Category Archives: Cantabria

Visiting Santander city (Cantabria)

September 6, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Cantabria, Gastronomy, Streets and monuments, Tours and GuidesManu

Santander, which is certainly renowned for its beautiful bay and its magnificent beaches, is situated in the northern Spain, on the Cantabrian Sea coast. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery among its bay, the sea and green belts, Santander is an outstanding example of a natural landscape of great beauty, with a population of about 180,000 inhabitants it is the capital city of Cantabria region (Spain).

In the mid 19th century Santander became a perfect tourist destination for aristocracy, upper class and wealthy people who came to enjoy its lovely beaches, and its mild climate during the summer. Although in 1941 a disastrous fire destroyed a considerable part of its old town (Casco Antiguo), currently, Santander is also noteworthy for the quality of its architecture.

Nowadays, Santander not only has one of the most impressive bays in the world and magnificent beaches but also, gastronomy, sport, festivals, events, night-life, architecture, nature, culture, parks among other many more things. In fact, Santander is a holiday destination where tourists from all over the world choose to visit Santander in order to spend their holiday doing outdoor activities, enjoying its beaches, tasting its traditional cuisine or having a lot of fun at its parties, beaches and streets.

What to visit in Santander

Among the more imposing buildings is the Magdalena Palace that was built in the early 20th century on a hill in the Magdalena Peninsula surrounded by outstanding landscape. The king Alfonso XIII used to spend the summers in this palace until 1930. Currently, the palace hots events, exhibitions and summer courses at Menéndez Pelayo International University where more than seven thousand students attend the courses in Santander every year. This peninsula is itself a must-see place.

If visitors take a leisurely stroll along the elegant Sardinero Promenade, which is one of the most emblematic areas of the city, they will find the famous Sardinero Beaches, Gran Casino del Sardinero, the Auditorium, luxury hotels, restaurants, terraces, bares, cafés and, pubs, as well as the Piquio Gardens which are regarded as some of the most lovely places in Santander from where visitors can see wonderful views. The Sardinero Promenade is to the east of the city.

Paseo de Pereda is without a doubt the most remarkable area in Santander where people can enjoy the beautiful Pereda Gardens and historical buildings walking along the Paseo de Pereda and Castelar Street and bordering the impressive Bay of Santander, to the south of the city. Moreover, the seaport, the port of call, the marina, the pier, Palacete del Embarcadero, the Cathedral, the City Hall, the Plaza Porticada and Santander Bank are interesting places and building near the Pereda Gardens. This area is plenty of restaurants, cafés, terraces, glamorous shops and luxury hotels.

Santa Maria de la Asuncion Cathedral, which incorporates remains of a Roman structure that can be seen if you visit the Cathedral, was built on a hill between 14th and 17th centuries in Gothic style. It was severely damaged during the 1941 fire although it was rebuilt and widened. The cloister from 14th century in Gothic style. Besides, Cristo Church also known as Cripta is under the cathedral dating from 13th century was built on the site of a previous monastery in Gothic style too. By the way, the tomb of Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo ( 1856 -1912) is in this cathedral.

If tourists are interested in visiting museums theses are probably worth mentioning Modern Art, Menéndez Pelayo House, Fine Art, MMC Cantrabrian Maritime, Prehistory or Botin Art Center among others.

Sports and Beaches

Although there are a lot of facilities for football, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, horse riding and play golf, tennis and others in Santander, the natural surrounding with their beaches and sailing are really of main attractions. In fact, Santander hosted the Sailing World Championship 2014 (on 30th August to 21st September) where almost 1400 participants from 95 countries and more than 700 vessels took part in the competition.

Santander also has a lot of parks where people can do sport, walk or play such as Las Lamas Park, the largest Park in Santander with plenty of trees, a lake and the Palacio de Deportes (Sport Palace) at its main entrance, it is really more than a park is the green heart of Santander; Mataleña Golf Course is on a hill; Mataleña Park, with breathtaking views, borders the Cape Menor and arrives at Faro in Cape Mayor; El Faro (The lighthouse) is on a hill and measures 30 meters in height (90 meters over sea level), being erected in the mid 19th century, it is 2 km from city center. Mesones Park near Sardinero II beach is ideal for children; Water Park, Doctor Morales Park, La Alameda, the Jado Park among others without forgetting the Piquio Gardens.

