If you want to be a true instagramer, this is the tour you have to take to show your followers the wonderful views of Santander from the best viewpoints in the city.
You have to take the first photograph from the Dársena de Maliaño Fishing Port, in this place a multitude of fishing tackle is usually left to be repaired by the nets. Your post will show the seafaring tradition that characterizes our city.
If we walk in the direction of the centre, we will arrive at the Maritime Station, built in 1971, characterized by its roof with curved lines emulating the waves of the sea. Today, about 150,000 people a year pass through this station.
From here we suggest you take a panoramic view that will mix the Bay of Santander with the green mountains in the background. An image that will remain etched in the memory of everyone who sees it.
Would you dare to see the city from above? Go ahead and climb the Tower of the Cathedral, another perspective of the city is waiting for you and your followers will surely love to discover a different Santander.
Nearby is the Botín Centre, where you can walk through some walkways that are over the sea. If you like photography, it is the ideal place to take millions of different photos with your camera from many angles.
Next to the Botín Centre there is a Stone Crane built between 1896 and 1900, it was used to load and unload goods from the ships that docked at the dock. Recently restored, it has become one of the icons of the city.
Next to it, the Palace of the Embarcadero designed in 1932, an exhibition hall, whit great cultural events.
A photo that would be perfect in your instagram feed from these two enclaves would be that of a boat arriving in Santander, don't you think?
In the Río de la Pila, one of the streets of the city with the most nightlife, you will find the Río de la Pila Funicular, do not hesitate to get on it and take a photo from above. You will contemplate all the houses that are in the centre of the city with the sea and the mountains in the background.
Another essential stop is Paseo Pereda, surrounded by large buildings that stand out for their elegance and architecture and will make your camera lens fall in love.
If we continue walking we will arrive at Puertochico. This old fishing port concentrated the marine activity during the s. XIX and beginning of the XX. Today it is a place of great tourist attraction thanks to its views and its restaurant offer.
The photo from this viewpoint will become a real postcard thanks to the small boats in which fishing enthusiasts go sailing early, taking advantage of the calm of the bay in contrast to the larger pleasure boats, where Santander people spend most of their time of the summer
If we continue walking we will arrive at Castelar, ideal for taking a picture of its terraces with views of the sea.
One of the favourite places for the people of Santander to walk is the Gamazo Dune. We are sure that you will be able to take a photograph that transmits the peace that this viewpoint brings.
If we continue walking towards the Sardinero halfway we will find the Shooting Club, ideal for resting and having a drink on its large terrace.
The panorama that cannot be missing in your photo book is from Playa de los Peligros or from Casa Botín. We suggest you approach at sunset time, since the light is like a movie. You will be able to appreciate the Puntal de Somo in contrast to the bay.
Another obligatory stop is the Caballerizas viewpoint, with a spectacular terrace at the foot of the Palacio de la Magdalena.
If we continue walking through this beautiful environment, such as the Magdalena Peninsula, we will arrive at the Cerda Lighthouse, one of the most spectacular viewpoints we have in Santander where you can see the cliffs that surround the peninsula and the Isla de Mouro, whose lighthouse was built in 1858 with the aim of notifying ships of their entry into the Bay.
The Cerda Lighthouse was built on cliffs and in the same place there was a fort (1639) built to protect the city from enemies. Today, its facilities are used for the Aula del Mar teaching project.
At the end of the climb we arrive at the north terrace of the Palacio de la Magdalena, a wide esplanade from which to contemplate the enormous palatial architecture of the former summer residence of Kings Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia and the Cantabrian Sea.
A few meters from there, is the Casita del Mareógrafo, built in 1874 to measure the vertices of the Peninsula, with respect to the mean sea level together with that of Cádiz and Alicante.
The next stop on our tour is The Camel Beach, prepare your camera because if there is low tide you have to capture with your lens the famous rock that is shaped like a camel, hence the name of this beach.
If we continue walking, we will reach the Terrace of the 1st Beach, where in addition to being able to see the Cantabrian Sea in all its splendor, you will be able to see one of the beaches preferred by the people of Santander. Formerly the nobility came to her, and the bourgeoisie went to the 2nd.
Right next to it, we approach the Piquío Gardens, which separate the First and Second beaches of El Sardinero and are the ideal place for a walk. Thanks to its viewpoint, you can contemplate one of the best views of the city.
At the end of the walk, we arrive at the Mirador García Lago, which offers a panoramic view of El Sardinero.
If we retrace our steps we will see a roundabout, cross the street and go up some stairs that will take us directly to Cabo Menor. From here you will be able to clearly see the face of Corocotta, a famous Cantabrian warrior, drawn by the profile of the geographical features.
Continuing along the path we will arrive at Mataleñas Beach, an ideal place to enjoy good views while taking a bath.
At the top we will see the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, with more than 30 meters high, it is the most important lighthouse in Cantabria. Built in 1839 in the same place where, since ancient times, ships were signalled with flags during the day and with fire at night.
Very close to there is a small building in memory of William Rowland, a British man who died at this point during his visit to José Jackson, in charge of Cueto's semaphore, the English Pantheon.
One of the areas with the most maritime atmosphere is La Maruca beach, where you can see boats moored in the small estuary of San Pedro del Mar. It is a small, rocky beach, and next to it there is a path that leads to the sea.
In San Román is the Sanctuary of La Virgen del Mar, patron saint of Santander and of the fishermen who every year, 51 days after Holy Saturday, come in procession to the hermitage. Nestled on an islet, the sanctuary can be accessed through a bridge. A sensational viewpoint from which to enjoy the sea from another angle.