Los Raqueros Santander
Bronze statues of 'raqueros' children diving for coins, a poignant tribute to Santander's maritime past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Los Raqueros Santander
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bronze statues of 'raqueros' children diving for coins, a poignant tribute to Santander's maritime past.
"A beautiful story of the place, a must to visit on Santander."
🎯 Find the Exact Spot
Use Google Maps to pinpoint the sculpture's location; it's easy to walk by without noticing!
📸 Photo Obstructions
Fishermen often set up rods nearby. Be patient for the best photo angles.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Raqueros Sculpture
Santander Bay waterfront
Bronze statues of four children diving and playing, a touching tribute to Santander's past.
Bay of Santander Views
Adjacent to the sculpture
Enjoy panoramic vistas of one of Europe's most beautiful and expansive bays.
Real Club Marítimo
Near Los Raqueros
Admire the historic maritime club, founded in 1927 with royal patronage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Raqueros
Understanding the Story
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Exact Spot
Use Google Maps to pinpoint the sculpture's location; it's easy to walk by without noticing!
📸 Photo Obstructions
Fishermen often set up rods nearby. Be patient for the best photo angles.
📖 Learn the History
Understanding the 'raqueros' story enriches the experience.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be limited directly in front of the sculpture.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Exact Spot
Use Google Maps to pinpoint the sculpture's location; it's easy to walk by without noticing!
📸 Photo Obstructions
Fishermen often set up rods nearby. Be patient for the best photo angles.
📖 Learn the History
Understanding the 'raqueros' story enriches the experience.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be limited directly in front of the sculpture.
🚶♀️ Waterfront Walk
Enjoy a scenic walk along the bay after viewing the statues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Los Raqueros sculpture to be a beautiful and touching tribute to Santander's history, with its charming statues and poignant backstory. The waterfront location offers lovely views, though some note that fishermen can sometimes obstruct photos. It's considered a must-visit for its cultural significance and aesthetic appeal.
"Los taqueria is a sculpture of 4 boys in the port, no tickets required - just keep an eye to not miss them. They are cute."
Maria Achilleia
"The sculpture is in the street no tickets are requieres.
The place is nice, view and the sculptures are beautiful. When arriving be patient to find a parking spot because there are a few in front of the sculpture.
This is must to visit on Santander. Read the story behind the sculptures to have a bigger context of the importance of this piece."
Sabino Diaz
"I love this monument. So cool to look at, and an awesome story behind it too. Just a shame that all the fishermen have their rods set up through it! Ruins the photos and the experience a little really. It would be nice if it was respected a little more."
Miss B Forshaw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Los Raqueros is located on the waterfront of the Bay of Santander. It's easily accessible by walking along the promenade. If you're arriving by car, be aware that parking can be challenging in the immediate vicinity. 
Yes, the sculpture is centrally located and a great starting point to explore other sights like the Centro Botín, Paseo Pereda, and the Real Club Marítimo.
A leisurely walk along the Paseo Pereda is highly recommended. You can easily incorporate a visit to Los Raqueros into this scenic stroll.
Santander has a good bus network. Several routes stop near the waterfront, making it convenient to reach Los Raqueros from different parts of the city.
While visible from the bay, it's helpful to use a map as it's a sculpture group and not a large building. Some visitors suggest using Google Maps for precise location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Los Raqueros is an outdoor public sculpture and does not require an entrance fee or ticket. You can visit it anytime.
As an outdoor monument, Los Raqueros is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is best for viewing and photography.
There is no admission fee. The sculpture is a free public art installation for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, you can visit Los Raqueros at any time. However, the sculptures are best appreciated in natural light for clear viewing and photography.
While specific tours solely for Los Raqueros might be rare, many general Santander city tours or waterfront walking tours will likely include a stop at this significant monument.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour lighting for photographs. Mornings can also be good with fewer crowds.
Be patient, as fishermen sometimes set up their gear nearby. Try different angles to capture the dynamic poses of the children.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy posing with the statues to create memorable photos.
The entire Bay of Santander offers stunning backdrops. The Real Club Marítimo and the city skyline are also great subjects.
Drone regulations vary by location and can be strict in urban and coastal areas. It's advisable to check local drone laws before flying near Los Raqueros or any part of Santander's bay.
🎫 📖 History & Meaning
The sculpture represents 'raqueros,' poor or orphaned children who frequented Santander's docks and survived by diving for coins thrown by boat passengers. It's a story of their resilience and resourcefulness.
The sculpture was created by José Cobo.
It serves as a poignant reminder of the city's maritime history and the struggles of its less fortunate children, symbolizing their spirit and connection to the bay.
Information boards are often placed near the sculpture, and reading about their history beforehand significantly enhances the visitor experience.
Interestingly, one reel showed the Raqueros statues dressed in the local Racing Santander football team's jersey, highlighting a unique cultural connection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great spot for a quick, educational stop during a family outing along the waterfront. The open space around the sculpture allows children to move around freely, and the beautiful bay views provide a pleasant backdrop. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as it's an outdoor experience. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Be mindful of potential obstructions like fishing rods, but with a little patience, you can capture stunning images that tell a story. 🚶♀️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Poignant History of the Raqueros
José Cobo's sculpture captures this spirit of youthful determination and the harsh realities of their lives. The bronze figures depict children in various states of action – seated, standing, and diving – embodying the energy and hope that defined their existence. Visiting Los Raqueros offers a chance to connect with this unique aspect of Santander's social history, reminding us of the city's deep ties to the sea and the resilience of its people.
Understanding this history transforms the viewing experience. It’s not just about admiring the artistry, but about reflecting on the lives of these children and their place in the city's narrative. Many visitors find that reading about the 'raqueros' beforehand adds a profound emotional layer to their visit, making it a truly memorable encounter with Santander's heritage.
Experiencing the Santander Bayfront
Strolling along the Paseo Pereda provides breathtaking views and a refreshing sea breeze, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a moment of quiet contemplation. Adjacent to the sculpture is the Real Club Marítimo, a historic institution founded in 1927, adding a touch of maritime heritage to the scene.
The proximity to other key attractions like the Centro Botín, an impressive arts and cultural center, and the general port area means that Los Raqueros can easily be integrated into a broader exploration of Santander's urban landscape. +2Whether you're looking for a picturesque spot for photos, a place to soak in the local atmosphere, or a starting point for discovering more of the city, the Santander bayfront, with Los Raqueros as a central point, offers a rich and engaging experience. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern cultural hubs makes this area a must-visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit