Santander
TownOn 15 February 1941 a storm-driven fire destroyed 377 buildings in Santander and erased its medieval core in under 48 hours.
What it actually is
Cantabria’s capital and the only real city on this coast, wrapped round a deep natural bay that still works as a port and takes Brittany Ferries sailings from the UK. The rebuilt streets are solid, not picturesque.
The bay, the Magdalena and Centro Botín
What survived is on the water. The Magdalena peninsula carries the palace built for Alfonso XIII in 1909–11, El Sardinero’s beaches sit behind belle-époque frontage, and Renzo Piano’s Centro Botín of 2017 stands on stilts over the bay.
Frequently asked questions
How long to stay?
Two nights: one for the centre, one for the Magdalena and El Sardinero.
Ferry from the UK?
Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth, about 33 hours, and Plymouth.
Why so modern?
The 1941 fire destroyed 377 buildings, most of the medieval quarter.
Explore more of the Costa de Cantabria
Santander is one of many destinations on the CostaMap interactive map — browse beaches, coves, castles and viewpoints across the coast.