Spain & Portugal – Santander – The Travelling Watson's

Santander harbour.

Our camp site was on the beach about 8 km from the old town centre. We have been aware of huge pressure on camp sites this week due to the eclipse so the question was to secure a camp site or see Santander. There was another camp site reasonably close to try and still see Santander. Laughable that we should even ask. There is a motorhome parking lot for a 48 hr stay in town with 50 sites. Not only was it full, there would have been another 100 motorhomes parked on the street. We snagged a park so decided to have a quick look at the town.

Santander is a city of 400,000 in the metro area and it feels like it. And it’s built on a hill so great exercise for the walking tourist. Much of the old town was burnt out in 1941 and rebuilt so not quite original. However I felt the place had a good vibe and atmosphere and enjoyed the few hours we had there. Not a lot of big highlights close to town but a nice place to be.

This artwork greets you at the bottom of the funicular.

Of course getting to town from our park meant a decent hill climb which got the blood pumping. We were very pleased to see a funicular to take us down. But much more importantly, to bring us back up.

The funicular does only half the job. Four escalators are installed to do the rest and its a long way up.

Just won his first Michelin Star and so proud of it. He probably would have preferred us to buy lunch but appreciated the photo any way.

We have been amazed at the number of Michelin restaurants in this area of north Spain. Every reasonable town seems to be represented.

And just around the corner …..

Unusual church entrance but quite beautiful inside. Walked in on a mass so couldn’t really take pictures.

Our lunch, 20 Euros worth and fantastic.

How is this for a park. In the middle of an intersection, on a pedestrian crossing and a yellow line. This casual parking style happens all the time, particularly in extra narrow streets. People will often just pull up in the middle of the road, hit the hazard lights, and have a chat. It drives me spare !!!!