How to Plan Your Tour in Santoña: Urban and Marine Visit

Are you looking for a unique travel experience filled with outdoor activities, breathtaking views, and cultural exploration? Look no further than Santoña, the charming fishing village situated on the Cantabrian coast. Santoña’s history, cuisine, and picturesque scenery make it the ideal destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the local culture. To help plan your trip, here is an informative guide to the city’s best attractions and activities.

Experience

The Urban and Marine Visit tour is an excellent way to experience the beauty and history of Santoña. This tour takes you on a journey through the streets and seas of this charming village, allowing you to discover its hidden gems and learn about the local culture. From the Carnival monument to the fishing port’s auction room, you’ll see all of Santoña’s sights and sounds that you can’t miss.

Highlights

The Urban and Marine Visit tour has numerous highlights, starting with a visit to Santoña’s monument to Juan de la Cosa. This famous explorer, cartographer, and navigator is known for being one of the first Europeans to set foot on American soil in the late 15th century. You’ll be amazed at the stories and legends surrounding Juan de la Cosa while admiring the monument. The Carnival monument is another must-see attraction on this tour. Carnival is one of the most popular festivals in Santoña, and the monument pays tribute to it. You’ll learn about the history, traditions, and aesthetics of this festival, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The promenade “the passage” is a place to take a leisurely walk, talk about Santoña’s history and conquer, and take pictures of Santoña. This promenade, built-in between the ocean and the town, is an ideal place to soak up the fresh air, great views, and to watch the vibrant life of Santoña’s residents. The marina and the promenade of the Italian salt fishmongers will enable us to discover the origin of the famous anchovy fillet which is a fundamental product of the gastronomy of Santoña. A tour of the marina will allow visitors to learn more about how the oceanic products are collected and processed looks like. Finally, one of the highlights that you shouldn’t miss is the fishing port and its auction room. The port is full of local fishermen and offers a glimpse into the city’s economy, while the auction room allows visitors to see the process of fish trading firsthand.

Full Description

The Urban and Marine Visit tour starts next to the monument to Juan de la Cosa, where the guide will introduce you to the history of this famous explorer. You’ll then visit the Carnival monument and learn about the traditions and aesthetics associated with this famous festival. After that, you’ll take a walk down “the passage” promenade and discover why Santoña is a stronghold. The marina and the promenade of the Italian salt fishmongers are two of Santoña’s most significant attractions. You’ll discover how the famous anchovy fillets are caught and processed, and you’ll get to explore the marina to see how this tiny fishing village continues to thrive oceanwise. The tour concludes with a visit to the fishing port and its auction room. You’ll see how the fishermen sort out their catches and how the fish are auctioned in the auction room, learning about the mechanism and culture of the sale of the fishing trade.

Includes

When you book the Urban and Marine Visit tour, you’ll receive a map and brochure of Santoña to help you navigate the city. Also included is the entrance to the auction room inside the Lonja.

Food and Drinks

Food and drinks are not included in the price of the tour, but there are plenty of local eateries and restaurants in Santoña where you can sample the local cuisine.

Tips

The Urban and Marine Visit tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as many of the attractions require a significant amount of walking. Bring comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the season.

Booking the Tour

To book the Urban and Marine Visit tour, visit here and get your tour spot booked today. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore Santoña’s rich maritime history and culture.

FAQ about Santoña

1. What is Santoña?

Santoña is a town located in the Cantabrian region of northern Spain. It is situated on the eastern coast of the Bay of Biscay, and it has a population of approximately 11,000 people. Santoña is famous for its beautiful beaches, its natural park, and its delicious seafood.

2. What are the best things to do in Santoña?

There are many things to do in Santoña, including: – Visiting the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Wetlands Natural Park, which is home to numerous bird species and is a great place for hiking and birdwatching. – Sunbathing on Playa de Berria, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved beaches in Cantabria. – Exploring the Santoña Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the coast and the bay. – Taking a boat trip around the Bay of Santoña, where you can observe marine life and enjoy the beautiful scenery. – Visiting the Church of Santa María del Puerto, a beautiful medieval church located in the heart of the town. – Trying the local seafood, including anchovies, crab, and squid, which are some of the best in Spain.

3. When is the best time to visit Santoña?

The best time to visit Santoña is between June and September when the weather is warm and sunny, and you can enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, you can also visit in May or October when the weather is still pleasant but less busy. Winter is not a recommended season to visit Santoña due to the lower temperatures and occasional rain.

