, located just off the pier. You can’t miss it, just follow your nose. 4PM Jump aboard the ferry back to the mainland, before heading straight back into the city centre proper. Have a wander, or perhaps indulge in a little Spanish siesta! 8PM Santander wouldn’t be a Spanish city if it wasn’t filled with many amazing tapas bars – which means you’re definitely not short of excellent dinner options! Rio de la Pila houses many great restaurants, including Bodega del Riojano. The rustic dining room is lined with colourful wine barrels painted by the hands of contemporary artists, including Picasso, in return for food. The Cantabrian cuisine served here is delicious too – try the rabas (fried squid), or the sharing platters! If you’re after something more modern, Cadelo is your pick, while those seeking a tasty burger should look no further than Nobrac, a hipster burger and beer bar straight out of Shoreditch. Of course, Spanish nightlife is renowned around the world, and to experience it for yourself in Santander, Plaza de Cañadίo is the place to be. Overflowing bars filled with locals spill out onto the plaza making it a raucous, yet fun affair for all involved. For those ready to dance the night away, Calle del Sol houses many clubs with differing styles of music. DAY #2 10AM After a big day exploring, and a larger night enjoying Santander’s hospitality, a sleep in is on the cards. Make your way to Paseo de Pereda promenade and catch the local bus (€1.30) to Peninsula de la Magdalena, home to the former Royal Palace and incredible views of the headland. If you’re up for it, take a tour inside the luxurious Palace (€3), or slowly make your way to the beaches to the east. Make sure you’ve packed your bathers, because the beaches of Santander are beautiful. El Sardinero and Playa de Mataleñas are the pick of the bunch, both wide expanses of sand with clear waters. If you’re ready to shake off the relaxation, surf lessons are also available. 2PM Pop into one of the local tapas bars and grab a tortilla de patatas (a Spanish omelette with potatoes) to go before embarking on a leisurely walk from El Sardinero to Faro de Punte Silla lighthouse. The walk is spectacular and provides some of the best views of Santander’s dramatic coastline. Pack some snacks and set up for a picnic wherever you like to enjoy the fresh coastal breeze. 5PM Jump aboard the #1 bus (€1.30) back to Paseo de Pereda promenade and grab yourself a hard earned ice cream at one of the exceptional ice creamery’s located on the promenade. Opinions are divided amongst locals as to which is best, but Regma consistently seems to come out on top. Our personal fave was Monerris Helados in plaza Cuadro, who won us over with the most delicious raspberry cheesecake ice cream! Museums in the city are free on Sunday afternoons, so make the most of it by visiting the Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueologίa de Cantabria, or the archaeology museum. Located under the former city market, Mercado del Este, the museum takes you through Cantabria’s extensive history, which includes some of the oldest prehistoric caves in the world. 8PM You’ve made it through to our favourite time of day again: dinner time! Time to sample a famous Spanish dish, Cocido, at Fuente De, a nondescript family run restaurant in the heart of the city. A chickpea based stew originally from Madrid, Fuente De’s version of Cocido has a distinct Cantabrian twist, and is best washed down with a local red wine. If you’ve not collapsed from exhaustion, drop into one of the many city bars on the way home and drink to a wonderful weekend in Santander. ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR SANTANDER WHEN TO VISIT SANTANDER Having left a rare beautiful London afternoon behind me, I have to admit I was a little distraught to see Santander shrouded in a thick blanket of clouds. Fortunately the temperature was still a balmy 21 degrees, and over the course of the weekend the clouds cleared to let the glorious summer sun blankets the city. Santander, and its locals, seemed to come alive, and with everyone out enjoying some of the many outdoor pursuits. Although summer in this part of Spain is changeable, July – August is still the best time to visit. The weather is at its warmest, and the city is abuzz with festival season supporting the usual after-dark fun. It’s important to note the city is busy during this period, with domestic tourism popular in this part of Spain. The winters in Santander are mild, and almost never freezing, while the mountains to the south offer skiing during the winter months. WHERE TO STAY IN SANTANDER Despite being a relatively small city, Santander is stocked with accommodation options catering to all budgets. Mid-range We stayed at the four star Silken Coliseum hotel, located in downtown Santander, and just a short stroll from all the major attractions. While catering mostly for a business clientele, the rooms were large and comfortable, while the breakfast was excellent. To book, or to discover more, click here. Read Tripadvisor reviews here. Budget While not huge on the European backpacker scene, Santander does have a number of comfortable hostels to choose from. Our pick is Santander Central Hostel, located right in the centre of town. With cool communal spaces and comfortable rooms, it’s the perfect budget friendly option in Santander. Read Tripadvisor reviews here. AirBnB If you’re a fan of AirBnB, there are heaps of options available in Santander. The rates are extremely affordable too, with some of the cheapest we’ve seen in Europe. Book using our code and receive up to £30 off your booking. HOW TO GET TO, FROM, AND AROUND SANTANDER Being a smaller city, it is easy for a tourist to travel around Santander. Local buses are frequent to almost all points of the city and its beaches, small ferries operate to outlying beaches and suburbs such as Pedreña, while taxis operate within the city. It’s worth noting Uber is not currently available in Santander. From the airport Santander’s Seve Ballesteros airport is located a short distance from the city. A regular, dedicated services operates between the airport and Santander bus station every 30 minutes (on the hour, and half hour), and takes around 15 minutes. The return journey departs every 30 minutes from Santander bus station (at a quarter-past the hour, and quarter-to the hour). A one way ticket costs around €2.50. Alternatively, taxis are easy to come by and should cost no more that €10. Buses Local buses are frequent and inexpensive, at €1.30 per trip. At every bus stop there is a clear map showing the bus routes and stops and many stops have information boards that indicate the time interval for each bus arrival. For complete bus network map and timetables can be found here. Bikes Santander is a very bike friendly city, and has bikes for hire at various points around the city. All you need is a credit card to release a bike, and they must be returned to a bike station. Taxi Taxis operate all over Santander, and can be booked from a fixed point, or caught from taxi ranks throughout the city. They’re actually quite cheap for a city, and can be a more comfortable alternative to bus transport. Boat Boats operated by Los Reginas leave Jardines de Pereda (on Santander’s promenade), for either Somo or Padrena on the opposite side of Santader’s bay, every half an hour, and cost €4.95 for a round trip ticket. For more information, or for the timetable, click here. Flights Santander is serviced by Ryanair and Iberia, with Ryanair flying direct from London daily. Skyscanner is your best bet to find the cheapest airfares to any destination, every time. Search for flights to Santander by clicking here. JOIN OUR TRIBE & WANDER WITH US Join 30,000+ people and receive travel stories, tips + hacks, and stunning photography to inspire your wanderlust. Straight to your inbox We hate spammers. We'll never be those people. We were hosted by Spain Tourism and Cantabria Tourism during our stay. A big thank you to the team for making our stay memorable. As always, all views are our own. The post A Spanish surprise: How to spend 48 hours in Santander, Spain appeared first on The Common Wanderer.

https://www.thecommonwanderer.com/visit-santander-spain-48-hour-travel-guide/

#Destinations #Europe #Spain #Travel Guides #Cantabria #El Sardinero #Food #Nature #outdoors #Santander #Travel guide #Wine

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