Santillana Del Mar

About Santillana del Mar

Santillana del Mar in Cantabria is often considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, a medieval town of stunning architecture close to the incredible Altamira Caves, which are filled with some of the world's oldest and best-preserved prehistoric art in the world.

Named after St Juliana whose remains reside in the town's stunning church, the Colegiata de Santa Juliana, Santillana del Mar has a rich history that is visible in every inch of the town. The entire town is a registered National Monument whose medieval architecture is some of the most important still standing in Spain, including the Torre del Merino and Torre de Don Borja, two towers that were built as both military edifications and as homes of the nobility. Wander through the cobbled streets of medieval mansions, or why not head out of town into the countryside and discover the palacios and villas of the rich amongst the lush green of rural Cantabria?

Nearby Santillana del Mar

Just 2km from Santillana del Mar are the Altamira Caves and the Museo de Altamira where you can discover the paintings of bison, and other animals in the Neocave, a state-of-the-art 3D reconstruction of the original caves. In town, there is also a Museo de la Tortura (the Museum of the Inquisition), containing their instruments of torture, for those with a strong stomach.

Food and drink

Whilst in Santillana del Mar, you cannot miss the opportunity to try some delicious local produce from the cheese shops or buy some locally made pottery and other souvenirs from the gift shops here. Gastronomic specialities include bizcochos, small pastries best enjoyed with a glass of milk and sobaos pasiegos, a buttery cake flavoured with anise liquer. If you feel the need to work off some of these tasty snacks, the Natural parks of Oyambre, Peña Cabarga and Saja-Besaya are all nearby.

We run direct ferries from both Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander, just a stone’s throw away from Santillana del Mar. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at some of our holiday accommodation.