Shortly before noon we reach the Bay of Santander. It is said to be one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It stretches far into the country and is lined with long, fine sandy beaches. After WORLD VOYAGER has passed the Cabo Mayor lighthouse, we see the beaches of El Sardinero on the right.
Bay of Santander - Faro Cabo Mayor
Faro de Mouro and Palacio de La Magdalena
We circumnavigate the barren rocky island of Isla de Mouro with the lighthouse of the same name, then we drive along the wooded peninsula of La Magdalena with the Palacio Real to the port. Opposite are the sand dunes of El Puntal. Santander Bay is without a doubt beautiful.
Six hours for Santander
We are only six hours by cruise ship in the port of Santander. The WORLD VOYAGER has moored at the Muelle del Almirante. This is just opposite the old town of Santander and close to the Centro Botín. We are also lucky with the weather: it is warm and sunny.
Santander's industrial port
Houses on Calle Muelles de Maliano
For our shore excursion we have planned a tour that leads along the bay to the Magdalena Peninsula. There we would like to see the park and the Palacio Real. Back to the city we will take a bus or a taxi. In the center of Santander, the Cathedral, the City Hall, the Plaza Porticada and the Jardines de Pereda are on our program. There is a lot to see in Santander. We report on this in detail in our article: Santander attractions.
From Estación Marítima to Puertochico
Cruise ships and ferries to Plymouth and Portsmouth dock at the Estación Marítima passenger terminal. The exit leads to the waterfront. Opposite are the Pereda Gardens and right next door is an architectural highlight of Santander, the Centro Botín.
Botín Center
The Botín Foundation Cultural Center and Art Museum was designed by Renzo Piano. Two parts of the building, standing on columns, are connected by a glazed area and some metal bridges. We don't have time for a visit, but the outside is impressive.
We walk along the promenade and reach the Grúa de Piedra, a historic cargo crane. The city of Santander attaches great importance to its tradition as a port city. The restored crane is a real eye-catcher. At the beginning of the Paseo de la Pereda is the former passenger terminal Palacete del Embarcadero. It became too small to handle the ships. Today, cultural events take place in the well-kept building. The sculpture Los Raqueros and the Monumento a José Hierro await us as the next attractions.
Figure group Los Raqueros
Monument to Jose Hierro
The bronze sculpture shows four children. They dived for coins thrown into the sea by passers-by. José Hierro was a Spanish poet who grew up in Santander and remained connected to the city throughout his life.
From Gamazo Dock to Centro Oceanográfico
The Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria is on the left on the promenade behind the Puertochico marina. The architecturally striking building is used as a theatre, culture and congress center in a multidisciplinary manner.
Festival Palace of Cantabria
Opposite, directly on the Bay of Santander, the Gamazo Dock area has been extensively renovated. The dock was preserved as an industrial monument, the so-called dune was recreated. The rows of seats overlooking the sea invite you to relax or watch a regatta. The restaurant in the Caseta de Bombas, the former pump house, looks inviting. Unfortunately, it's still too early for a break. Our program for today is ambitious.
The promenade widens into a small park with benches, comfortable sunbathing areas and shallow access to the sea.
Hamacas de Gamazo
Hamacas de Gamazo
Then we reach the Museo Marítimo. The integrated aquarium enjoys a very good reputation, as do the exhibitions on the history of Cantabrian seafaring. Next door is the Centro Oceanográfico, a research institute for the development of aquaculture.
On the Magdalena Peninsula
We hadn't planned a walk along the beach. Since the path suddenly ends above Playa de los Péligros, we walk across the sand. Playa de la Magdalena follows before we go back to the shore path. From there it is not far to the peninsula. A well-groomed driveway with a wrought-iron gate marks the beginning of the site. Behind is the stop of the tourist train that runs regularly across the island. He doesn't look operational so we continue to rely on our feet. On the right are large playgrounds and another beautiful beach, Playa de los Bikinis. We follow the path that goes around the island. Now it's time for a break. We enjoy our break in a small restaurant with shady outdoor seating.
The Palacio Real is located at the highest point of the peninsula. It was built by the citizens of Santander for the Spanish royal couple. Until 1932 it served as the summer residence of the royal family. Today it is the seat of the International University of Menéndez Pelayo.
The path to the palace meanders steadily uphill. Large old trees provide shade. Again and again we are surprised with views of the Bay of Santander. The Magdalena Peninsula is beautiful. And the palace is impressive. Again we regret our tight schedule. The interior of the palace is also said to be magnificent.
We're on our way back. There is more to see on the peninsula. At the Muelle de las Carabelas there are replicas of three historic ships and a wooden raft. Next to it is the Parque Marino, a small marine park where seals and penguins live alongside ducks and geese.
Dock of the Caravels
Access to Parque Marino
In the center of Santander
We take a public transport bus back to the city. A stop at the beginning of Magdalena Island is easy to find. In the center we leave the bus.
Our first way leads to the cathedral, which we also visit inside. It dates from the Middle Ages and consists of two parts at different heights. The crypt is in the lower part and the basilica is in the upper part. Overall, the cathedral is kept very simple. The cloister that adjoins the basilica is particularly beautiful. The cathedral was largely destroyed during the fire in 1941, but was reconstructed according to the original.
The other stops on our city tour are the town hall, the town hall square, the pedestrian street Calle Juan de Herrera, the Plaza Porticada, the Plaza Alfonso XIII and the Jardines de Pereda.
Conclusion Santander
Santander is an attractive city. The buildings and streets are clean and well maintained. The gardens and squares are good places to spend time.
City Center - Plaza Porticada
Everywhere there are nice shops, cafes and restaurants. All sights are easy to explore on your own, either on foot, with the well-developed public transport system or by taxi. We spent a wonderful day in Santander. We could stay here for a longer time.
The exit from the Bay of Santander on board the WORLD VOYAGER is as beautiful as the approach. The evening light is pleasant. Once again we see the panorama of the city, the Magdalena Peninsula, the Palacio Real and the lighthouses. We then head northeast - our next stop is Bordeaux - and see more of the Cantabrian coastline.
Magdalena Palace
Bay of Santander - northern shoreline
July 2022