Santander: The Jewel of Spain's Northern Coast

• HelloHola
  [O-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [Ah-dyos]
• YesSí
  [See]
• NoNo
  [No]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fa-vor/De na-da]
• Thank youGracias
  [Gra-thyas]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [Per-don/Lo syen-to]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Ko-mo es-tas]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Byen. Ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [A-blas in-gles]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [No en-tyen-do]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [Me goos-ta-ree-a ver la kar-ta, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [No ko-mo kar-ne]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Me goos-ta-ree-a pa-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [Ah-yu-da]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [Ve-te]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [Ya-ma a la Po-li-thya]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [Ya-ma a un me-di-ko]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [Es-toy per-di-do/a]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [Es-toy en-fer-mo/a]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [Me goos-ta-ree-a kom-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-lo es-toy mee-ran-do]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-to kwe-sta]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [Es-to es de-ma-sya-do ka-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [Pwe-de ba-har el pre-thyo]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Ke o-ra es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es la u-na]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [Las dyeth e me-dya]
• MorningMañana
  [Ma-nya-na]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tar-de]
• EveningNoche
  [No-che]
• YesterdayAyer
  [A-yer]
• TodayHoy
  [Oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Ma-nya-na]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-no]
• 2Dos
  [Dos]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwa-tro]
• 5Cinco
  [Thin-ko]
• 6Seis
  [Sayz]
• 7Siete
  [Syet-te]
• 8Ocho
  [O-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [Nwe-ve]
• 10Diez
  [Dyeth]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [Don-de es-ta]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwal es la di-rek-thyon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pwe-des en-nya-rme (en el ma-pa)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-do es el pro-ksee-mo (au-to-bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [Un bi-yet-te (a)]

The history of Santander can be traced back to its ancient origins, with evidence of prehistoric settlements in the area. However, it was during Roman times that the city began to gain prominence. Known as Portus Victoriae Iuliobrigensium, Santander served as a vital port for the Romans, facilitating trade and military logistics.

During the medieval period, Santander's significance grew with the establishment of the Abbey of the Holy Bodies (San Emeterio and San Celedonio) in the 8th century. The abbey became a religious and cultural center, attracting pilgrims and contributing to the city's development. This period also saw the construction of the St. James Church, now the Santander Cathedral.

In the 12th century, Santander became part of the Crown of Castile. King Alfonso VIII granted the city a royal charter in 1187, which allowed it to hold markets and fairs, boosting its economy. The city's strategic location made it an important port for the Castilian kingdom, facilitating trade with northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Santander played a crucial role during the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. The city's port became a departure point for many expeditions to the New World. Notably, the famous explorer Juan de la Cosa, who created the first world map to include the Americas, was born in the nearby town of Santoña and frequently sailed from Santander.

The 18th and 19th centuries marked a period of prosperity for Santander. The city's economy flourished due to its involvement in the shipping and fishing industries. The establishment of the Royal Maritime Company of Santander in 1785 and the construction of the port's modern infrastructure further boosted its economic growth. The city's population expanded, and its urban landscape began to transform.

One of the most significant events in Santander's modern history is the Great Fire of 1941. The fire broke out on February 15th and raged for two days, devastating the city's historic center. Over 400 buildings were destroyed, and thousands of residents were left homeless. The reconstruction of Santander in the following decades reshaped the city's architecture and urban layout.

In recent decades, Santander has evolved into a cultural and economic hub in northern Spain. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with institutions like the Palacio de Festivales and the Centro Botín hosting numerous events and exhibitions. Santander's economy is bolstered by its port activities, tourism, and services sector, making it a dynamic and thriving city.

Santander is accessible by various means. The Santander Airport (Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport) offers flights from major Spanish cities and some international destinations. For those traveling by train, the RENFE network connects Santander with cities like Madrid and Bilbao. Bus services by ALSA also provide connections to several Spanish cities. Additionally, Santander is a port city with ferry services from the UK (Plymouth and Portsmouth) operated by Brittany Ferries.

Santander has a well-organized public transportation system. The city buses, operated by TUS, cover most areas of the city and are a convenient way to get around. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or app. Renting a car is another option for those wanting to explore the surrounding Cantabria region. The city also has a bike-sharing program called TUSBIC which is ideal for short trips within the city.

The official currency in Santander is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and you can withdraw cash using international cards.

Santander is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly-lit areas at night and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Areas such as the train station and certain parts of the waterfront can be more prone to petty crime, so remain vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services including police, fire, and medical help. The main hospital in Santander is Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. Pharmacies are available for minor health concerns, and many have a green cross sign indicating 24-hour service.

Fashion: Do dress smartly, especially in the evenings when Spaniards tend to dress up. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do let elderly people and those with disabilities get on and find a seat first. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. In social settings, a kiss on each cheek is common among friends and acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as sobaos and anchovies. Don't expect dinner before 8 PM, as Spaniards eat late.

To experience Santander like a local, visit the Mercado de la Esperanza for fresh produce and local specialties. Take a stroll along the Sardinero beach, popular among locals for its beauty. Don't miss the Magdalena Peninsula, which offers a mix of history, nature, and stunning views. For a true local experience, enjoy a 'paseo' (evening walk) along the waterfront and try some pinchos (small snacks) at local bars.