Obviously Santander also has some of the most famous beaches in Spain all of them of the highest quality, with fine golden sand, clear waters and excellent facilities. Besides, the beauty of the landscape around the beaches has the additional advantage of being within walking distance of the city center. In addition, there are cultural events on the beaches.

Los Peligros Beach with quiet waters, measures about 200 meters in length by 70 meters in width; Magdalena Beach measures more than 800 meters in length by 30 meters in width and the Bikinis Beach is more than 200 meters long and 30 meters wide with quiet waters and soft breeze is easily reached from Magdalena Peninsula. These three beaches are situated to the south of Santander by the Paseo Reina Victoria and Magdalena Peninsula.

Situated to the east of the city visitors can find the busiest beaches:

El Camello measures 200 meters by 50 meters; La Concha Beach is 250 meters long and 20 meters wide located between Camello and Sardinero I beaches; Sardinero I Beach measures more than 300 meters in length by 80 meters in width with fine sand is very popular among tourists, it is next to Sardinero II Beach which measures about 1000 meters in length by 80 meters in width is the largest beach in Santander. All of them border the Sardinero Promenade.

Molinucos Beach is a small beach with fine and golden sand and often empty, it is about 30 meters long and 5 meters wide not far of Sardinero II Beach and near Mataleñas park. Mataleñas Beach which is very popular among local people, is located between the Cape Mayor and the Cape Menor near the Mataleñas Park in an area of natural beauty, measures about 120 meters by 40 meters.

Other beaches nearby:

Punta Parayas Beach is a artificial beach in Camargo it measures 50 meters in length by about 30 meters in width. Punta Parayas beach offers good facilities with green areas to walk and play, bicycle path, parking and so on.

El Bocal Beach 200 meters by 10meters and Maruca Beach 400 meters long and 10 meters wide are situated on the north coast of Santander in Monte with low occupation; Virgen del Mar Beach in San Roman de la Llanilla with 400 meters by 40 meters is an isolated beach to the north of village, here is the Chapel of the Virgin of the Sea ( Virgen del Mar) It is 5 km from Santander.

Gastronomy

It is well known that local people are justly proud of its traditional cuisine, the excellent and healthy food which is attractive not only for its aroma and exquisite taste, but also the quality of its savory anchovies, the fresh seafood, fish and meat, its famous green pepper, its tasty Pasiego cheese, delicious desserts and its flavorful wine make Santander an ideal tourist destination of the highest quality.

To sum up, we suggest enjoying the beaches, the food, the nightlife and do water sports. Visitors can arrive in Santander, by train, by car, by sea, by air.

Santander is about 400 kms. from Madrid

Cabarceno Nature Park

Cabarceno Park (15 Km. from Santander) is a zoo with a surface area of more than 7,000,000 square meters that preserves the conservation of the environment. There are giraffes, jaguars, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, zebras, bears, lions, elephants, tigers, deers, horses, wallabies and many much animals from Asia, Africa, America, Australia and Europe that visitors can see them living in freedom in a suitable area surrounded by nature.

Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and wildlife in Cabarceno Park if they go on foot or by car through the paths and roads of park. Moreover, the park has excellent facilities to spend all day with children and old people. By the way, this park is one of most visited places in the northern Spain

The ticket costs between 7 to 25 euros.

Other places to visit in Cantabria region (Spain)

– Comillas: Comillas is an attractive town located on the Cantabrian Sea coast, in the north of Spain, indeed in an area of natural breathtaking beauty in Cantabria region.

– Potes: Visiting the beautiful villages in Cantabria region, in the north of Spain, tourists should not miss out on the medieval town of Potes whose traditional buildings, wooden balconies, steep streets and surrounding mountains make the Potes town an interesting tourist attraction place.

– Altamira Cave: Located in Santillana del Mar, was declared a World Heritage in 1985 by UNESCO.

