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Beach · Santander, Cantábria
Playas de El Sardinero
The two large beaches do Sardinero, which turned Santander into a resort for royalty and the bourgeoisie in the early 20th century, with the Gran Casino and the gardens of Piquío.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Playas de El Sardinero
Sardinero is Santander’s beach area, between the península da Madalena and the Mataleñas point. The name comes from an old sardine fishery off the coast. From the mid-19th century the fashion for sea bathing attracted holidaymakers, and in the early 20th century the neighborhood became an elegant seaside resort with hotels, mansions and the Gran Casino.
The main beaches are the Primera and Segunda do Sardinero, separated by the Piquío gardens, a small promontory with flowerbeds and viewpoints over the sea. They are golden-sand beaches opening onto the Cantábrico, with waves that attract surfers and cold water even in summer.
A promenade runs along the seafront linking Sardinero to the península da Madalena on one side and to the Mataleñas park and Cabo Mayor on the other. Early 20th-century buildings, such as the Gran Casino and the Hotel Real up on the hill, recall the era of court summer holidays.
The beach season usually runs from June to September, with lifeguard services in summer.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to half a day, depending on the itinerary.
Best time
From June to September for the beach; the promenade is worth visiting all year round, especially at dusk.
How to get there
It's about 3 km from Santander city centre, with frequent city buses. On foot along the waterfront, about 40 minutes from Puertochico.
Tip
Go up to the Piquío gardens between the two beaches: from there you can see the entire curve of the Sardinero.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Playas de El Sardinero
Is the Sardinero good for swimming?
Yes, in summer, with lifeguards, but the water of the Cantábrico is cold and the sea can be rough.
How many beaches does the Sardinero have?
Two main ones, the First and the Second of the Sardinero, separated by the Jardines de Piquío.
How do you get from the center to the Sardinero?
By city bus, or on foot along the waterfront, in about 40 minutes.