The two most beautiful bays in Spain

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In Spain we can find really beautiful bays, although there are two that stand out above the rest. We refer to that of Roses and Santander, which are part of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, an international organization created in 1997 that brings together the best sea inlets on the planet. Of course, it is important to keep in mind that in order to enter this club, some requirements must be met: have a fauna and flora of interest, be the subject of protection measures, be emblematic for the local population, have a certain economic potential and cover attractive natural spaces. In addition, the club only allows one bay per state and sea.

Currently the organization gathers 38 bays, of which two are Spanish: one on the Mediterranean coast and the other in the Cantabrian Sea. Do you want to discover them further? Well, we recommend that you do not miss anything that we tell you below!

Santander Bay

First of all, we are going to talk about Santander Bay, which is located on the north coast of Spain. Specifically, it is located in Cantabria, and has an extension of 22.42 square kilometers, being the largest estuary on the north coast of the country. The capital, Santander, is located here, which is why it houses an important heritage historical-artistic, in addition to a wide cultural and leisure offer.


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On the website of the exclusive Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World they mention the historical importance of this land, where the Altamira grotto is located, considered to be the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory”. In addition, they point out that the first to build a port in this place were the Romans. On the other hand, they speak of the Magdalena Peninsula, which historically has been an important point strategic, since it controlled access to the bay. This place became a fashionable area in the 19th century, when the king of Spain made it his summer residence.

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Beyond the Magdalena Peninsula, El Sardinero and Puntal de Somo stand out, where you can find a great diversity flora and fauna. In addition, it is an ideal place to practice water sports and to enjoy the gastronomy of the area.

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Bay of roses

For its part, the Bay of Roses is in the northeast of Spain, specifically on the Costa Brava, opening between the Cap de Creus and Montgrí peninsula. The bay has taken the name of Roses, the most important population on its coast, which also hosts Castelló d’Empuries and L’Escala. Of course, it is important to keep in mind that it is not really a bay, but a gulf.

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In this beautiful and touristic place you can find rich natural resources, highlighting its beaches and coves and its natural parks and mountains. Of course, if you visit the place you will also have the opportunity to see interesting prehistoric monuments and remains of ancient populations, such as those in the ancient Greek and Roman city of Ampurias or the Ciutadella de Roses, where remains of the city of Rodhes are found. You will also discover cathedrals, Jewish neighborhoods, Renaissance fortifications, monasteries, museums and an exquisite gastronomic offer in the area.

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Then we leave you with our Gallery, where you can find some wonderful photos of each of these beautiful Spanish bays. To discover the rest of the bays on the list, all you have to do is take a look at the organization's website (//world-bays.com)

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  • Cantabria, Costa Brava, Roses, Santander
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