Visiting Comillas Town (Cantabria Region)

June 14, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Cantabria, Streets and monuments, Tours and Guidesjulia

Comillas is an attractive town located on the Cantabrian Sea coast, in the north of Spain, indeed in an area of natural breathtaking beauty in Cantabria region.

Having a population of about 2,500, a welcoming atmosphere, a unique architecture, quiet sandy beaches and beautiful surroundings, Comillas has really attracted plenty of visitors to the town since the 19th century. Moreover, being regarded as a tourist destination of the highest quality, Comillas also has a lot of to offer visitors in the way of culture, nature, history, festivals, leisure activities, gastronomy and nightlife among others.

What to visit in Comillas

The Capricho de Gaudí, which is the most remarkable building in Comillas, was built between 1883 and 1885 in modernist style by the world renowned architect Antoni Gaudí i Cornet (1852 -1926). This outstanding three storey building with one fine decorated tower in shape of a doll house was the summer house of the brother in-law of the Marquis of Comillas. The Capricho de Gaudí is the most visited building in Comilla, therefore, a visit here should almost be obligatory for all tourists who arrive at Comillas. Do not forget the Palacio de Sobrellano is in the same park nearby.

Palacio de Sobrellano y su Capilla/Panteón (the Sobrellano Palace and Chapel – Mausoleum) also known as the Palace of the Marquis of Comillas was built between 1878-1888 by the architect Joan Martorell i Montells (1833-1906) and supervised by the architect Cristóbal Cascante Colom (1851-1889) in Neo-gothic style. Although the Chapel – Mausoleum was built before the Palace, the Chapel is regarded as a masterpiece of modernist architecture in Cantabria. The stunning palace was home of the Marquis of Comillas and in the chapel is his mausoleum.

By the way, the Comillas Marquises (Antonio López López (1817-1883) and his son Claudio López Bru (1853-1925) ) were great benefactors of Comillas town, (first Marquis’s place birth).

The imposing Universidad Pontificia (Pontifical University), which is one of most remarkable buildings in Comillas, in several styles (Gothic-Mudejar, modernist), was built between 1883-1892 by the architect Joan Martorell i Montells and Cristóbal Cascante and decorated by the architect Luis Doménech i Montaner (1850-1923) in a hill area of the town of Comillas.

The Statue of the Marquis of Comillas (Estatua del Marqués de Comillas) was built in 1883 in modernist style by Doménech i Montaner and Cristóbal Cascante Colom. It is situated on a hill area with a wonderful panoramic viewpoint of the beaches.

Moro’s Gate was built in 1900 by Antonio Gaudí in modernist style, the gate has three doorways one for cars, other for people and a tiny one for birds.

People interested in visiting cemeteries should not miss out on the historical Cemetery of Comillas which was renovated in 1893 by the architect Doménech i Montaner. If tourists visit this cemetery they will be certainly spellbound when they come across the spellbinding sculptures and other interesting constructions.

Taking a walk along its streets visitors can enjoy its old neighborhood with steep stone streets, picturesque squares, big mansions, typical houses with wooden balconies portraying the most traditional Cantabria architecture. Besides bars, restaurants, terraces and cafés can be found in its pedestrian squares with a friendly atmosphere.

Fuente de los tres caños (The fountain of the three water pipes) was built in 1899 by Doménech i Montaner in modernist style, and Casa Ocejo dating from the 19th century, and other interesting buildings and monuments can be seen in the old neighborhood.

The traditional port was built between 17th and 18th centuries. However, the fishing activity and the seaweed are still fished and collected by local people as many years ago.

Beaches in Comillas

It is said that some of the best beaches on the coast are found in Cantabria. Its clean and sandy beaches, its clear blue water, its high quality and beautiful landscape is very difficult to overcome.

In addition, Comillas has much more to offer in sport, walking routes, cycling routes, and so on. Comillas is 426 km. from Madrid and 47 km. from Santander.

More places to visit in Cantabria (Spain)

– Cantabria Region: Check here all our posts about this region, in the north of Spain.

– Santillana del Mar and Altamira Cave: The Altamira Cave (Cueva de Altamira), located in Santillana del Mar was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO.

