10 Things to Do on a Romantic Summer Travel to Santander, Spain
If you're looking for the perfect destination for a romantic city escape this summer, you've probably already considered the usual places like Paris, Venice, or Hawaii. But beyond the beautiful yet apparent choices, one city ticks off all the boxes for a romantic getaway that remains under the radar: Santander, a charming port city in Spain.
Santander is nestled on Spain's northern coast and is Cantabria's capital. It has been affectionately dubbed "the bride of the sea" and is known for its golden beaches, palatial architecture, belle-epoque buildings, remarkable natural surroundings, incredible gastronomic delights, and a distinguished past.
Officially declared a city of Spain in 1775, Santander was marked for its aristocratic importance at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Spanish Royals chose it as a summer destination for its spectacular beaches and fantastic weather, causing a boom in architecture and the city's flourishing into the popular beach resort it is today.
(Credit: Iberian Escapes)
However, a devastating fire raged through the city center in 1941, destroying most of what's old or quaint in the medieval city and losing a part of its history. Still, some charming spots are left over in the center, and the council has established an extensive regeneration program to restore the more run-down areas.
Today, when you travel to Santander you'll notice that it is a modern city with a maritime past and a rich cultural heritage. It is a hidden gem in Spain that is home to one of the most beautiful bays in the world and some of the freshest and most fantastic seafood for which the city is renowned. Santander's thriving art scene is also not to be missed, as are its stunning beaches and lush landscapes.
A relatively quiet city, Santander comes alive in the summer. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience laid-back Spanish culture without the hassle of rubbing shoulders with a staggering number of tourists, let Santander give you a refreshing change of pace and make it your next destination for a romantic summer getaway.
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Here are ten things you can do while on a romantic summer city escape to Santander:
1. Start your day with a breathtaking view of the city
Wake up early and watch the sunrise as you sip from a steaming cup of your beverage of choice. Go to the nearest café like Café Suizo, located directly on Santander’s main promenade. You can have a delicious breakfast while taking in the sights or watching people pass by. Bask in the early morning sunlight and enjoy soaking up the magnificent views of the bay or the elegant buildings nearby.
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2. Take a dip in or a stroll through El Sardinero Beach
El Sardinero Beach is one of the finest city beaches and certainly the most popular in Santander. It boasts golden sand, cool waters, and several shops and restaurants for your utmost pleasure. Soak up the sun as you take a dip or walk along the promenade and eat ice cream cones. Several surf schools are also available if you're up for a thrilling adventure.
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3. Get a glimpse of local life at Mercado de la Esperanza
Mercado de la Esperanza, or Hope Market, is in the heart of the city and boasts a multitude of local delicacies. This historic marketplace spans two floors and is constructed from iron, glass, and stone. It is a large covered market with around 80 stalls that display everything from the freshest catch of the day to transport-friendly goods you can take back at the end of your trip. This market is where you can sample local treats, learn more about Cantabrian cuisine, and get a glimpse of what it's like to be a local in Santander. You can also stock up on picnic supplies with artisanal cheeses, fresh fruit and veggies, baked goods, and charcuterie meats.
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4. Explore the Peninsula de Magdalena
Enjoy a panoramic view of the bay as you stroll through the Peninsula de Magdalena, filled with tall trees and leafy meadows. There are manicured parks and sculpture gardens, a lighthouse, a small marine zoo, beaches, coastal paths, rocky shorelines, and replicas of ships. The beautiful surroundings make it the perfect place for a romantic picnic or a quiet stroll.
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Peninsula de Magdalena is also home to the most iconic and well-known attraction in Santander, the Palacio de la Magdalena. Built between 1908 and 1912, this opulent palace used to be the summer residence of the Spanish Royals. Situated at the top of the Peninsula de Magdalena, this palace looks straight out of a fairytale book with its eclectic architectural style and resemblance to English country estates.
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5. Enjoy the sea views at Paseo de Pereda
Wander around Paseo de Pereda, a scenic seafront walkway between Puerto Chico and Santander Cathedral, with stunning views across the bay and beautiful 19th-century buildings lining the street. It is popular for housing the Jardines de Pereda, a gorgeous garden with stunning flowerbeds and leafy walkways, and Centro Botín, a cultural and exhibition center constructed in an awe-inspiring modern style.
