What is the expression – “when given lemons make lemonade”? Well, our intended port of Biarritz – with an excursion to Bilbao – was canceled due to high seas and the Marina was diverted to Santander, Spain 😢. Expecting a ‘second class port’ there could be nothing but surprises. And surprises there were.

Santander is the capital city of the Cantabria region on the north coast of Spain. Given that the royal summer residence was once here at the Palacio de la Magdalena, it should have been known that the area would be nice and upscale. But, disappointment was on the brain and needed to be dismissed – which it was quickly with a hop on – hop off tour around the city.

Again, we were docked right at the edge of town at the bus stop. So as soon as daylight hit, it was time to be off and running.

How could anyplace with such a beautiful setting for a golf course be bad?

In the early 1900’s, the city built a beautiful Palacio for the royal family so they could spend their summers here. It was styled with architecture similar to England, which pleased Queen Victoria of Spain, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria of England.

The city took advantage of its most outstanding natural feature – its bay – and constructed a beautiful walk from the peninsula, where the Palacio is situated, into town.

The architecture is quite interesting, merging old with new. But, everything faces or pays homage to the sea and the Bay of Santander. For it is this bay that allowed the city to become an important port as far back as the Middle Ages and for trade with the new world.

Not much time here. So – after our walk, grabbed a quick bite (with a view) and it was time to be on the way again.

An enjoyable day spent in a last minute alternate port.

Another day – another city. Today it is Gijon, Spain. A small town but with roots back to the Romans. Gijon began as a simple fishing village and remained as such for hundreds of years. But, then grew into an Important port. And today is known for its Apple sidra (cider).

The old part of town sits on a peninsula with one side housing the harbors and the other the beach – Playa de San Lorenzo. The beach stretches almost 2 miles and is known by the locals as The Wall. A good surf here brings out the surfers.

A climb up the hill to the old city takes one to the Santa Catalina Headland Park for awesome views and a look at the remains of the city’s defense system.

The city’s Roman roots can be seen at Campo Valdes – the Roman bath museum. The ruins were discovered and partially excavated as early as 1903 but more thoroughly recovered from 1990-1994. The building dates back to the end of the 1st century with several subsequent construction phases through the 2nd century.

Another lunch (with a taste of the local cider🍹), another town and time to be off⛵️

E & G – running out of time😂