Santander
Our motorhome, Alma the Adria, was our sanctuary as we rolled into Santander. We’d opted for the aire by the university, a practical choice that promised easy access to the city and, crucially for us, a peaceful night’s sleep. (N 43.4722, W 3.80351)
And it delivered. The hum of student life was a distant, gentle thrum, and we settled in, ready to explore.
The next morning, after a leisurely breakfast in Alma, we set our sights on something a little different.
We’d heard whispers of a cool wildlife park, and after a bit of navigating, we found ourselves at the Parque Marino de Santander. It wasn’t your typical sprawling zoo, but rather a charmingly compact marine park, cleverly integrated into the city’s green spaces.
What struck us immediately was the thoughtful design. It felt less like an enclosure and more like an extension of the natural coastline. We meandered along the paths, captivated by the playful seals gracefully gliding through their ample pools, and the curious penguins waddling with an almost comical seriousness.
The highlight, however, had to be the interactive exhibits—well-maintained tanks where you could observe local marine life up close.
We spent a good while marveling at the intricate details of starfish and the darting movements of various fish species.
The Parque Marino was a delightful surprise. It offered a refreshing break from historical sites and bustling city streets, providing a tranquil oasis where we could connect with nature.
As we drove Alma away towards Santander ferry port the next morning , heading towards our next adventure, we carried with us the joyful memories of the university aire’s quietness and the unexpected charm of the city’s cool marine park.
It was another reminder of how Alma, our trusty Adria, always seemed to lead us to these wonderful, often serendipitous, discoveries.
Sadly it’s off homeward bound for us now
Paul.