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While there, you can also visit Santander Cathedral and pay respects. A religious landmark in Santander, the city's cathedral comprises two churches built on top of one another in a stark Gothic style. The 14th-century upper church was rebuilt after the historic fire that destroyed most buildings in the city in 1941. It famously houses the tomb of local writer and historian Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo. Below it lies the Iglesia del Santíssimo Cristo, which dates back to the 13th century. It exhibits archaeological remains and houses tombs of early Christian martyred saints.
(Credit: Iberian Escapes)
6. Marvel at the art scene
There are plenty of museums in Santander to visit and get your culture on. One of the main ones is Centro Botín, which stands out for its unique rectangular shape and has a prime location in front of the Jardines de Pereda, right on the edge of the water. The arts and cultural center opened in 2017, featuring 280,000 ceramic discs reflecting the sky and seascapes. This futuristic building was created by Italian architect and Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Renzo Piano, who also designed The Shard in London and Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. An expansive gallery space, a rooftop terrace, and a café are inside the two-block building. It showcases art collections from the Botín Foundation and exhibits international contemporary art.
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There's also the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, which houses archaeological wonders like cave art and tools. The Maritime Museum has impressive ship models and an aquarium, while the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art contains over 1,500 works primarily done by Spanish artists.
You also need to catch the incredible street art in Santander. While wandering around the city center, keep your eyes peeled for unique finds and colorful murals. Some of the most famous ones are "Alejar a la Muerte" in Calle del Rio and the mural of a person hugging a dog in Calle Valliciergo.
7. Enjoy a leisurely cruise in Santander Bay
Recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, Santander Bay features dunes, beaches, islands, and sandbanks. Several boat trips around the bay allow you to explore the beautiful Cantabrian coast. It is the perfect way to see the city's breathtaking sights and an excellent way to spend the day with your loved one.
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8. Watch the sunset at the Faro de Cabo Mayor
Take an aerial perspective of the city at Cabo Mayor, located near El Sardinero Beach, with a cliff-top trail that attracts hikers and photographers for its gorgeous scenery. The Cabo Mayor Lighthouse is Cantabria's most important lighthouse, as it served as a vital lifeline for ships since ancient times. Nowadays, it's a popular spot for sunset views and romantic walks. If you're interested in its history, you can learn more about the icon and its symbolism at the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse Art Center inside the lighthouse.
(Credit: Sergio Saavedra of Postureo Cantabro)
9. Enjoy local delicacies and gastronomic delights
Santander offers the best seafood, which rivals that of a bigger city. It is a paradise for those who love good quality fish products and fantastic seafood dishes. For the best seafood restaurants, head on over to Barrio Pesquero. You can watch fishing boats bring in freshly caught seafood if you're lucky.
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Several restaurants around the city serve excellent Santander cuisine, from hearty stews to fried food and delicious baked treats. Try rabas or fried squid and cocido montañés, a stew with white beans and meats. For dessert, try the Spanish version of cheesecake, which is quesada pasiega.
Santander's culinary hotspot is Plaza de Cañadío, packed with restaurants and bars open until late. If you haven't tried tapas, this is the place for you. Most bars have tables al fresco, so you can enjoy a drink with your tapas while basking in a Spanish night's warmth.
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10. Experience the city's nightlife
Santander's nightlife offers everything from fiestas to nightclubs and tapas bars. Go bar-hopping and chat the night away with friendly locals, or enjoy a glass of wine or two for a romantic nightcap. If you're looking to dance from the wee hours of the morning until daylight, there are several choices for nightclubs that offer a good time.
(Credit: Turismo Santander)
You can also get back to El Sardinero, where you can enjoy a drink in a tranquil atmosphere. Walk along the promenade with a glass of wine, or go to the casino if you're feeling lucky.
(Credit: Turismo Santander)
With its stunning architecture, rich cultural history, spectacular beaches, lush landscapes, fantastic cuisine, friendly locals, and vibrant nightlife, it's a wonder that Santander is still under the radar. But therein lies its charm. If you wish to go on a romantic summer getaway, consider Santander and explore everything it has to offer.