SANTANDER, SPAIN

Although Santander is not a particularly large city, it has a peculiar geography that has fascinated tourists for many years. The region's mountains directed the city's development to conform to an odd shape: running west-to-east and hugging the northern rim of the bay.

There are two distinct and equally-important parts of the city: the center and El Sardinero.

The center is where you will find most of the shops, businesses, and services, as well as the greater portion of monuments and tourist attractions. This is where the main streets San Fernando, Burgos, Jesús de Monasterio, Calvo Sotelo Avenue, and Paseo de Pereda all meet.

The city starts at Somorrostro Hill, where the cathedral stands and where the old walled city with its castle once stood. Here you will find some of Santander's most famous buildings, such as Edificio del Banco de España, Correos (the post office building), Banco Santander, Plaza Porticada, Iglesia de la Anunciación (Church of the Annunciation) and the Ayuntamiento (city hall). Also nearby are the famous Jardines de Pereda (Pereda Gardens),... more