The Bahía de Santander (Bay of Santander) is a beautiful and large natural bay located in the northern coast of Spain, specifically in the Cantabrian Sea. It is situated between the municipalities of Santander, Camargo, and Marina de Cudeyo, in the autonomous community of Cantabria.
The bay is around 22 km long and 8 km wide and is considered one of the most important bays in the Bay of Biscay. It is surrounded by impressive landscapes, including the mountains of Peña Cabarga, Matamorosa, and Pico del Fraile.
The bay is also an important commercial and industrial center, as it houses the port of Santander, one of the most important ports in the country. Additionally, it is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty.
Natalia and her friends: «w are from Santander and we didn´t expected such a unique experience in our won home town».
Some of the most popular attractions in the Bahía de Santander include the Palacio de la Magdalena, a beautiful palace that was the summer residence of the Spanish Royal Family in the early 20th century; the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, an iconic lighthouse that dates back to the 19th century; and the beaches of El Sardinero, which are some of the most beautiful in the region.
What to see by boat in the bay of Santander
The Bay of Santander is a beautiful and diverse area with many interesting places to visit. Here are some of the top attractions and things to see in the Bay of Santander:
- Palacio de la Magdalena: This is a beautiful palace that was built in the early 20th century as a summer residence for the Spanish Royal Family. It is now open to the public and is surrounded by stunning gardens with panoramic views of the bay.
- El Puntal beach, in front of La Magdalena.
- Playa del Sardinero: This is a large and popular beach in Santander that is divided into two parts, Sardinero and Sardinero II. The beach has fine golden sand and crystal clear waters, and is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports.
- Cabo Mayor Lighthouse: This iconic lighthouse is located at the entrance of the bay and dates back to the 19th century. Visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views of the coastline.
- Peninsula de la Magdalena: This is a scenic peninsula that is home to the Palacio de la Magdalena and several other landmarks, such as the Royal Tennis Club and the Mini Zoo. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the peninsula and enjoy stunning views of the bay.
- Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico: This is a maritime museum that showcases the rich maritime history and culture of the region. It has a vast collection of boats, ships, and other nautical artifacts, as well as interactive exhibits and educational programs.
- Centro Botín: This is a modern and innovative cultural center that hosts a variety of exhibitions, concerts, and performances. It is located in a stunning waterfront location and is a must-visit for art lovers and culture enthusiasts.
These are just a few of the many things to see and do in the Bay of Santander. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just enjoying the beach, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area of Spain.
Motor boats renting services in Santander
Motor boats renting services are businesses that offer customers the opportunity to rent a motorboat for a certain period of time. These services are popular among people who enjoy boating but may not own their own boat or may be traveling to an area where they do not have access to their own boat.
Motor boat rental services typically offer a variety of boats to choose from, ranging in size and type. Some may offer speedboats, pontoon boats, fishing boats, and other types of watercrafts. They may also offer additional equipment such as life jackets, water skis, wakeboards, and tubes.
«It is not difficult to drive this boat. It only takes to put some attention and not to take unnecesary risks»
How to rent a motorboat in Santander
To rent a motorboat in Santander, customers typically need to provide a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance, as well as a deposit or payment for the rental period. The rental price may vary depending on the size and type of boat, as well as the duration of the rental period.
It is important for customers to carefully read and understand the rental agreement before signing, as it will outline the terms and conditions of the rental, including any liability or damage waivers, and rules for safe operation of the boat.
Overall, motor boats renting services can be a great way for people to enjoy boating without the commitment and expense of owning a boat themselves.
Visit the lighthouses with boats to rent in Santander
Santander is a coastal city in northern Spain that is home to several lighthouses. These lighthouses have played an important role in guiding ships and boats along the Cantabrian Sea.
One of the most famous lighthouses in Santander is the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, which was built in 1839 and stands on a rocky headland overlooking the Bay of Biscay. The lighthouse is 70 meters tall and has a range of 29 nautical miles. Today, the lighthouse is automated and no longer staffed by keepers.
