Santander, in full sail

As soon as you arrive in Santander you will notice that the bay is central to the city and its inhabitants. The restructuring of the promenade has led to modern constructions like the Duna de Gamazo. Designed by Alejandro Zaera, this is a stepped amphitheatre structure, ideal for sitting and looking out at the bay, and perhaps one of the many international sporting events hosted by the city, or the traditional traineras (a type of rowing boat originating on the northern coast of Spain).The Centro Botín, on the other hand, represents a new era. As well as giving the city considerable cultural importance, the building by Renzo Piano has led to the modernisation of the area of the Pereda Gardens and around the ferry terminal. Clad with 270,000 pearlised ceramic discs which reflect the light, the Centro Botín has two exhibition rooms, an auditorium, lecture halls, and the Café Centro Botín.

Barrio Pesquero is one of the most authentic parts of the city. Alongside the old sailors’ houses and the docks where the fishing boats unload their catch, you can find the most traditional cuisine of the region. The simple setting is made up for by the good quality of the fish of the day, fresh from the market, and the delicious platefuls of rabas (battered squid). From the everyday to the grand. The marina, the yachts in Puertochico, the marble of the Palacio de Festivales, the luxury of the casino, and finally, the Peninsula of La Magdalena. On the highest point of this beautiful natural space, home to sea lions (and even penguins!) is a palace built in 1911, in a mixture of British and French styles, which was the summer residence of the Spanish royal family. These days, as well as hosting conferences, weddings and other events, it holds the popular summer school courses of Menéndez Pelayo International University. Every summer, distinguished academic and political figures come to this institution and galvanise the cultural life of Santander.