Santillana del Mar

A beautifully preserved medieval town of cobbled streets, stone mansions and a Romanesque collegiate church, often called one of Spain's prettiest villages. Its timeless architecture makes it a top stop for history and photography lovers.

Things to do

• Colegiata de Santa Juliana — Explore this 12th-century Romanesque collegiate church with its carved capitals and tranquil cloister, the town's spiritual heart.
• Museo de Altamira — Visit the neo-cave replica and museum recreating the famous prehistoric paintings, located just a couple of kilometers from the old town.
• Stroll Calle de las Lindas and Calle del Cantón — Wander the cobbled main streets lined with golden stone mansions bearing noble coats of arms.
• Plaza Mayor (Plaza Ramón Pelayo) — Relax in the town's main square surrounded by the Parador and historic towers, a hub for people-watching.
• Torre del Merino and Torre de Don Borja — Admire two of the town's best-preserved medieval defensive towers, now emblematic photo spots.
• Museo Diocesano Regina Coeli — Step into a former convent housing an extensive collection of religious art and sculpture from across Cantabria.
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride — Experience the town's traffic-free streets from a traditional carriage, evoking its aristocratic past.
• Fundación Jesús Otero — See the works of Cantabrian sculptor Jesús Otero displayed in a small dedicated museum near the old town.

Food to try

• Cocido montañés — A hearty Cantabrian stew of beans, cabbage, and pork, perfect after a day of walking cobblestones.
• Sobaos pasiegos — Buttery, spongy little cakes originating from the nearby Pas Valley, sold in local bakeries and shops.
• Quesada pasiega — A dense, lemon-scented cheesecake-like dessert traditional to the region.
• Queso de Cantabria — Sample the region's soft cow's milk cheese, often paired with local honey or membrillo.
• Rabas — Lightly fried squid rings, a popular tapa found in the town's traditional taverns.
• Anchoas del Cantábrico — Try cured Cantabrian anchovies, a coastal delicacy often served simply with bread and olive oil.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear comfortable shoes — The entire old town is paved with uneven medieval cobblestones, so sturdy footwear is essential.
• Visit early morning or evening — Santillana del Mar gets crowded with day-trippers by midday, so early visits offer quieter photos and streets.
• No cars in the historic center — The old town is pedestrian-only, so park at the outskirts and expect to walk in.
• Respect church visiting hours — The Colegiata sometimes closes for Mass or restricts photography inside, so check opening times beforehand.