Santander Shopping

The city of Santander can divided into two distinct areas: the busy commercial centre where you'll find the majority of shops, local market, historic buildings and tourist attractions and the beach resort of El Sardinero with the former royal palace and casino.

La Muralla in the historic Calle del Arabal is the only place where you will find beautiful and authentic Cantabrian ceramics. Typical gifts of this area include a Celtic star, clay mask, or a figurine from Cantabrian mythology such as sweet Anjana, dreadful Ojancano or naughty Trasgo. Open: 9.30am-1.15pm & 4-8.30pm Monday-Friday; 9.30am-1.15pm on Saturday

Pérez del Molino on Juan de Herrera is a famous department store offering locals and tourists a wide variety of merchandise including records, videos, cosmetics, beauty products, toys, cleaning materials, perfumes, household accessories, gifts, stationery, and clothes. Prices are reasonable. Hours: 9am-2pm & 4-8.30pm Monday-Saturday www.perezdelmolino.com

Pryca on San Martín, Peñacastillo is a department store and shopping centre with branches all Spain. It is surrounded by smaller shops including a photographic studio, shoes (Calzados Rua) and clothes. Recently refurbished, it now offers a cinema complex and extensive parking facilities. Open: 10am-10pm Mon-Sat

Ares on Calle Hernén Cortés sells personal leather goods from some of the best names in the business, with purses and handbags by Vaporetto, Samsonite, and Eleonara Silvestri. The shop is small but every type of bag imaginable can be found inside - from trendy and classic to snakeskin and chamois. Open: Mon-Fri 10am-1:30pm, 4:30pm-8pm; Sat 10am-4:30pm

Lupa is a very famous supermarket chain located on the Avenida de Parayas. It is one of the most popular shops in Cantabria, making their own bread and confectionery, including gateaux, cakes and croissants. Loaves of bread are delivered straight out of the oven every morning along with quality food at good prices. www.lupa.com

Arikka sell the most unusual shawls, handbags, sweaters, and scarves in the city. One of the owners speaks perfect English, and the entire staff is friendly and helpful Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am-1:30pm, 4:30pm-8:00pm; Sat 10:30am-1:30pm

If you are planning to explore the area outside of the city centre and play some golf or go to some of the more out of the way beaches then you might consider hiring a car. There are a number of car hire firms based at Santander Airport who will be pleased to have a vehicle awaiting your arrival. This also cuts down on transfer costs for you and your family.

We also provide information on other sporting and leisure amenities in Santander including an Area Guide to Santander which contains information on Santander local attractions, golf courses in Santander, the best places to shop in Santander, Santander market days and where the best Santander beaches are. We have also included a list of recommended Santander restaurants.