Laredo is known for its three mile beach of golden sands in a sheltered bay. The resort was once an important port, and for a time in the 19th century it was the capital of Cantabria. Fishing boats can be seen in the harbour. There is still an attractive, old part of the town with narrow streets, old walls and a 13th Century church. The fiesta of the Battle of the Flowers takes place in Laredo at the end of August.