– Potes town: Visiting the beautiful villages in Cantabria, in the north of Spain, tourists should not miss out on the medieval town of Potes whose traditional buildings, wooden balconies, steep streets and surrounding mountains make the Potes town an interesting tourist attraction place.

What to visit in Potes, a picturesque town in Cantabria region

May 23, 2014Cantabria, Streets and monuments, Tours and Guidesjulia

Visiting the beautiful villages in Cantabria region, in the north of Spain, tourists should not miss out on the medieval town of Potes whose traditional buildings, wooden balconies, steep streets and surrounding mountains make the Potes town an interesting tourist attraction place. Although Potes only has a population of about 1,500 the town can offer all kind of facilities, activities and above all its gastronomy and nature.

Moreover, the famous handmade orujo (liquor distilled from grapes remains) has been made in the Liébana Valley for several centuries. In fact, Potes organizes an annual orujo festival in November attracting hundreds of visitors every year.

Visiting Potes Town (Cantabria, Spain)

The picturesque Potes town is situated amidst spectacular mountain sceney, in the heart of the Liébana Valley, at the foot of the Picos de Europa ( Europe Peaks Mountains ), in the confluence of the Deva River, which borders the north side of the town, and the Quiviesa River that runs through the town before flowing into the Deva River. By the way, tourists should go for a walk along the river banks and pass under its mediaval bridges before leaving the town.

Taking a leisurely stroll through the streets and bridges of the historic neighborhood of Potes visitors will find the medieval Infantado Tower dated in 14th century that is really the most remarkable building in Potes. Fortunately,the six stories of the Infantado Tower was restored carefully before showing an exhibition about the Cantabrian writer Beato de Liébana ( born in the 8th century). Besides, if people go up the tower, they can see a breathtaking view of the town, surroundigs and Picos de Europa. The Orejon de la Lama Tower dates from 15th century,the San Vicente Martin Church, and the Capitan Palace Square are also worth a visit.

The Potes Square, is a meeting point where a traditional street market is held on Mondays and great variety of farm produce and local products are sold, bought or changed among farmers and local people. This popular and historic street market has been held since 14th century. By the way, those who enjoy the atmosphere of a real historic and rural market will appreciate their charm.

Visitors should not leave Potes without trying its traditional dishes, cheeses, liquors. Potes is 105 km. from Santander city.

Other interesting places to visit near Potes Town

– Located in the beautiful natural Liébana Valley, Santo Toribio de Liébana Monastery was founded in the 6th century although the current church dates from the 13th century, Moreover, Jerusalén, Roma, Santigo de Compostela and Santo Toribio are saint places of pilgrimage. On the other hand, it is said that Beato de Liébana lived and wrote his literary work in the 8th century in this place. Santo Toribio Monastery is 3 km. from Potes. It takes about 30 minutes on foot to arrive at this monastery from Potes.

– People interested in nature can really enjoy the Parque Nacional Picos de Europa (Picos de Europa National Park), which has peaks of more than 2,500 meters in height, taking the cable car of Fuente Dé that is 23 km. from Potes. Therefore, if people take the cable car it will go up about 750 meters in 4 minutes before arriving at upper station ( 1,823 meters of altitude) from where visitors will be able to see the majestic Liébana Valley and walk and rest in the Picos de Europa. You can have heard plenty of people talk about the spectacular Picos de Europa, but until you can see it yourself, it is impossible to imagine, You will be absolutely spellbound.

Read here more places to visit in Cantabria Region, as Santillana del Mar or Altamira Cave Museum.

Altamira Cave and museum / Cueva de Altamira (Cantabria)

March 19, 2014Cantabria, Emblematic buildingsManu

The Altamira Cave (la Cueva de Altamira), located in Santillana del Mar (Cantabria region), was declared a World Heritage in 1985 by UNESCO. It is known as the Sixtina Chapel of the Paleolithic art. The cave was discovered in 1863, although its paintings which are dated 13,500 years ago, were not discovered until 1879 by Marcelino Sainz de Sautuola (1831-1888).

