Santoñas

Santoñas, commonly written Santoña, is a coastal municipality in Cantabria, Spain. It lies on the Bay of Biscay and comprises the town of Santoña and surrounding rural areas along the Cantabrian coast. The area forms part of Cantabria's fishing and maritime heritage and is connected to nearby towns by regional roads from the regional capital, Santander.

The local economy has long centered on fishing and the canning of seafood. Santoña is known for its canned anchovies and other fish products, produced by several canneries that operate in the town, including brands such as Conservas Ortiz. The port supports a traditional fishing fleet and serves as a point of departure for coastal trades.

Geographically, the coastline around Santoña features a mix of beaches and rugged cliffs. Berria Beach is the principal sandy beach in the municipality and is used for swimming and surfing. The surrounding landscape offers walking routes and viewpoints over the Cantabrian Sea. The historic town center preserves Cantabrian architectural styles, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses.

Historically, Santoña's development has been tied to fishing, trade, and processing seafood. In the modern era, cannery operations shaped the local economy and labor market, contributing to the cultural identity of the municipality.