Source: juantiagues
Shopping is an essential part of any travel experience. And you shouldn’t miss out on all the amazing things Santander shops and markets have to offer to its visitors. There are some traditional things to buy, such as local pottery, seafood, fish, wine. There are also modern shopping malls where you can do your fashion shopping. So get your wallet and let’s go!
1. The Mercado de la Esperanza
Start with this typical Spanish mercado (market). This is the most traditional shopping place in the whole city and a wonderful place to savour the true spirit of Cantabria. The choice of local fresh food is impressive. If you have a kitchen in your hotel or apartment, the best idea would be to buy fresh fish and make a tasty dinner afterwards. If not, at least take some fruits with you to the beach from here.
Information
- Name: The Mercado de la Esperanza
- Address: Mercado de la Esperanza, 39002 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
- Type of shopping: local market
- Price range: $
- Opening hour: 8AM–2PM, 5–7:30PM
2. Centro Comercial Valle Real
If you’ve got a free afternoon, go for a little trip just a bit outside the city center to this giant mall. It is one of the largest shopping sites in Cantabria, where you’ll have access to any local or international brand shops. Treat yourself and buy some summer clothes. If you get hungry, there’s a food court with plenty of restaurants.
Information
- Name: Centro Comercial Valle Real
- Address: Calle Alday, S/N, 39600 Maliaño, Cantabria, Spain
- Type of shopping: shopping mall
- Price range: $$
- Opening hour: 10AM–12AM
3. Calle Burgos
This is not just one shop, this is the whole street of local shops. Come here for a morning walk to see one of the most significant streets of Santander. It is both historical and commercial center. The best thing is to take some juice and a tasty pastry and seat in the shadow, looking at the passers-by and enjoying the weather.
Information
- Name: Calle Burgos
- Address: Calle Burgos, Santander, Cantabria, Spain
- Type of shopping: street shopping
- Price range: $
- Opening hour: starting from 8AM till the last shop is closed
4. Librería Gil
When you get tired of the beach and throngs of people, come here to reconnect with the literary world. It is worth mentioning that most of the books that are sold here are in Spanish, so you have to be interested in local literature. But if that is not an obstacle for you, just ask friendly staff to help you with a recommendation, and you are going to leave Santander not only with wonderful memories but with a great book.
Information
- Name: Librería Gil
- Address: Calle de San Fernando, 62, 39010 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
- Type of shopping: Book shopping
- Price range: $
- Opening hour: Mon-Fri: 9:45 -13:30 / 16:30 – 20:00; Sat: 10:00 – 13:30
5. El Corte Inglés
This is yet another huge shopping mall just a bit outside the city. Here, you can find anything starting from electronics and ending with sports equipment. A good idea is to come around Christmas time when the mall becomes magical with its huge Christmas tree and decorations. Shop for some gift to take back home here.
Information
- Name: El Corte Inglés
- Address: Polígono Nueva Montaña, Ctra. Nacional 635, s/n, 39001 Santander, Spain
- Type of shopping: shopping mall
- Price range: $$$
- Opening hour: 9AM–11PM
6. Mercado del Este
This market is a priceless piece of Spanish immigration history. Walk in, feel like you are in the early 20th century and just feel the culture. You should get a glass of wine and sit here during siesta with your friends, enjoying a leisure conversation. Afterwards, buy a bottle or two to take home with you.
Information
- Name: Mercado del Este
- Address: Calle Hernán Cortés, 4, 39003 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
- Type of shopping: local market
- Price range: $
- Opening hour: 8:30AM–12:30AM
7. Cantabria en tu boca
Time to go home? No reason to be sad, especially when you can take a part of Cantabria with you! Instead of buying boring souvenirs, visit this gourmet shop that specializes in local ingredients and foods. Buy anything you likes from Cantabrian cuisine and take it home to prepare your very own Spanish masterpiece. There are also vatious GourmetBox sets to give to your friends.
Information
- Name: Cantabria en tu boca
- Address: Barrio San Martín del Pino, 16, 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
- Type of shopping: food shopping
- Price range: $$
- Opening hour: 9AM–8PM
Enjoy all the wonderful purchases you had made! Also, make sure you bring some of them home to give as presents or to enjoy together with your family and friends. After all, no matter how far we travel, we are always happy to return home to share those memories with our loved ones.
Have a good trip and travel!
