Shopping

True aficionados of pottery and the nuances of ceramics usually drive from Santander to Santillana del Mar, 29km (18 miles) away, where handcrafted ceramics are in great abundance. But if you want to stay in Santander's city limits and see a pared-down version of what's available in Santillana del Mar, head for any of the retailers on the Calle Arrabal, in the city's commercial center.

An antiques gallery well stocked with old furniture and paintings with rich veneers is Fundación Marcellino Botín, Calle Pedrueca 1 (tel. 94-222-60-72). Ironically, many of Santander's boutiques and stores aren't in the city at all but within a 50-unit shopping center 3km (2 miles) from town, beside the road leading to the airport. Check out the Centro Comercial Valle Real, Carretera Bilbao Km 2.