CathyM writes:
I'm planning on doing day trips up the coast and am wondering if it will be more practical to base myself in Santander (since I'll be dependent on public transportation).
Santander is also very nice in the evenings: Stroll down C/de Burgos, see street performers (some of whom are excellent). Or, if you are in el Sardinero you can see how people took their evening strolls along the coast in the 1890's. 'Public transportation' is the operative phrase and a limiting factor. From Santander you can take FEVE, Regular buses (such as ALSA to Bilbao) or Tour Buses to Liebana or Santillana, Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera. I don't know of any to (San Sebastian de) Garabandal, site of reported Marian apparitions in the 1960's. My vote would be for Santander.