ONE DAY IN SANTILLANA DEL MAR: A SHORT GUIDE.
Arriving in Santillana del Mar feels like stepping into a movie set. That may sound like hyperbole, but I promise it is not. This enchanting medieval town, located in Cantabria, is often dubbed “the town of three lies” because it’s neither holy (Santo), flat (llana), nor by the sea (del Mar). A little confusing! But all is quickly forgiven when we visited.
For us, the arrival was particularly memorable. After a long day on the Camino del Norte, walking under the summer sun, the sight of Santillana’s fairytale-like streets was both a relief and a reward. As pilgrims, it felt like a small luxury to pause and soak in its beauty, trading our boots for sandals and taking time to explore.
This guide will help you make the most of your visit to Santillana del Mar, whether you are passing through on the Camino or visiting as a destination in its own right.
Best things to Do in Santillana del Mar
Here are the best things to do in Santillana del Mar when you visit.
1/ Wander the Cobblestone Streets
One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Santillana del Mar is simply wandering. Its compact historic center is car-free, allowing you to amble at your own pace. The streets are flanked by beautifully preserved medieval buildings.
Along the way as you wander through town, you’ll find artisan shops selling everything from local ceramics to handmade leather goods, perfect for a small Camino memento or a souvenir.
2/ Visit the Church of Santa Juliana
At the heart of Santillana del Mar lies the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, one of the most significant Romanesque monuments in Spain. This 12th-century church is dedicated to Saint Juliana, whose relics are housed inside.
If you’re a pilgrim, be sure to pop in, but unfortunately you will still have to pay a small fee.
3/ Visit the Torre de Don Borja
For a deeper dive into Santillana’s history, visit the Torre de Don Borja, a striking medieval tower that now houses exhibitions and cultural events. The tower’s imposing structure and thick stone walls are a testament to the town’s strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
4/ Taste Cantabrian Food
Santillana del Mar just feels like the type of place where you will want to sit down and relax over a long meal. It oozes romance and indulgence.
Restaurante Gran Duque is one of the most popular restaurants in town – a traditional restaurant offering Menu del Dia which showcases some Cantabrian classics.
5/ Relax in the Town Squares
The Plaza Mayor, with its cobblestones and historic facades, is the perfect spot to unwind. Grab a table at one of the outdoor cafés and enjoy a coffee or a cold beer while watching the world go by. What is particularly lovely is seeing the awe on every tourists face when they arrive to this square, it is truly very beautiful.
6/ Visit the Regina Coeli Diocesan Museum
Housed in a former Dominican convent, the Regina Coeli Diocesan Museum features an impressive collection of religious art, including sculptures, paintings, and liturgical items. For a small town, this is actually a really large museum.
Where to Stay in Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar offers a range of accommodations to suit all types of travellers, including pilgrims walking the Camino.
For Pilgrims
Albergue Gandara: Located in a historic building, this albergue provides a cozy and welcoming space for Camino walkers. We stayed here and got a last minute bunk bed.
Albergue de Peregrinos El Convento: I’d say this is the most popular albergue for pilgrims in town. We weren’t able to get a space, but had a quick look inside and it is a stunning building. You can join a communal meal here, which may be quite pleasant if you’d rather not pay the price for dinner in town.
Hotels for other travellers
MID RANGE: Hotel Museo Los Infantes is a quirky hotel close to the centre of town. Guests particularly love the breakfast here.
LUXURY: Parador De Santillana De Gil Blas is the smartest hotel in town. The Parador chain is found across Spain and the buildings are always beautiful.
Where to visit nearby
If you wanted to extend your stay in Cantabria, here are some suggestions for additional places to visit in the area.
Santander: Cantabria’s capital city, Santander, offers a mix of urban elegance and natural beauty. The nightlife and restaurant scene here is vibrant and fun. There are also pretty city beaches. It’s about 30 kilometers from Santillana, making it an easy day trip.
Comillas: This town is only 25 minutes drive and is home to El Capricho de Gaudí, one of Antoni Gaudí’s early works. The whimsical building is surrounded by lush gardens and is a must-see for architecture lovers. Comillas also has a beautiful beach and a neo-Gothic university.
San Vicente de la Barquera: This tiny fishing village is about a 25 minute drive from Santillana del Mar. And it is actually by the sea! A lovely spot to just wander and take some photos, it is very picturesque.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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