Santander
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Welcome to Santander, a city where you can do almost anything - except get bored! Get the day off to a flying start with a good breakfast. Of the numerous cafés to be found, you might try one of these two; both with a different character, but very central. First, Picos de Europa is frequented by all sorts people and offers a varied menu; alternatively, there is Suizo has a refined and elegant atmosphere and fabulous views of the Bay from its terrace.

Once you've have breakfast, there are many options. You can visit the Prehistoria (Prehistory) and Marítimo (Maritime) Museums, and there is also the famous Biblioteca Menéndez Pelayo (library). If it's a nice day, which is not uncommon in Santander, you might want to relax on one of the many local beaches like Bikinis, Camello, Concha or the very well known Sardinero beaches (Primera and Segunda). They wave the prized blue flag, which is only given to the best beaches in the world. It's also pleasant to go for a walk along the beaches, which will practically take you from the city center to Cabo Mayor lighthouse, passing Península de la Magdalena on your way, former summer retreat of the Royal Family.

If you want to get a better view, it's worth considering taking either the bus for its panora (in summer, departure is from Plaza de las Farolas) or the boat tours around the bay which get under way from the boarding point at the Paseo Marítimo (Esplanade). From here you can also see exhibitions at the Palacete.

While you ponder which place you'd like to visit most, you might stop off for a bite to eat. The plentiful food options confirm northern Spain's reputation for eating well. Depending on where you are in the city, you might try Cañía, if you're near El Sardinero; Jamones, if you're in the Perines area; or Hijas de Florencio in Paseo de Pereda. If you prefer a restaurant lunch, Zacarías is great for its quality and its proxmity to Santander's main tourist attractions.

In the afternoon, any one of the places mentioned is well worth a visit. If you're looking for something else, take note of what follows: Santander has a cultural tradition that flourishes, year after year. So it's worth looking over the spectacular program of the Palacio de Festivales as well as au courant with the different events taking place elsewhere. The Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo celebrates the summer season by holding interesting lectures, talks and short courses covering a wide subject area. In summer too, the following events are held: Feria de las Naciones (Nations Festival), Feria Taurina de Santiago (Santiago's Bullfighting Festival), festival season at the auditorium of El Sardinero, the festivities at Baños de Ola at Primera beach in El Sardinero, Semana Grande (Big Week) of Santander and Arte-Deco.

If you prefer other sorts of shows, don't miss the Spanish music concerts which come to the city nor the live shows at Café Victoria.

Santander has a lot to offer, it also has a wide selection of films showing at its cinemas. Although without the latest technological advances, Los Ángeles Cinema is well known for its comfortable seats and quality is generally good at Cine Capitol. Both which are very near the city center.

If you're looking for somewhere to dine before or after your evening adventures, the central Casa Mariano is a good bet due to its proximity to nightlife hotspots like San Luis, Perines and Vargas, which have interesting venues. There is Bar Gas. If you prefer a few tapas, a very good place is Rana Verde near the areas of Cañadío and Santa Lucía, where you can also find Canela and Terminal Sur. Wherever you go, it's bound to be the right place. Have a great time!