Although it is impossible to get to know a city in just two days, even if it is a small-sized one such as Santander, there are some must-see places which will leave a mark on the visitor and make a second visit worth it, that make Santander a city of cruises.
If you only have two days, the basics come to planning the visit well. However, it is always a good idea to keep some hours to yourself in order to get lost and wander about the streets, the hidden spots and all the surprises and picturesque nooks that Santander hides for the curious eye.
Day One
We suggest you visit the Centre for the Interpretation of the City History, to be found in the Cathedral bell tower, so that you can get a grasp of Santander. From here, and once you have paid a due visit to the Cathedral, you are very close to Centro Botín, a cultural space –opened in June 2017- which aims to become a national and international reference.
Just a few yards away, underneath Plaza Porticada, you may visit the Medieval Wall Archaeological Centre, a true trip into the past of the city you are walking.
All these spaces form part of Santander’s Anillo Cultural (Cultural Ring), together with the Centre for the Interpretation of the Old Docks, the Prehistory and Archaeology Museum, the Bunker ‘discovered’ in 2016, the recently reopened Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Santander and Cantabria and the Fire Route which shows the impact of the blaze that devastated the old town in 1941.
Later in the afternoon, after enjoying lunch in one of the nearby restaurants, you may feel like stretching out your legs, so if you walk along the promenade you will be able to admire the typical Santander façades, just before the Maritime Club.
If you carry on walking towards the Maritime Museum, you will find yourself very near the area where the beaches of Los Peligros (‘The Dangers’) and La Magdalena can be found. To say farewell to the day, take a walk to Cañadío, Peña Herbosa, Hernán Cortés, and surrounding streets, which will allow you to see where the evening atmosphere concentrates.
Day Two
One of Santander’s jewels is, without a doubt, La Magdalena peninsula, where the Palace of the same name stands. The latter used to be a Royal residence. The former has an extension of 25 hectares, but those not willing to walk are not to worry; they can find ‘el Magdaleno’, a touristic train which goes round it.
Once you leave La Magdalena behind, you may walk along the promenade by El Camello (‘The Camel’) Beach, named after the lookalike rock formation, La Concha (‘The Shell’) Beach, and get to Plaza de Italia (Square), where you will admire the majestic Gran Casino, built in 1916, and the Hotel Sardinero.
A great alternative to the stroll could be the touristic bus which route shows all the coastal side of the city
From Plaza de Italia (Square) you may walk on a bit to find the Piquío Gardens and glance over the Sardinero beaches. If you are still on the mood to walk, you can go to Cabo Mayor Lighthouse and indulge in an amazing gaze of the Cantabrian Sea blue canvas. When you retrace your steps you may see an unforgettable sunset from any point. And of course, you can find a wide choice of restaurants and cafés where you may have a rest and charge your batteries.
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