|
|
|
| Town Parks |
 |
Alameda de Oviedo - Great for strolling in center
San Fernando, s/n, Santander, 39010
This boulevard stands on the western part of Santander’s city center and runs from Cuatro Caminos Roundabout in the west, to Plaza de Numancia in the extreme east, specifically between the two streets, Calle de San Fernando and Calle Vargas.
Most of Santander's citizens pass through here at least once a day and the streets along its sides teem with bars, shops and the head offices of various organizations. Street vendors offer jewelry, bags, scarves and on Sundays even flowers.
With magnificent trees lining up the sides, visitors and even longtime residents can enjoy an afternoon off roaming the site.
Jardines de Pereda - Santander's most famous garden
Paseo de Pereda, s/n, Santander, 39004
This city center park is said to be the most famous green space in Santander, filled with a wide variety of trees, bushes and flowers, a pond, several sculptures and even a music pavilion. There’s also a monument in the gardens dedicated to José María de Pereda (1833-1906), the city's famous writer.
A sculpture-fountain is also dedicated to the Cantabrian author, Concha Espina (1877-1953). At the far end of the park is a popular fountain, the Fuente de los Meones. The city tourist office is also here, where information for travelers can be obtained.
|
 |
Parque de Altamira - Botanical gardens in city center
Paseo del General Dávila, s/n, Santander, 39005
This park located high in the north of the city near the commercial center is framed between Paseo del General Dávila and Calle Vía Cornelia and covers a total area of 16000m2. Containing a vast array of trees and shrubs, the park may be classified as a botanical garden.
Jardines de Piquío - Gardens in El Sardinero
Avenida de Castañeda, s/n, Santander, 39005
The Piquío Gardens are on a raised promontory between the Primera and the Segunda Playa (First and Second Beaches), originally known as the "Piquillo" or the "Punta del Rostro" (Face Point).
Occupying an area of 13000 m2, the gardens offer unbeatable views over the Ensenada del Sardinero (the inlet), Cabo Menor (to the north) and Magdalena Peninsula (to the south). A stroll here among the tamarind trees would complete a visitor’s stay in the city.
Parque del Doctor González Mesones - Green oasis near the beach
Avenida del Stadium, s/n, Santander, 39005
The park is located in the extreme east of the city, in the popular summer neighborhood of El Sardinero. Racing Santander's football stadium is nearby and the club's old pitch now makes up part of the park's 40000m2 area. Pathways across the park find their way past fountains and ornate stone benches topped with heraldic shields and the statue of famous Santander poet, José Luis Hidalgo, sculpted by Jesús Otero.
A stroll down the acacias, poplars, palm and tamarind trees lining up the park may prove sufficient to cool off anyone in the afternoon.
|
|
Parque del Doctor Morales - At the city entrance
Avenida de Cajo, s/n, Santander, 39011
This is known as the Parque de la Vaca (Cow Park) because of the statue in the middle. Situated in the west, on the way in to the city via the old N-611 highway, it covers a total of 125,000 m2 and is one of Santander's largest green areas. The park is also well revered by inhabitants of the nearby neighborhood of Cazoña.
In the park one can visit the church of Nuestra Señora de Montes Claros. Although not on the usual tourist circuit, the park is the place to be for some quiet time with loved ones.
Parque de La Marga
Jerónimo Sainz de la Maza, s/n, Santander, 39008
Located west of Santander City near the Puerto Pesquero (Fishing Port) and the Dársena de Maliaño (Maliaño Docks), the park covers 25000m2 and has a small pond on one end.
Owing to its proximity to the fish market and the surrounding restaurants in the Barrio Pesquero (Fishing Quarter), it makes for a good place for an after meal walk. It is also situated within the two main entry and exit roads of Santander ---the Calle Marqués de la Hermida and Calle Castilla.
Parque de La Magdalena - Seaside park with a zoo
Avenida de La Magdalena, s/n, Santander, 39005, Tel +34 942 272504
This 25000 m2 park is the biggest in the city and surrounds the Palacio Real (Royal Palace). Virtually deserted until the end of the 19th century, it houses a hermitage dedicated to Saint Magdalena and the defensive castle which overlooks the bay.
It has a zoo on the rocky cliffs to the northern end, with lions, seals, penguins and polar bears and a galleon nearby that once belonged to Vital Alsar, a Santander sailor and adventurer.
Parque de la Magdalena is certainly one of the city's best-loved parks, offering lovely walks and superb views of the bay, El Sardinero and the open sea. Open from 8am-10pm daily.
|
|
Parque de Cabo Mayor - Views by the sea
Avenida del Faro, s/n, Santander, 39012
Situated near the famous beaches of El Sardinero, this park constitutes one of Santander’s most important green spaces. The Cabo Mayor park covers more than 100000m2 and is ideal for those wanting a whiff of sea air to invigorate themselves. It is particularly spectacular on windy days, when the waves crash onto the cliffs below.
Also located within the area is the Faro de Cabo Mayor (Cabo Mayor lighthouse), the oldest in Cantabria. Built in 1839, it is 30m high and its light can be seen for a distance of 29 miles. Nearby is a curious rock formation in the cliffs, the famous Puente del Diablo (Devil's Bridge) and the so-called Panteón del Inglés (Englishman's Pantheon).
The festivities of the Romería Montañesa del Faro (Pilgrimage to the Lighthouse) are celebrated around the lighthouse at the end of August with local food, dance, singing and traditional sports. Open from 9am - 9:30pm daily.
|
|
|
|
|
