Covering around 25 hectares, it is one of the most-visited places in Santander. Within its natural setting, you can enjoy magnificent landscapes, beaches, the Man and the Sea Museum, the children’s playground, a wide variety of trees and even a small marine park with seals, sea lions and penguins. All these attractions turn this space into the ideal place for walking and spending a day. Additionally, inside the park you can see what was the ‘Casa de Los Guardeses’ (Groundsmen’s Lodge), currently the Tourist Office; a hall that hosts many events, the Royal Stables, the Pier, La Cerda Lighthouse and crowning the Peninsular, the Palacio de La Magdalena, the Royal Family’s former summer residence. You won’t have time to get bored!
This park is located in between the Second Beach of El Sardinero and the Playing Fields of the Racing Football Club, built on the former football ground. It owes its name to Doctor Mesones, the Mayor of Santander for 21 years. With a great esplanade of grass and an artificial pond, it is perfect for walking and is one of the most popular parks, particularly in the summer.
Created in 1925 on the Piquillo Rock, these gardens separate the First and Second Beaches of El Sardinero when the tide is high. In addition to the gardens and the species included in them, Piquio is the favourite place for those who want to enjoy the best views of El Sardinero and the Cantabrian Sea from its viewing platform.
Located on the Cabo Menor, it is one of the favourite places of the people of Santander for strolling and enjoying its impressive views. Opened to the public in 1983, it has extensive gardens, a large pond with birds, surrounded by an extensive grove of trees and a sports track set in the heart of nature.
Opened in 2007, this large park has become the lung of the city. Built on marshy ground, it is located at the foot of the campus of the University of Cantabria. Its 11 hectares include recreational areas, green areas and an extensive network of paths, open spaces, water spaces and a leisure area that surrounds a large central space that many birds choose as marshland for nesting or resting from their migratory journeys.
In the park you will also find a cafeteria-restaurant, a car park, bike lanes and a concert hall, ‘Escenario Santander’, which hosts many events.
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Opened in 1905 under the name of Jardines del Muelle, they changed to the current Jardines de Pereda in 1911, when the monument to José María Pereda was erected. The wide variety of species of trees in the park makes it stand out.
There are many monuments in these gardens and they are witness to the different book fairs and markets that are held there. Essential for visiting, particularly if you go with the youngest members of the family.
It represents the river course from its birth to its mouth, giving rise to its name, the Water Park. You will find extensive green areas, a wide network of paths for walking, squares and even a stream and artificial lakes.
Along its almost 750 metres in length, this urban park is surrounded by shops and restaurants where you can enjoy the capital city’s typical dishes.
Better known by the people of Santander as the Cow Park due to the sculpture of this animal in it, this park covers an area of 175,000 m2 and it houses a children’s playground, a small pond, a skate park and a wide variety of tree species.
Located in an area that was formerly covered by industrial premises, the park has been renewed, accommodating a wide variety of trees, a pond and a traditional bowling alley.
Located in the city’s University Campus area, it has a skate park for the lovers of this sport or for those who would just like to try it.
The ‘Finca Altamira’, also known as the ‘la Quinta Altamira’, was opened to the public on the 27th of November, 1983 and two years later, the Municipal Conservatory moved to the historic building located in the grounds.
Characterised by its infinity of tree species, some of them from Northern America and tropical varieties, it also has London plane trees, horse chestnuts, magnolias, pine trees, lime trees, cedars and American oaks. The only example of the Washingtonia Phylifera palm tree in Cantabria can be found here.
In the heart of Santander, the City Hall rises up. Built in 1907 with a marked eclectic style on the former site of the convent of San Francisco. It was extended in the 1960s, becoming the building that we know today. Currently, it is a meeting point for the people of Santander and a place where many activities are held.
Although it is really called Plaza de Velarde, it is more commonly known as the Plaza Porticada. In 1952, for the first time it hosted the Santander International Festival of Music and Dance, promoted by Ataulfo Argenta and José Manuel Riancho, the first director of the festival. Very important events are held in this square, ranging from concerts to exhibitions.
Located at the foot of the Cathedral, the sea used to reach this point and it was a shipyard area in the 15th century. Later on, it became an important naval base for Felipe II’s navy, where they repaired both war ships and fishing boats.
If you want to discover one of the most charming squares in the city, you must visit this one. Many people from Santander associate it with their childhood. Even today, the tradition of visiting it on Sunday mornings to exchange collectable cards continues. In the same square the Casa Pombo or Regatta Club is found, the oldest recreational society in the city.
Just behind the Plaza Pombo is another of the most popular squares in Santander. Formerly occupied by the city’s most important beer factory, today it has become one of the meeting points to enjoy the Santander nightlife.
Also known as the Plaza de las Farolas (Square of the streetlights); it houses two of the most emblematic buildings of the city: the Post Office and the Bank of Spain. The former, built in 1918, is a clear example of the regionalist mountain style. In the case of the Bank of Spain, it was erected in 1924 and its renaissance style stands out. These two buildings, along with the Church del Cristo, were the only buildings that were saved from the fire in 1941.
Located in El Sardinero, opposite the First Beach of El Sardinero and with the Casino as its main element, this square is the favourite of many people, particularly in the summer, for sitting and enjoying an ice cream from one of the nearby ice cream parlours.
A tribute to the ‘Indianos’ who emigrated to this country and returned, investing part of their money in improvements for the community. The tribute to this adoptive country for many Cantabrians is reflected by the Aztec calendar created in colourful tiles.