Wander through the picturesque gardens and along the coastal boulevard, enter the vast cathedral and examine the fascinating monuments in the heart of Santander.

Stunning gardens, a lively market and spacious plazas are what characterise the Santander City Centre. Overlooking scenic Santander Bay, this central district is full of intriguing monuments, fascinating museums and living history in the form of Cantabrian customs and traditions. Try the “rabas” fried calamari and the paella for an insight into the local flavours.

Further your culinary study at the large and historic Mercado La Esperanza. Enter the market’s eponymous 19th-century building and chat with the friendly vendors occupying stalls serving jams and marmalades alongside all types of cheeses, meats and fish.

Stroll along the quaint alleys of this old town quarter and you’ll soon find the Jardines de Pereda. This enchanting set of gardens displays a range of sculptures and a fountain dedicated to acclaimed female author Concha Espina.

Adjoining the gardens’ eastern side is the Paseo de Pereda, a promenade with excellent views of the sea. Inspect its Monumento a los Raqueros, featuring statues of the children who were forced to work in the harbour. Walk to the western edge of the boulevard to encounter the Centro Botín, which puts on regular art exhibits and events.

Learn about the history of the region at the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria. It displays many of the artefacts excavated from digs in the caves dotted around the area. Get a sense of the religious history of Santander by visiting its churches. Examine the ecclesiastical artworks in the Parroquia Santisimo Cristo, which forms the lower half of Santander Cathedral.

A little southwest of the Magdalena Peninsula, this district incorporates the historic centre and the nucleus of the city of Santander. It is a little east of the Pesquero neighbourhood and overlooks Santander Bay. Arrive at the Santander railway station and explore the area on foot. You can also fly to the Santander Airport and drive north for 10 minutes to get here.

The Santander City Centre showcases the historical highlights and cultural delights of the Cantabria region.