3 day itinerary for Santander

Itinerary

Santander is a beautiful coastal city in northern Spain, known for its stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and delicious cuisine. Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Santander:

Day 1:

• Start your day with a visit to the Palacio de la Magdalena, a beautiful palace located on a hill overlooking the bay of Santander. You can take a guided tour of the palace and its gardens, which offer breathtaking views of the sea.
• After the palace, head to the nearby Sardinero Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Santander. Take a stroll along the promenade, enjoy the sea breeze, and maybe even dip your toes in the water.
• For lunch, head to Barrio Pesquero, a charming neighborhood filled with seafood restaurants. Try some local specialties like rabas (fried calamari) or marmita de bonito (tuna stew).
• In the afternoon, visit the Centro Botín, a modern art center designed by architect Renzo Piano. The center hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events, and also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the bay.
• End your day with a walk around the historic city center, where you can admire the beautiful architecture of buildings like the Cathedral of Santander and the Mercado del Este.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a visit to the Cabárceno Nature Park, located about 20 minutes from Santander. The park is home to over 100 species of animals from all over the world, including elephants, tigers, and gorillas. You can explore the park on foot or by car, and there are also shows and activities throughout the day.
• For lunch, head back to Santander and try some pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. There are many bars in the city center that serve delicious pintxos, like Casa Lita or El Machi.
• In the afternoon, visit the Magdalena Peninsula, a beautiful natural area with walking trails and beaches. You can also visit the lighthouse at the end of the peninsula for panoramic views of the sea.
• End your day with a sunset walk along the Paseo de Pereda, a wide boulevard that runs along the bay. The street is lined with elegant buildings and has several sculptures and fountains.

Day 3:

• Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, which houses artifacts from the region's prehistoric and Roman past. The museum is located in a beautiful building near the city center.
• For lunch, head to the nearby Mercado de la Esperanza, a bustling market filled with stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more. You can grab some ingredients and have a picnic in one of the nearby parks.
• In the afternoon, visit the Palacio de Festivales, a cultural center that hosts concerts, plays, and other performances. Check the schedule to see if there's anything you're interested in.
• End your day with a visit to the Playa del Camello, a small beach located near the city center. The beach is known for its unique rock formations and is a great spot to watch the sunset.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Santander! Let me know if you have any questions or need more recommendations.