A typical beach day at El Sardinero

Around the area of El Sardinero, from El Camello at the eastern end of the beachline, so called for a camel-shaped rock gracing its shores, to the end of La Segunda del Sardinero (the second and western-most section of the Sardinero), visitors and locals alike are drawn to the fine sands and cool waters. These sands form the most popular area in the city of Santander to spend hot summer days and have a nice refreshing dip in the ocean.

The other city beaches can be found at the other side of the Magdalena peninsula, inside the bay and known as Los Peligros and Los Bikinis (the latter of which is well-known to the Nacra sailors as their boats are currently kept there). Further west there are two more beaches on the way towards the lighthouse at Cabo Mayor, Mataleñas and Los Molinucos.

While all these beaches are popular, El Sardinero reigns supreme, especially during the summer season. It has everything you could possibly need for a full day at the beach. It boasts squeaky pale sands and clean, clear waters, although visitors often complain that its technically Atlantic waters can be a little chilly. You can lie down on your towel, stroll along the length of the beach paddling in the shallows or simply splash yourself with seawater from time to time (something you may see the locals do fairly often).

The main nucleus of places to eat here is concentrated in the area around Santanders Gran Casino, although you can also find places around the football stadium, the home of Real Racing Club Santander, and Avenida de Garcia Lago towards the western end of the beach.

From breakfast al-fresco in one of the many cafés until dinner. From sandwiches and baguettes to á la carte menus, or the famous and more economic menu del día at lunchtime. This beach really does have everything! And obviously you couldnt possibly go home without trying one of the ice creams to be bought around the Plaza de Italia. There may be queues but it really is worth the wait.

If you want to round off the day with a spot of exercise, you may like to visit one of the many surf schools to organize a surf lesson, or just rent a board and a wetsuit for a couple of hours. If you prefer land sports, you could always rent one of the city bikes and pedal the length of the beach in the cycle lane, free from cars and buses. For the curious traveller, there is an interesting map of Cantabria to be found in La Plaza de Las Brisas or a modern water feature in El Parque de Mesones which is a scale model of Santanders maritime area.

So, just what is a typical beach day in Santander? With so much on offer here it just depends on you!