Another notable lighthouse in Santander is the Mouro Island Lighthouse, which is located on a small island near the entrance to the bay. The lighthouse was built in 1860 and has a range of 15 nautical miles. The island can only be reached by boat and the lighthouse is not open to visitors.
Other lighthouses in the area include the Punta de la Mesa Lighthouse, which was built in 1864 and is located on a rocky outcrop near the entrance to the port of Santander, close of the El Puntal sandbar at the entrance to the bay.
Overall, the lighthouses of Santander are an important part of the city’s maritime heritage and continue to play a vital role in guiding ships and boats along the coast.
Visit the Palacio de la Magdalena by sea
The Palacio de la Magdalena is a palace located in Santander, northern Spain, on the Magdalena Peninsula. It was built between 1908 and 1912 as a summer residence for the Spanish royal family, and was used by King Alfonso XIII and his family as a vacation home.
The palace was designed by architects Javier González de Riancho and Gonzalo Bringas Vega, and features a blend of architectural styles, including neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance, and English-inspired Tudor.
The Palacio de la Magdalena is set in a 24-hectare park, with gardens, ponds, and a small zoo. It features 142 rooms, including a throne room, reception hall, dining room, and several bedrooms.
Today, the palace is open to the public and serves as a cultural and conference center, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and other events throughout the year. Visitors can tour the interior of the palace and gardens, and learn about its history and significance as a cultural landmark.
The Palacio de la Magdalena is considered one of the most important landmarks in Santander, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Its stunning architecture, beautiful surroundings, and rich history make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city.
Santander Cathedral archaeological site
The Santander Cathedral archaeological site is a historic landmark located beneath the Santander Cathedral in the city of Santander, Spain. The site was discovered in 1948 during renovations of the cathedral, and it was opened to the public in 2013. It is one of the main points to visit in the recommended tour with our renting motor boats.
The archaeological site is located beneath the cathedral’s cloister and contains the remains of a Roman settlement dating back to the 1st century AD, as well as a roman building and medieval necropolis from the first centuries AD.
The site is made up of several levels, with the Roman settlement located on the lower level. It includes the remains of houses, shops, and public buildings, as well as a section of the Roman road that connected the settlement to other areas of northern Spain.
The medieval necropolis of Santander is located on the upper level, and contains many tombs, including some that are decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The cemetery includes many well-preserved tombs, and is believed to have been used by the local community during the period of Islamic rule in Spain from the 8th to 15th centuries. It includes tombs of bishops and other important figures from the history of Santander.
Overall, the Santander Cathedral archaeological site is a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the city, and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the remains of several different civilizations in one location.
Places to visit in Santander
Santander is a beautiful city located on the northern coast of Spain, and offers visitors a range of attractions to explore. Here are some of the top places to visit, and some of them it´s possible to go with a motor boat in Santander:
- Magdalena Peninsula and Palace: The Magdalena Peninsula is a beautiful park area that offers stunning views of the Bay of Santander, and is home to the Palacio de la Magdalena, a historic palace that was once used by the Spanish royal family.
- Santander Cathedral: The cathedral is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history and architecture. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century, and features a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles.
- Visit the Centro Botín with our motor boats in Santander: This contemporary art center offers a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year, and is known for its unique architecture, which includes two connected buildings that seem to float above the water.
- Plaza Porticada: This large square in the heart of the city is home to several important landmarks, including the Ayuntamiento (city hall), the Banco de España building, and the Mercado del Este (East Market).
The orange arrow marks the best place to park the car, free and with no time limits in the industrial area. The black arrow marks the boat location.
- Palacio de Festivales: This modernist building is home to the Santander International Festival, and offers a range of cultural events throughout the year, including theater, dance, and music performances.
- Jardines de Pereda: These beautiful gardens are located in the heart of the city, and feature a range of sculptures and fountains, as well as stunning views of the bay.
- Mercado de la Esperanza: This historic market is one of the oldest in Santander, and is a great place to sample local cuisine and pick up fresh produce and other goods.
Overall, Santander is a beautiful and historic city with a range of attractions to explore, from historic landmarks and cultural centers to parks and gardens with stunning views of the bay.