Santander has many sights to see and places of interest to visit by day. It's also the perfect gateway for exploring the rest of Cantabria which offers a stunningly beautiful array of nature reserves, beaches, medieval villages, mountains and marshes.
There are some beautiful beaches within easy reach of the city centre but Santander's maritime climate means it will never be top of the sun seeking package holidaymaker's list. Summers are moderate, winters are mild and grey skies and rain can be expected at any time of the year.
But city lovers interested in history, architecture, culture or simply the discovery of what lies beyond the harbour of one of Spain's major ports will not be disappointed in Santander.
Getting Around
The best way to experience Santander is on foot. Though the city is elongated in shaped is it still possible to walk from one end to the other, at least if feeling energetic. The central areas, especially the touristic parts of the city, is a relatively concentrated zone & the use of public transport should not be necessary.
Cuisine
The land around Santander offers great diversity (on the coast & with mountains to it's rear) which has worked its way into the local cuisine. Expect a multitude of meat & fish dishes here, including fresh Salmon & Trout caught from the rivers surrounding the city. The region of Cantabria is famed throughout Spain for the quality & creaminess of it's milk, with milk based desserts & pastries widely available.
Shopping
Santander offers a good selection of all kinds of retail outlets. These include fashionable boutiques, high street shops, departments stores, markets, & craft shops.
Climate
During the summer months (June-September) the climate in Santander is warm, with daily highs easily reaching 30°C. It's winters are also relatively mild considering its northern location on the peninsular, with averages at around 10°C. However the region is well known for its high rainfall (in Spanish terms at least), especially outside of the summer season.
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