Parque de El Sardinero

El Sardinero is the beach district of Santander, on the Cantabrian coast, about two kilometres from the city centre, and the Parque de El Sardinero, the gardens along its shore, forms part of the seafront. The area was developed as a seaside resort in the nineteenth century, when sea bathing became fashionable among the Spanish aristocracy. The royal family encouraged the trend, and from the early twentieth century King Alfonso XIII spent his summers at the Palacio de la Magdalena, on the nearby peninsula. This attracted a wave of grand hotels, villas and entertainment venues, and many of those buildings still stand along the avenue behind the sand.

The seafront consists of two broad beaches, the Primera and the Segunda playa del Sardinero, divided by a small rocky headland. The sand is fine and golden, the sea is shallow near the shore, and the waves are gentler than on much of the northern coast, which makes it a popular family beach. In summer it fills early, and the water remains cool, even in August. Along the back of the beach runs a promenade with wide pavements, lawns and old trees, and it is a favourite place for strolling, jogging and cycling.

One of the best-known landmarks is the Gran Casino del Sardinero, a belle-époque building dating from the early twentieth century, which stands at the edge of the park and recalls the days of the fashionable resort. Nearby is the Gran Hotel Sardinero. The Jardines de Piquío, a terraced garden on the cliff at the northern end of the beach, offer sea views, statues and flower beds, and a path leads down toward a small bay. The sports ground of the local football club, Real Racing Club, is also close to the beach and gives the district a lively match-day atmosphere.

The Paseo de Pereda is a different promenade, along the harbour in the centre of Santander, and it is reached by a longer walk or a short bus ride. From El Sardinero, you can also walk around the Magdalena Peninsula to see the palace and the sea views, and the Mirador de la Isla de Mouro looks out toward the little island with its lighthouse. Cafes, ice-cream stalls and restaurants line the road behind the beach.

The park suits families, walkers and anyone who likes seaside promenades. Summer afternoons are busy, and mornings and early evenings are calmer.