The starring role of this route is the Bay. It not only shapes the lifestyle, but also the city’s physiognomy. Acknowledged as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, it is also the only one in northern Spain that is south-facing.
1. Botín Centre
This centre does not only provide an extensive cultural offer, but it also has some of the best views over the Santander bay.
2. Grúa de Piedra (Stone Crane)
Built between 1896 and 1900, it was used to load and unload goods from the ships docked on the key. Recently restored, it has become one of the city’s icons.
3. Palacete del Embarcadero
Designed in 1932, originally it housed the city’s customs offices. Today, it is used as an exhibition hall.
4. Los Reginas
They connect Santander to Somo and Pedreña and they also offer tips. The people of Santander use them as a regular means of transport, turning them into a regular element in the landscape.
5. Seafront Promenade
Sit on one of the benches on the seafront promenade and let your mind wander. Just let your gaze drift over the postcard views of the sea, Pedreña, Peña Cabarga, Somo and the Cantabrian Mountain Range.
6. Los Raqueros
A tribute to the ‘raqueros’ or Harbour Waifs, the low-class children who dived into the water, doing pirouettes to collect the coins thrown to them by the wealthy classes.
7. Yacht Club
It is one of the most prestigious clubs in Spain. Its design is inspired by the naval architecture of the 1920s.
8. Puertochico
This ancient fishing port concentrated the fishing activity during the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Today it is an important tourist site thanks to its views and restaurants.
9. Castelar
Opposite the Seafront Promenade, this street with a pronounced expressionist style, is a good example of the functional architecture of the beginning of the 20th century. Without any doubt, it is an ideal place to have a drink while you enjoy the views.
10. Palacio de Festivales
Located opposite the Santander Bay, since 1991 it has hosted a wide range of national and internationally relevant shows.
11. CEAR de Vela
The Special Centre for High Sailing Performance (El Centro Especial de Alto Rendimiento de Vela) is the headquarters of the Spanish Olympic Team.
12. Planetarium
Located in the Nautical School, you can observe the apparent movement of the Sun, the Moon, the planets and their satellites and the stars.
13. Los Peligros Beach and Walkway
A family beach with gentle waves thanks to the bay’s protection. You can stroll along its wooden walkway located on the highest part of the dunes.
14. Gamazo Dock and Gamazo Dune
For eighty years the dock was used for building, repairing and inspecting ships. Restored in 2014, it is one of the favourite places for taking a walk by the people of Santander.
15. Maritime Museum
This museum shows you everything related to marine life and mankind’s relationship with the sea throughout history.
16. Avenida Reina Victoria
Built to connect the First Beach of El Sardinero to the centre of the city. Mansions, manor houses and luxury hotels for the nobility were erected along it. You can see a panoramic view of the bay from this avenue.