Santona Guided Tour

Santona Guided Tour

Our guided tour of Santoña begins next to the Monument to Juan de la Cosa. This navigator and cartographer was one of the most illustrious personalities to have come from the town. You will hear all about his fascinating background and his historic achievements as we stroll down the picturesque Paseo de Pereda, which runs parallel to the stunning Cantabrian coast. At one end of this elegant avenue, you will see the mighty Fort of San Martín, one of several bastions in the town that played an important role in the Napoleonic invasions of the 19th-century.

At the other end of the Paseo de Pereda is the famous Plaza de Toros bullring, very close to the charming port and the bustling Fish Market. Here, we will learn all about the town's long-running fishing tradition and its importance for the local economy. You will also be introduced to the region's star product, the anchovy of the Cantabrian Sea.

Our guided tour continues with a stroll through the historic center of Santoña. Along the way, you will find fantastic audio and visuals to help explain the evolution of this fascinating location. Among the most important monuments in this area is the beautiful church of Santa María del Puerto. This beautiful 13th-century Romanesque temple is located at the foot of Mount Buciero and is one of the main centers of worship in Santoña.

Another important building in the Old Town is the Casa Palacio del Marqués de Manzanedo (Marquis of Manzanedo's Palace). The magnificent facade of this stately residence is a prime example of the elegant 19th-century architecture that characterizes much of the historic district. Before we end our guided tour of Santoña, we will also discover some of the customs and traditions of the town's celebrations, such as the popular carnival, which is so important that it has been declared a Festival of Tourist Interest!