Conservas Emilia

Who they are

Conservas Emilia is a Santoña cannery that makes Cantabrian anchovies by hand in its factory on the Marismas industrial estate. It also has a shop in the centre, at Avenida de Carrero Blanco, 25, and sells online. Its website does not tell the company's history or who runs it; it presents itself by what it does and by the factory visit, which is what most interests anyone passing through Santoña.

What they make

The main product is semi-preserved anchovy, in two ranges, the Gold Series and the Silver Series. Alongside it they make anchovies in vinegar and octopus cooked in its own juice. In tins they have northern bonito in oil and in escabeche, tuna belly, relanzón, mussels in escabeche, baby eels and some prepared dishes, and a line of pâtés of scorpion fish, anchovy, Galician-style octopus and bonito. In the shop they also sell Cantabrian products from other houses, such as sobaos, quesada pasiega or cheese cream. The anchovies are semi-preserved: they must be kept cold, something to bear in mind if you buy them at the start of the day.

The factory visit

The visit is free and does not take bookings: you arrive at the time of the session and go in, subject to the capacity allowed by the rules of the moment. Inside the factory you see how Santoña anchovy is made while work is going on, and at the end you can buy at the factory shop.

• Monday to Friday: a session on the hour, from 10:00 to 13:00.
• Saturday: two sessions in the morning, at 11:00 and 12:00 according to the contact page (the front page says 11:00 and 11:45; it is best to arrive at 11:00).
• Sunday: no visits.

The website does not say how long it lasts or whether there are sessions for large groups or in other languages; for an organised group, it is better to call 942 663 232 beforehand. As the factory is in operation, a weekday morning is when you see the most activity.

Shops and buying

The factory shop, on Avenida de Lons, is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 and on Saturday from 10:30 to 13:30. The one in the centre, on Carrero Blanco, is open every day from 10:30 to 19:30, including Sunday, and has its own phone, 942 671 654. From the online shop they ship Monday to Thursday, with delivery in one to three days, and shipping is free on the mainland from about €90. The website is in Spanish and English.