The region of Cantabria has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by cave paintings and prehistoric remains that have been uncovered in the area, but the city of Santander itself dates back to about the time of the rule of the Roman Empire. During this time, Romans took root in present-day Santander, established a harbor, and named the settlement "Portus Victoriae Iuliobrigensium".

The development of modern Santander dates back to the 19th century, with the birth of a flourishing middle class and the increase of trade in the Cantabrian region. The city became a summer tourist destination due to the lack of industrial activity, its privileged location at the edge of a beautiful bay and its more than five kilometers of beaches.

In 1941 a great fire destroyed much of the city's infrastructure, but brought about great modern designs of today. And although the fire gutted the city's Gothic church, it has since been renovated and heightened to its revealing characterization of the solemn style of the 1800s.

Today, Santander is best known for its natural surroundings, peace and quiet, renowned quality of life, comprehensive social and cultural provision, extensive local services, its varied transport and communications infrastructure, and its mild climate all year round. The city's year-round cultural life is intensified during the summer months by the activities organized by the Menendéz Pelayo International University, the International Music Festival, the City of Santander Piano Contest, as well as various theatre and dance events.

Catedral del Buen Pastor: The most ancient monument in Santander, the Catedral del Buen Pastor (Cathedral of the Good Shepherd) was built in 1888 and is a fine example of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture styles. Although ravaged by the fire in 1941, the Catedral del Buen Pastor has been restored to its original condition and continues to enthrall all who visit. The cathedral contains the tomb of Santander's most famous historian and literary figure, Marcelino Menendez y Pelayo.

Plazas: The plazas of Santander are the main gathering places for Santanderinos and tourists alike. The most centrally-located plaza is the Plaza Pombo, around which several large and ornate aristocratic houses were built in the late 1800s. East of the Plaza Pombo, the Plaza de la Porticada is home to Santander's International Festival of Music and Dance, which takes place annually in August. Built in 1938, the Plaza de Italia honors the Italians that intervened in the Spanish Civil War. The Plaza de Italia is one of the liveliest areas of Santander during the summer, and is in the heart of the Sardinero zone. Another very popular plaza is the Plaza de Cañadío. This plaza is a very common starting point for an evening out on the town, as there are several restaurants and bars in the immediate area.

Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes: The Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes (Municipal Museum of Fine Arts) is home to works by Spanish, Felmish and Italian artists and houses pieces by Francisco Goya, A. de Riancho, Casimiro Sáinz, and others. The most famous painting here is the portrait of Spanish king Fernando VII by Goya.

Museo Marítimo de Cantabria: (The Marine Museum of Cantabria) offers visitors one of the richest and diverse exhibits dedicated to the sea and to the history of those who dedicated their life to the water. The museum has a large and expansive aquarium that demonstrates the relationship between men and the sea throughout history.

Palacio de la Magdalena: Built for the Spanish royal family between 1909 and 1911, the immense Palacio de la Magdalena is a mixture of English and French architecture styles and incorporates many of the typical elements of the Spanish highland. The palace was declared a historical artistic monument in 1982 and is open to the public for tours.

Beaches: Santander has a lot of beaches, but the most emblematic is El Sardinero. El Sardinero begins at Avenida Reina Victoria, next to La Magdalena, and stretches for about three kilometers along the coast.

Restaurants and Tapas Bars: Santander is a coastal city and its cuisine reflects the relationship it has with the sea. The restaurants of Santander make good use of the fresh sea-derived products: fish, squid, mussels, and other seafood. Some of Santander's best restaurants are only a stone's throw from student's housing neighborhoods, on Mola, Hernán Cortés, and Peña Herbosa streets.

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