This area is one of the city’s best-kept secrets; here it loses its identity as a capital city to show its more rural side.
1. The Englishman’s Pantheon
A small construction in memory of William Rowland, a British man who died at this point while visiting José Jackson, who was in charge of the traffic lights for boats in Cueto.
2. The Beaches of el Bocal and Rosamunda
To reach them, you will have to walk a couple of kilometres, leaving Cueto behind and travelling towards Monte on foot or by vehicle from Cabo Mayo. These small beaches are quite remote and are used by surfers and those seeking peace and tranquillity.
3. La Maruca
One of the places in the area with the greatest seafaring atmosphere, you can see small vessels moored in the little river estuary of San Pedro del Mar and enjoy some of the delicious dishes they prepare in their sailors’ taverns. In this area, the rural atmosphere of Monte and the entire northern coastal area in general can be appreciated. Alongside the river estuary is La Maruca beach, small and rocky and next to this there is a path that leads to the sea.
4. San Pedro del Mar BatteryWalking along the path that runs around the beach towards the sea, the San Pedro Battery is reached, a fortification that has been documented since 1660, which was built to protect Santander from pirate attacks and that remained active until the War of Succession (1702-1713) between the Borbons and the Austrias. Today it is a coastal interpretation centre with a viewing point on its upper part.
5. Castillo de Corbanera
Close to the San Pedro Battery, there is a 19th century construction. Today it is closed, but if you walk around it, you will see how some of its neighbours took advantage of its walls to make up one of the walls of their houses.
6. Molino de Mareas Bridge
On one side of the San Pedro del Mar river estuary, there is a bridge crossing over to the other side, the only remaining part of the Aldama mill, which was in use until the 19th century. Leaving this behind, you reach the Punta La Mesa. Here, you have to take the second fork to the right to reach a viewing point from which you can admire the lines of the coast, acknowledged by the European Union as a Special Area of Conservation.
7. Pozonas de San Román
Recently recuperated, this marsh is an important place for passing migratory birds and an ecosystem with great richness in scenery, ecology and culture may be appreciated here.
8. La Virgen del Mar
In San Román, the Santuario de La Virgen del Mar may be found, the patron saint of Santander of fishermen, where every year, 51 days after Easter Saturday, they process to the hermitage. Nestled on an islet, the sanctuary may be accessed over a bridge. The area also has a beautiful beach, a large car park and meadows.
9. The Cemetery of Ciriego
Built due to Carlos III’s mandate to construct graveyards outside the walls of the cities. It is one of the best examples of the wealth of the funerary production in Spain, particularly by the famous master stonemasons of Cantabria, who created works of art for the pantheons, tombs and monuments in Ciriego. Included in the European Cemeteries Route, acknowledged by the World Tourism Organisation for its innovation, dissemination and interpretation of European heritage.