The Transcantabric Route: Santander

The history of Santander, according to historians, dates back to 26 BC. Its history is marked from the Cantabrian Wars against Rome, with Emperor Augustus deciding to name the port Portus Victoriae (Port of Victory) to commemorate his victory over the Cantabrians.

It was Alfonso VIII who granted Santander the status of a charter, granting certain privileges such as trading in basic goods while avoiding some customs duties, which led to significant commercial growth in the city.

In 1912, the construction of the Magdalena Palace, which the city of Santander gifted to Alfonso VIII, was completed. It witnessed the royal family’s summer vacations and spurred the construction of important buildings such as the Grand Casino, the Hippodrome, and the Royal Hotel.

Santander began to emerge as a tourist destination for aristocrats and bourgeoisie, thanks to the promotion of the sea baths on Sardinero Beach.

With the proclamation of the Second Republic in 1931, the Magdalena Palace ceased to be the summer residence of the kings, becoming the Santander International Summer University. It then housed the residence of international students arriving in Santander from all parts of the world.

Santander is a charming city located in the north of Spain. It is the capital of the autonomous community of Cantabria. The city enjoys a privileged location between the Principality of Asturias and the Basque Country, nestled between the sea and the mountains, making Santander a great tourist destination for nature lovers, as well as a draw for enthusiasts of water sports and beach tourism. Additionally, Santander boasts a wide range of cultural, leisure, and gastronomic offerings that visitors should consider exploring.

When you visit Santander, don’t miss out on visiting the Sardinero Beach, the Cathedral of Santander, the Maritime Museum of the Cantabrian Sea, Cabarceno Natural Park, as well as the impressive Magdalena Palace.

Among the wide gastronomy of Santander, traditional dishes include their fish and meats, as well as rice with chicken, rice with meat, rice with peas, and rice with cassava. Another traditional dish is “mute,” a soup made with pork, corn, potato, and chickpeas, served with rice and chickpea cakes.

The city of Santander is currently one of the important cities visited on the Transcantabric Route, allowing us to explore the North of Spain in depth aboard the impressive Transcantabric Train, starting from significant cities like Santiago de Compostela or San Sebastian, and passing through other charming cities such as Ribadeo, Oviedo, Ribadesella, Santander, or Bilbao, among others. Here, we can leisurely indulge in the pleasures offered by the rich and diverse gastronomy of northern Spain, simply irresistible. It will be an experience we will never forget!

The essence of the Transcantabric Route will forever remain in our memory if we keep a small piece of it in our hearts.

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More information at: Transcantabric Train 2024 (Itineraries, departures, prices).

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