Sightseeing in Santander - what to see. Complete travel guide

Santarder is a true national reserve region in its original form. The town is located on the north of Italy on the shore of the magnificent bay. The city attracts visitors by its natural environment, amazing beaches, forests with unique wildlife, clean rivers with salmon and trout, and by the sea with its magnificent underwater life.

While spending holidays in this port town, it’s definitely worth making a stroll along the Pereda Boulevard named in honor of the famous Cantabrian writer. The boulevard stretches along the piers and features beautiful views of the harbor. Deep in the thick forests in the mountains near the town named Altamira is located a cave - a true monument of the prehistoric art. The walls of the cave are covered with paintings made by the representatives of ancient civilizations. It’s truly amazing how well they have portrayed the images of animals and fights for territory on the depressions, bumps and surface irregularities of the cave!

Lovers of cultural enrichment will find many free museums in Santander. These are the Museum of Fine Arts with its collection of Spanish paintings of XV-XX centuries; Maritime Museum, near the entrance of which is located a huge exhibit of marine life - the skeleton of a whale; you will also find rare items got from the sea bottom in this museum; Museum of Ancient History and Archeology of the Upper Paleolithic Time; Velarde Ethnographic Museum, which is a house built in XVII century recreating the atmosphere of a village hut; the underground tomb (peace) of Christ built between the XII-XIII centuries and located under the old Gothic cathedral. Santo Domingo and La Asuncion churches are true samples of Renaissance architecture. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In order to make the stay in the city even more comfortable, in Santander have been created beautiful beaches Madalena and Sardinero. You will also find here wonderful parks and places for active rest.

Several magnificent palaces survived in the city. Royal Palacio de la Magdalena is located on the territory of the beautiful country park. Its construction was completed in the early 20th century. The palace was built specially for King Alfonso and became his favorite summer residence. Eventually, the royal family lost its beautiful residence. At different times it housed a hospital, corps of the local university, and even accomodations for beggars. Now, the palace is converted into a cultural center and is used for important events. Some halls are occupied by a museum dedicated to the life and home of the royal family.

A huge casino remains the irreplaceable symbol of the city. Its opening took place over a century ago. Originally, it became a favorite rest place for the local aristocracy. The casino occupies a beautiful building created by the architect Eloy Martinez del Valle. As in the past, they hold interesting dance and theater performances. This place is considered an indispensable cultural center in the city life.

Those who prefer leisurely walks along picturesque places, should visit beautiful Pereda gardens named after the famous Spanish writer. The gardens have incredible landscaping and delight with interesting old sculptures. Travelers who visit the gardens in the period from September to March can admire rooks around here. Every year they fly in for the winter.

In the very heart of the city is situated an old lighthouse, built in this place in the middle of the 19th century. The height of the ancient lighthouse is 90 meters. Although it hasn't been used for a long time, they decided not to destroy the construction. Nowadays, an art center occupies the building. Its visitors can enjoy a great collection of paintings. One of the upper levels is equipped with a viewing platform.

Don't miss a chance to visit the town of Santillana del Mar in the outskirts of Santander, which is famous for its ancient architecture. Many miniature old houses survived in the city. Local residents decorate their facades with fresh flowers in a warm season.