Laredo

Laredo is a coastal town 40 km east of Santander, famous for its extraordinary beach — La Salvé — a 5 km arc of golden sand that is one of the longest and finest beaches on the Cantabrian coast. The old town (Puebla Vieja) occupies a medieval hilltop above the modern resort, with narrow streets, arcaded plazas, and the ruins of a 13th-century church. Below, the modern town spreads along the beachfront with hotels, restaurants, and a lively summer atmosphere. Laredo is especially popular with Spanish families and surfers, offering a more relaxed, less-polished alternative to Santander.

By Car

From Santander, take the A-8 east (30 min, exit 2). From Bilbao, 35 min west. Parking near the beach is paid in summer.

By Bus

ALSA buses run from Santander to Laredo hourly (40 min, €4).

By Train

Cercanías C3 runs from Santander to Laredo (1 hour, multiple daily).

The town is divided into the old hilltop town and the beachfront. Walking is fine for most purposes; local buses connect the two.

• La Salvé Beach — the vast sandy beach is the main attraction, backed by a promenade with cafés and restaurants

• Puebla Vieja — the medieval old town on the hill, with its arcaded Plaza Mayor, the Iglesia de Santa María (ruined in the Civil War), and the Puerta del Aguila (a surviving medieval gate)

• Mirador de Laredo — excellent viewpoint over the beach from the top of the old town

• Puerto de Laredo — a small fishing and leisure harbour at the west end of the beach

• Swim at La Salvé — safe, clean, and vast enough never to feel crowded

• Surf at La Salvé — the western end of the beach has good waves

• Walk the old town in the evening when the light softens on the stone buildings

• Kayak or paddleboard from the harbour

• El Cantal (Paseo Marítimo 4): excellent seafood on the seafront, €18–28
• La Cabaña (Calle de la Constitución 8): cocido montañés and grilled meats, €15–22
• Los Pinares (Playa de La Salvé): beachfront chiringuito for grilled sardines and drinks

The Paseo Marítimo is lined with café-bars and terraces perfect for an evening copa with sea views. Try sidra natural or a local wine at one of the beachfront chiringuitos. The old town has a few traditional cider bars.

• Budget — Pension Alonso (Calle de la Rúa 5): basic but central, doubles €50–70
• Mid-range — Hotel Miramar (Paseo Marítimo 3): 3-star on the seafront, doubles €80–140
• Upscale — Hotel El Ancla (Av de la Victoria 27): 4-star with sea views, doubles €100–180

Laredo's main shopping street, Calle de la Constitución, has a mix of surf shops, souvenir stalls, and local food stores. The Saturday market in Plaza de la Constitución sells fresh produce, local cheeses, and regional pastries. Look for Cantabrian anchovies and sobaos pasiegos to take home.

• Castro Urdiales (15 km east, 15 min)
• Santander (40 km west, 30 min)
• Bilbao (55 km east, 40 min)
• Santona (8 km west) — anchovy capital with a fine medieval church