Santander

THE REGION OF CANTABRIA
Cantabria is a region squeezed between the high peaks of Spain and the Cantabrian Sea. The region respresents a seductive combination of magnificent landscapes shaped by history. If you drive by car, you can expect an unbelievable trip through green valleys, abrupt hills and narrow, winding roads.

SANTANDER
Santander is the capital of Cantabria. The special fragrance of Santander comes from the fact that the city is situated along an enormous golf. Santander has a unique charm given by a strange combination of porters carrying luggage who intersect with the tourists who visit the exclusivist shops and restaurants.

The arhictectural style representing the XIXth and the XXth centuries is visible on the cazinoas situated on the beach. The intense renovation suffered by Santander  transformed it into a very popular resort.

SIGHTSEEING IN SANTANDER
The Magdalena Peninsula separates the elegant part of the resort , El Sardinero, from the commercial, agitated part of the city and from the port. This part of the city is dominated by the Palacio Real, built at the end of the XIXth century by King Alfonso the XIIIth and his wife, Victoria Eugenia.

The story of the palace is interesting; it was built with the help of the citizens of Santander who donated the money. Their interest was to encourage the King’s custom to bathe in the sea, hoping that through this they would attract the King into their city.

The Palace is not open to the public, but the surrounding park is perfect for a walk. It even has a small zoo and some restaurants. You have direct access to the park from the route. The Cathedral is situated in the center of the city and it is actually formed by two different buildings. The first church was built in the XIIIth century,

but just a few decades after that the other construction was added. Also put on your list the Correos (the building of the post office), the Palacete del Embarcadero, the Museo Maritimo and the Museo de Prehistoria y Arquelogia.

ACCOMODATIONS
Santander is a resort where hotels and villas are at every step. If you want to taste the local cuisine and experience the traditions and customs of the locals, choose a villa. Villas are extremely private, very comfortable, beautifully decorated, and situated in some of the most picturesque places in the city.