Santoña is divided into two zones, an urban plain, and a mountainous area, with Mount Buciero at its eastern limit, and Brusco and the beach of Berria to the north.

The beach of San Martin comprises its south limit and the fishing harbor and marsh area its western limit.

In August 1719 the town was successfully attacked and captured by French forces supported by the British Royal Navy during the War of the Quadruple Alliance.

Extensive naval supplies were seized or destroyed, and along with the Duke of Berwick's simultaneous taking of San Sebastian, put pressure of Philip V to make peace which he subsequently did at the Treaty of The Hague.

The song "Santonian shores" of the band Eluveitie is about this region.