The National Museum and Research Center of Altamira

Nowadays, the Altamira Cave has been closed to public in order to preserve its paintings. However, people can visit the fascinating Altamira Museum (Museo Nacional y Centro de Investigación de Altamira) which offers a reproduction of how the Altamira Cave was about 14,000 years ago (Neocave), with visit guided, collections and pieces about art and culture in times of Altamira, so as exhibits and activities for children among other things.

If visitors want to stare the recreation of Altamira Cave, they can visit the Neocave that is a reconstruction of the original cave where they can see the Herd of bison, one of most expressive paintings of Altamira and enjoy its spectacular way inside the cave.

It takes about 30 minutes on foot from Santillana del Mar to Altamira Museum. The ticket to visit the Museum costs 3 euros. Tourists should book the tickets in advance to avoid the wait.

More places to visit near Altamira Cave and Museum (Cantabria)

– Santillana del Mar: One of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

– Cantabria: Check here all our posts about Cantabria region (España).

Santillana del Mar: One of the most beautiful villages in Spain (Cantabria)

March 19, 2014Cantabria, Tours and GuidesManu

A must for people who visit the north of Spain is the historic-artistic Santillana del Mar (Santillana of the Sea), one of the most beautiful villages in Spain (Cantabria). In fact, the preservation of its medieval buildings and its stone streets is itself worth a visit. Moreover, Santillana del Mar also has a lot of to offer visitors in the way of architecture, culture, nature , history, museums, festivals , leisure activities, and above all its world renowned Altamira Cave, among other things.

Santillana del Mar is situated in the north of Spain in the Cantabria region with a population of about 4,000 it is certainly the favorite destination for people who appreciate the extraordinary beauty of Santillana del Mar which is surrounded by nature.

What to see in Santillana del Mar: Saint Juliana church, Velarde Palace, The Main Square…

La Colegiata de Santa Juliana (Saint Juliana church) in Romanesque style is the most remarkable building in Santillana del Mar which was constructed in the 12th century and has a outstanding altarpiece dated between 15th and 16th centuries, its Romanesque cloister is dated from 12th century. Behind the church the imposing Velarde Palace dates from 14th century; The historic-artistic Main Square (Plaza Mayor), which is the main meeting point, is rounded by Gothic and Renaissance buildings; Merino and Borja Towers both of them in Gothic style; Gil Blas Palace from 18th century; The stunning Casa de los Hombrones (Hombrones house); The Regina Coeli Museum (religious art) dates from 16th century, among other buildings.

Taking a walk along its medieval streets visitors can enjoy its architecture in Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque style. Moreover, if they wander around its squares, streets and corners they will be able to come across other attractive constructions such as fountains of washing and watering areas dated from 16th and 17th centuries, and interesting landmarks.

Revolgo Field Park – La Robleda

The Revolgo Field park (la Robleda), the gardens , the surroundings, its natural beauty and its favorable location make Santillana del Mar a breathtaking scenery where people can enjoy its relaxed atmosphere doing sports or resting. By the way, local people are very fond of cycling, bowling and golf, although the bowling is the most traditional game in Santillana del Mar.

Santillana Zoo

The Santillana Zoo, which takes about 20 minutes on foot from Santillana del Mar, is considered to be one of the most interesting zoos in Spain with more than 50,000 square meters, visitors will be able to stroll around seeing tigers, lions, leopards, chimpanzees, monkeys a lot of birds, butterflies, and so on in a natural environment, It is a unique experience for children who can really enjoy observing them.

If people want to visit the whole zoo, it takes about two and a half hours. There are restaurants and bars inside the Zoo if tourists decided to spend the day enjoying the zoo. The ticket to visit the zoo costs between 10 and 18 euros.

In conclusion, Being the town that visitors will never want to leave, Santillana del Mar is the perfect town to live or spend a holiday for children, young, middle aged and old people.

Other interesting places nearby Santillana village

– Altamira Cave and Museum: The museum is located only 30min away from Santillana on foot (3km away).

– Santa Justa Beach: It is 7 km. far away from Santillana del Mar, one sandy beach with clear water for all family in the Cantabrian Sea.