Santander Cantabria Asturias And Galicia, Spain Travel Guide
Cantabrian food reflects a past of fishing, farming, and pastoral traditions. The region's unique culinary identity emphasizes seasonal and local produce, with seafood paramount due to the long coastline.
Ingredients: Expect fresh catches like hake, anchovies, sardines, clams, squid, mussels, and sea bass. Beef from local Tudanca cattle is prized. Cantabria is famous for quesos like Queso de Cantabria. Flavors are often simple, featuring olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Typically light, consisting of coffee, toast, or a pastry.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. This is the largest meal, often featuring a "Daily menu."
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Lighter than lunch, or a meal consisting of various tapas.
Freshly battered and deep-fried squid rings. A classic Santander staple, perfect as something small to eat or appetizer.
Find at almost any bar or restaurant, especially along the waterfront.
Simple, fresh, and seasonal grilled sardines. Best during the summer months when abundant.
Available at seafood restaurants and beachside chiringuitos.
Sobao Pasiego: Rich, buttery sponge cake. Quesada Pasiega: Baked cheesecake-like dessert. Corbatas de Unquera: Bow-tie shaped puff pastry sweets.
These are widely available at bakeries and cafes.
A potent pomace brandy, often served as a digestif. Varieties include "orujo de hierbas" (herbal liqueur).
While more connected to Asturias, Cantabria also produces cider, often presented in a specific pouring style. Also look for "Vino de la Tierra de Cantabria," often light whites.
Santander features renowned businesses for an elevated culinary experience.
Numerous options in Puertochico, Tetuán, and the city center.
Affordable dining and local market experiences.
Growing awareness exists, but traditional Cantabrian cuisine is meat and fish-centric. Vegetarian options like salads or grilled vegetables are more convenient to find. Vegan options are more challenging; research specific restaurants or consider self-catering.
Clearly specify "sin carne" (without meat) and "sin pescado" (without fish).
Gluten-free dining is increasingly recognized. Many restaurants cater to "sin gluten" needs if informed. It helps to bring a Translation card. Major supermarkets stock specialty products.
Halal and kosher options are very limited or non-existent; self-catering might be a best approach.
Focus on Cantabrian cuisine, or explore spanish appetizer bars and markets with a culinary tour.
Visit producers of cheese or bakeries in rural Cantabria to see a little of local ingredients.
Check local tourism calendars for gastronomic events celebrating seasonal products.
Enjoy casual seafood at beachside chiringuitos or engage in the social custom of sharing tapas.
Utilize apps like HappyCow to find vegetarian and vegan dining options in Santander.
These apps often provide reviews and specific menu details from other travelers.
Communicate clearly with restaurant staff about your dietary restrictions. Carrying a Translation card explaining specific allergies can be of assistance.
This reduces misunderstanding plus aids kitchen staff prepare suitable meals.
Some local culinary schools or tour operators offer cooking classes focusing on Cantabrian cuisine. Food tours combine walking with visits to various spanish appetizer bars and markets.
Inland Cantabria offers opportunities to visit producers of cheese (e.g., Picón Bejes-Tresviso), dairy farms, or traditional sobao and quesada bakeries in the Pasiegos valleys.
Local culinary schools or specialized tour operators offer cooking classes focusing on Cantabrian cuisine.
Food tours often combine walking with visits to various spanish appetizer bars and markets, offering tastings and insights into local food culture.
Inland Cantabria provides possibilities to see cheese producers, dairy farms, or traditional sobao and quesada bakeries.
Ask local tourism calendars for specific dates and details on food-related events during your visit.
This enables you to plan around seasonal specialties.
Venture beyond the city center to experience diverse dining options, from the beachside chiringuitos to inland Cantabrian producers.
Each area offers an unique culinary perspective.
Santander’s coastal location guarantees an abundance of high-quality, fresh seafood, a cornerstone of its cuisine.
From Michelin-starred fine dining to casual spanish appetizer bars and bustling markets, Santander caters to all tastes and budgets.
Do not miss traditional sweets like sobaos and quesadas, and the potent local brandy, Orujo.
For the best value, especially at lunchtime, seek out restaurants offering a "Menu del Día."
