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Santoña is one of the oldest and most genuine Fishing Towns in Cantabria
It is situated in the east, on the left bank of the mouth of the river Asón, at the feet of an impressive mountain, Mount Buciero, near the marshy plains forming the Nature Reserve of the Marshes of Santoņa, Victoria and Joyel.
The protection afforded by the enormous limestone mountain from the turbulent Cantabrian sea and northern winds has led to Santoņa being a perfect site for both civilian and military activities associated with the sea.
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 St. MARY OF THE PORT.
A monastery built in the high Mediaeval period, with Gothic and Flemish architectural elements.
Fort of SAN MARTIN
Fort of SAN CARLOS
Fort of EL MAZO
BERRIA Beach |
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Visitors to the town can observe about its historical, artisan, fishing and naval past in many different parts of the town.
The town, with a population of about 12,000 inhabitants, is full of vitality and has many natural beauty spots.
Many different activities can be organised in the immediate surroundings of the town.
Although there is evidence that the area was occupied in the Palaeolithic Age, the town of today was founded on the site of the high-Mediaeval Monastery of SAINT MARY OF THE PORT, from which the attractive church of the same name stems. The church architecture has both Roman and Gothic elements and also GOTHIC AND FLEMISH details in its carvings and altarpieces.
(See more information on the Monastery)
The towns three fortifications, the FORT OF SAN MARTIN, at the end of the Pasaje or sea promenade, the FORT OF SAN CARLOS, near the mouth of the bay and the FORT OF EL MAZO or "Napoleon", located on Mount BUCIERO, which has a magnificent view over the whole surrounding area, are the remains of the historic importance of Santoņa as an important site in defending the coast.
In addition, the relevance of the town can be seen by its two attractive lighthouses, the Fishermans Lighthouse next to the beautiful BERRIA BEACH and the lighthouse of EL CABALLO, which can be accessed by almost 800 very steep stone steps.
As Santoņa is surrounded by the mountain, marshes and the estuary, it is practically an island on firm land. This geographical feature has served to give Santoņa great character, which is evident in the strong character of its people and its deeply-rooted popular traditions.
As any important sea town. Santoņa has a wide offering of hotels and restaurants of a very high standard, on both the Sea Promenade and in the central square, Plaza de San Antonio and the surrounding districts.
With respect to sporting and leisure activities, Santoņa has a wide range of options: kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing, diving, paragliding, water skiing, sailing (it has a marina), trekking, mountain bike, fishing, canoeing, horse-riding, swimming, quads, birdwatching, bullfights...
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Santoņa is famous for its CARNIVAL, which is classified as a National Event of interest to Tourists, with its many minstrel groups and brass bands which parade through the streets of the town, arriving at the scene of what is called the Trial in the depths of the sea, and the eventual Burial of the Sea Bass.
It also celebrates the ANCHOVY FAIR, a cultural and gastronomic event, as the main industry of Santoņa, set up over one century ago, is one of the most important of its kind in the world. The town has a market, open on Saturdays, which attracts thousands of people from all over the area.
As well as its typical BULL RING (1907), the town has a port area and a SEA PROMENADE, fine examples of historic civilian architecture such as the Palace of the Duke of Santoņa and Marquis of Manzanedo (h. 1870), the Institute of the Marquises of Manzanedo (1871), the Palace of the Marquises of Chiloeches (s. XVII), the Mansion of Castaņeda (beg. XX C) and many monuments, including one dedicated to the seaman and cartographer from Santoņa, Juan de la Cosa, author of the first mapamundi in 1500.
There is no doubt that the best time to visit Santoņa (aside from the Carnival) is during its PATRON SAINT FESTIVITIES held during the first two weeks of September, which are dedicated to OUR LADY OF THE PORT. On the 7th of that month, the spectacular Sea Procession takes place, when the largest fishing fleet in Cantabria sails in the bay in the wake of the flagship that carries an image of the saint.
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