A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Santander: Discover the jewel of Spain's north coast

Santander, the capital of the Cantabria region on the north coast of Spain, is a tourist destination that perfectly combines natural beauty with a rich history and a vibrant cultural life. With its stunning beaches, elegant architecture, and exquisite cuisine, Santander has become a must-visit place for lovers of tourism and good food.

Dreamy beaches

One of the main attractions of Santander are its beaches. The Sardinero beach, divided into two parts, is the most famous and has a wide range of services and water activities. Another notable beach is the Magdalena beach, located next to the Magdalena Palace, an impressive early 20th century building that used to be the summer residence of the Spanish royal family.

Impressive architecture

Santander has impressive architecture that combines modernist, neoclassical and baroque styles. The Santander Cathedral, built in the 13th century, is one of the city's main points of interest. Other notable buildings are the Magdalena Palace, mentioned earlier, and the Gran Casino del Sardinero, an elegant early 20th century building that houses a casino and a restaurant.

Cantabrian cuisine

The cuisine of Cantabria is famous throughout Spain for its quality and variety. In Santander, you can enjoy traditional dishes such as cocido montañés, oxtail or rabas, which are fried squid. In addition, the city has a large number of restaurants and tapas bars where you can taste the flavors of the region.

Nearby excursions

If you have time, we recommend making some excursions from Santander to discover other nearby places of interest. A few kilometers from the city is the Liencres Dunes Natural Park, an impressive protected natural area with dunes, cliffs and virgin beaches. You can also visit the Cabárceno Nature Park, a unique zoo where animals live in semi-freedom in an old mining complex.

Santander is a tourist destination that has it all: dreamy beaches, impressive architecture, delicious cuisine and the possibility of making excursions to nearby places of great natural beauty. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this jewel of Spain's north coast.

Gastronomic Products from Santander

Cantabrian Anchovies

Santander is famous for its Cantabrian anchovies, considered some of the best in the world. These anchovies are caught in the Cantabrian Sea and are made by hand, following traditional techniques. Their intense flavor and soft texture make them an irresistible delicacy for fish lovers.
Pasiegos Sobaos

The Pasiegos sobaos are a typical sweet from the Cantabria region and can be found in numerous bakeries in Santander. These fluffy and aromatic cakes are made with butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. They are perfect to accompany a coffee or tea, or simply to enjoy as a dessert.
Cantabria Cheese

Cantabria cheese is another outstanding gastronomic product from the region. It is made with cow's milk and is characterized by its mild and creamy flavor. There are different varieties of Cantabria cheese, from the youngest and mildest to the most cured and with a more intense flavor. It is perfect to taste alone or accompanied by quince or walnuts.
Liebana Orujo

The Liebana orujo is a traditional liquor from the Cantabria region. It is made from the remains of the grape used to make wine and is distilled to obtain a liquor with a high alcohol content. The Liebana orujo can be enjoyed alone or as an ingredient in cocktails and is a perfect drink to toast and celebrate.

Outstanding gastronomic places in Santander

The city of Santander, located on the north coast of Spain, is known for its delicious cuisine. Here we present some of the best places to enjoy Santander food:

El Serbal Restaurant

El Serbal Restaurant is one of the gastronomic references in Santander. Its cuisine is based on high-quality local products and offers creative and tasty dishes. Among its specialties are the northern bonito, fresh seafood, and homemade desserts. In addition, the elegant atmosphere and impeccable service make this place a unique gastronomic experience.

Taberna del Herrero

If you are looking for a place with authentic Santander flavor, Taberna del Herrero is an excellent option. Here you can enjoy traditional dishes such as rabas (fried squid), Santoña anchovies, and homemade croquettes. In addition, its rustic and cozy atmosphere will make you feel at home.

Cañadío Restaurant

Cañadío Restaurant is another must-see of Santander gastronomy. Its cuisine is characterized by combining tradition and modernity, offering innovative dishes with ingredients from the region. You cannot miss their famous rices, grilled meats, and homemade desserts. In addition, its terrace with sea views is perfect for enjoying an outdoor meal.

Taberna del Río

If you are looking for a place with good prices and a lively atmosphere, Taberna del Río is an ideal option. Here you can taste quality tapas and portions at affordable prices. Their specialties include ham croquettes, patatas bravas, and garlic prawns. In addition, their wide selection of wines and beers will allow you to pair your favorite dishes.

Sporting Activities in Santander, Spain

Surfing

Santander is famous for its beaches and waves, making it an ideal place for surfing. You can take lessons or rent a board and hit the water on your own.

Hiking

The Cantabria region, where Santander is located, offers a wealth of hiking trails. You can explore the natural beauty of the region on foot, from the mountains to the coast.

Cycling

The varied terrain of Santander makes it an excellent place for cycling. You can rent a bike and explore the city or venture into the countryside.

Golf

Santander has several high-quality golf courses. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, you can enjoy a day on the green.

Sailing

With its location on the north coast of Spain, Santander is a popular place for sailing. You can rent a boat or take lessons to learn how to sail.

Places near Santander (Spain)

If you are in Santander and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Laredo

Laredo, a coastal paradise in Cantabria, offers visitors a perfect combination of beautiful beaches and a rich culinary tradition. Enjoy its delicious seafood and fresh fish while you marvel at its stunning landscapes and historical charm.

Suances

Suances, a charming coastal village in Cantabria, offers visitors a perfect combination of beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine. Enjoy its traditional dishes such as fresh seafood and grilled fish while you relax in its picturesque maritime landscapes.