Santander, Cantabria

Santander is the capital of the region of Cantabria in northern Spain. It has a population of about 200,000 and is on the Cantabrian Sea. Well connected with Madrid and Barcelona, it is near to Asturias, the Basque Country and the south of France. The city has very little industry and most of its visitors come during the summer to enjoy the more than five kilometres of beaches on the Bay of Santander, which have been awarded the European Union's Blue Flag.

Cultural life in the city is active all year round thanks to the on-going support of important foundations but it becomes more lively during the summer months with the activities carried out by the MenCndez Pelayo lnternational University, as well as the lnternational Festival of music, theatre and dance and the City of Santander annual piano competition. Santander has Fine Arts and Archaeology Museums, amongst others, and of special interest is the MenCndez Pelayo Library.

Not only does Santander enjoy a magnificent coastal location but it also offers good food and the possibility of making interesting excursions combining art with nature. Along the coast are Castro Urdiales, Laredo, Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera. Inland is the extremely beautiful Picos de Europa mountain range, where Potes is the main town. Santillana del Mar is an architectural jewel, with its Romanesque Collegiate and 16th and 17th century mansions. Close by are the famous Altamira Caves with their outstanding new museum and a replica of their Palaeolithic paintings.