Key Facts About Santillana del Mar, Spain

Santillana del Mar feels like stepping back in time. Its cobbled streets, lined with stone houses adorned with wooden balconies and flowers, make it one of Spain’s most enchanting medieval towns. The town’s Romanesque heritage, combined with its proximity to the world-famous Altamira Caves, offers both cultural depth and charm. Whether you’re wandering through its atmospheric plazas, sampling Cantabrian cuisine, or discovering prehistoric art, Santillana del Mar is a perfect blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty.

8/25/20251 min read

📍 Location

Santillana del Mar is a picturesque medieval town in the Cantabria region of northern Spain, just a few kilometers from the Bay of Biscay.

✨ Known For

Nicknamed “the town of three lies” (not holy, not flat, and not by the sea).
Exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture.
The Altamira Caves with prehistoric cave paintings (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Cobbled streets and charming stone houses.

☀️ Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) – Pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, fewer crowds.
Summer (July–August) – Lively atmosphere and local festivities.
Autumn (September–October) – Ideal for cooler strolls and nearby hikes.

🗣️ Local Language

Spanish (Castilian)
Some locals also speak Cantabrian dialects.

💶 Currency

Euro (€)

✈️ Getting There

By Air: Nearest airport is Santander Airport (SDR), about 30 km away.
By Train/Bus: Connections from Santander and other Cantabrian towns.
By Car: Easy access via the A-8 motorway along the northern coast of Spain.

🏛️ Top Attractions

🏰 Colegiata de Santa Juliana – A Romanesque monastery and the town’s crown jewel.
🏠 Medieval Streets & Plazas – Perfect for strolling and soaking in history.
🖼️ Museo de Altamira – Dedicated to the famous cave paintings nearby.
🏡 Torre de Don Borja – A medieval tower now used for cultural exhibitions.
🌿 Surrounding Countryside – Rolling hills and rural landscapes ideal for day trips.

🥘 Local Specialties

🥩 Cocido montañés – A hearty bean and pork stew.
🧀 Local Cantabrian cheeses.
🐟 Fresh seafood from the Cantabrian coast.
🍪 Traditional quesada pasiega (cheesecake-like dessert) and sobao pasiego (buttery sponge cake).

🎭 Notable Events

🎶 Fiesta de Santa Juliana (June) – Religious and cultural celebrations for the town’s patron saint.
🎉 Medieval Fair (July) – Streets transform into a medieval market with music and crafts.
🎄 Christmas Festivities – Traditional Cantabrian celebrations with markets and lights.