So, are you ready for a thrilling getaway along the stunning bay of Santander? A true jewel of the north coast of Spain! A classic destination for Spanish tourism for many decades and, at the same time, an unbeaten path for international visitors!
From the vibrant city of Santander to the tranquil beach of El Puntal and the charming towns of Somo and Pedreña, this journey has it all. Contact me to know the boat routes of «Los Reginas,» the local boat company that has been operating these short boat routes for more than a century! They are true to their origins, and their vintage boats look so beautiful to me. There is one that goes only from Santander to El Puntal (about 10 minutes), and another boat that goes from Santander to Pedreña and Somo. Another one covers the area of El Sardinero (don’t miss it!), but that will be covered in another article! With the first two, you will find a very calm sea most of the days because you are inside the bay. The third one can be a bit rough because it goes through the open sea.
Discover El Puntal, a true paradise on earth with an impressive stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen! For me, probably the best thing about El Puntal is that for most of the year, you will have this huge beach basically to yourself! Forget about the crowded beaches of Barcelona (Catalunya) or many areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Just try to avoid the second half of July and the first half of August, and you will be fine in Santander. August is busy because many people from Madrid and other cities have a second residence in Santander.
Now, if you’re one of those who think that food is the best thing in life, I invite you to try the flavors of the area. At El Puntal beach, you can enjoy two beachfront restaurants where you can taste the best gastronomic specialties of the area. Contact me directly to know how to book a table, opening times, etc. Due to their weird location, they are not always open, and there are other rules. Both are good places, but I have my favorite.
Try the most classic starter in Santander, the «rabas» (battered and fried fresh squid), and the different fresh grilled fish, accompanied by a good white wine from the region. And if you have a sweet tooth, you should definitely ask about the local delicacies, the sobaos pasiegos or quesada pasiega with ice cream.
Are you feeling adventurous? Have you ever kayaked along the Cantabrian Sea? It’s an incredible experience, and you can do it right here in Somo. Or maybe fishing is more your thing. You can join the locals in Pedreña for some traditional fishing and savor the freshest fish you’ve ever tasted. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
But wait, there’s more! After a meal at El Puntal beach, you can try to emulate the locals with a siesta, lol. You will not find a better place for it! Then you can get back to Santander and visit the breathtaking Magdalena Palace, once the summer residence of the Spanish royal family. And if you’re a fan of art and history, the Centro Botin is a must-see with its stunning architecture and impressive collection of contemporary art.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and let yourself fall in love with our northern charms. Grab your sunscreen and your sense of adventure, and let’s explore the most beautiful bay in Spain!
Keywords: northern spain things to do, Santander, El Puntal, Somo, Pedrena, kayak, fishing, beach, Magdalena Palace, Centro Botin.