Santillana del Mar, Spain

Santillana del Mar

A beautifully preserved stone village near the Altamira caves.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
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Things to do

2 days in Santillana del Mar

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk the cobbled main street and the Romanesque collegiate church.
  2. AfternoonVisit the Altamira Museum and its replica of the cave paintings.
  3. EveningHave dinner in the village once the tour buses leave.

Day 2

Visit the coastal town of Comillas and Gaudí's El Capricho.

What to eat

Sobaos and quesadas, Cantabrian sweets, with a glass of milk.

Local tips

Make the most of Santillana del Mar

Beat the crowds

Summer afternoons are busy. Mornings and evenings are calm.

Best photo spot

The cobbled main street with stone houses and wooden balconies.

Getting there

Buses run from Santander, about 40 minutes.

Don't miss nearby

The Altamira cave museum with its replica paintings, and the coast at Comillas.

Good to know

Altamira's real cave is closed, but the museum's replica is excellent. Try a glass of fresh milk and a sobao cake.

Secret spots

1 secret spot near Santillana del Mar

Our most hidden places around Santillana del Mar: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Santillana del Mar to take with you.

83 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Santillana del Mar

Getting there

  • Santander Airport (SDR)25 km away
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO)95 km away
  • Bilbao95 km away
  • Burgos120 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeHidden town
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountrySpain

Questions

Santillana del Mar: good to know

Is Santillana del Mar worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. A beautifully preserved stone village near the Altamira caves.

How many days do you need in Santillana del Mar?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Santillana del Mar?

You can visit all year. Summer afternoons are busy. Mornings and evenings are calm.

How do you get to Santillana del Mar?

The nearest airport is Santander Airport (SDR), about 25 km away. Buses run from Santander, about 40 minutes.

What is there to see near Santillana del Mar?

Nearby hidden places include Bilbao (96 km), Burgos (121 km) and Oviedo (141 km).

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