4. What are the transportation options to get to Santoña?

Santoña is well connected by road and public transportation. You can easily reach it by car or bus from cities like Santander or Bilbao. There is also a train station in nearby Laredo, which is connected to other major cities in Spain like Madrid and Barcelona. If you prefer to fly, you can land at Santander Airport or Bilbao Airport, which are both located less than an hour’s drive from Santoña.

5. Is Santoña a family-friendly destination?

Yes, Santoña is a perfect destination for families. It has many family-friendly activities and attractions, such as the beaches, the natural park, and the boat trips. There are also many restaurants that offer children’s menus and other services adapted to families.

6. Are there any cultural events in Santoña?

Yes, Santoña has many cultural events throughout the year. The most important one is the Fiesta de la Virgen del Puerto, which takes place around the second week of September and includes religious ceremonies, processions, and live music. Other important events include the Santoña International Short Film Festival and the Medieval Fair, which takes place in July and recreates the medieval history of the town.

7. Where can I find more information about Santoña?

There are several websites and resources where you can find more information about Santoña, such as: – The official website of the town council: www.santona.es – The official website of the Cantabrian Tourism Office: www.turismodecantabria.com – TripAdvisor: www.tripadvisor.com – Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/cantabria/santona

8. Is Santoña a safe destination?

Yes, Santoña is generally considered a safe destination. However, like in any other tourist destination, it is advisable to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are carrying valuable items. Petty crime is not very common in Santoña, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Santoña

Santoña is a lovely town located in the northern coast of Spain, known for its stunning beaches, authentic cuisine, and historic landmarks. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation on the beach or an adventurous holiday exploring the town’s rich culture and history, Santoña has something to offer for everyone. Here are some recommendations on how to spend your time as a tourist in Santoña:

1. Visit the Santoña Marsh Nature Park

The Santoña Marsh Nature Park is a unique ecosystem that covers over 4,000 hectares of marshlands, lagoons, and dunes. This is home to various endemic and migratory birds, such as spoonbills, storks, and herons, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. There are also numerous hiking and biking trails in the park that offer stunning views of the marshlands and the sea.

2. Enjoy the Beaches

Santoña has numerous beaches that offer something for every type of traveler. Playa de Berria is a wide sandy beach ideal for families with children, while Playa de El Brusco is a surfer’s paradise with strong waves and a rocky coastline. Playa de San Martin de Somo is also popular among surfers while Playa de El Bocal is ideal for those who prefer a more secluded beach experience.

3. Visit the Fort of San Carlos

The Fort of San Carlos is a historic fortress built in the 18th century to defend Santoña from invasions. This impressive structure has undergone extensive restoration and holds a small museum, which showcases the history of the fort and the town’s defense strategy.

4. Experience the local cuisine

Santoña is known for its authentic cuisine, with fresh seafood and cured meats being the specialties of the town. Try the local anchovies, which are considered some of the best in Spain, or savour a plate of rabas, the local version of calamari rings.

5. Take a boat tour to the lighthouse of Santoña

A boat tour to the lighthouse of Santoña is an excellent way to explore the town’s coastline and its rugged terrain. The lighthouse offers stunning views of the sea and the coastline, and the boat tour also offers the chance to spot dolphins and whales.

6. Visit the Church of Santa Maria del Puerto

The Church of Santa Maria del Puerto is a beautiful 14th-century gothic church located in the town center. The church’s architecture is impressive, with stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. Visitors can also climb the bell tower for some stunning views of the town and the sea.

7. Explore the village of Escalante

The village of Escalante is located just a few kilometers away from Santoña and is known for its vibrant cultural scene. There are several art galleries, museums, and shops that showcase the village’s artistic and cultural heritage.

8. Go hiking in the Asón-Agüera Natural Park

The Asón-Agüera Natural Park offers spectacular natural landscapes, including deep gorges, breath-taking waterfalls, and lush vegetation. The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

9. Attend the festival of Santoña

The festival of Santoña is celebrated in late August and is one of the town’s most significant cultural events. The festival includes music, dancing, and traditional food and drink, and it is an excellent opportunity to experience the town’s authentic culture and community spirit. In conclusion, Santoña is a beautiful town with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes worth exploring. With its impressive fortresses, quaint villages, beautiful beaches, and remarkable cuisine, it is an ideal destination for every traveler looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this beautiful town.