The port city of Santander is the capital of the autonomous community and historical region of Cantabria situated on the north coast of Spain. Located east of Gijón and west of Bilbao, Santander is a wonderful city with several beaches and harbours on the northern side, towards the southern part you'll find the old city center and a bit further the green mountains. Santander is between the blue and the green. In the 19th century the city was a renowned tourist resort for Spanish politicians, aristocrats and for the upper class. The city still keeps wonderful palaces and promenades, a bay type architecture with white buildings, old cafés and its famous casino. Outstanding places near Santander in the region of Cantabria are: the Altamira caves with prehistoric paintings, the park of Cabarceno, the charming village of Santillana del Mar, Comillas with its University or Suances, famous for its beaches.