Santillana, Cantabria
Provincia de Cantabria · Cantabria · Spain · 4,042 residents · on the coast
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Cave of Altamira-Museo_Arqueol%C3%B3gico_Nacional.jpg/500px-Techo_de_Altamira_(replica)-Museo_Arqueol%C3%B3gico_Nacional.jpg)
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
National Museum and Research Center of Altamira
Santillana Zoo_-_2013-Aug-16_-_by_Stromare.JPG/500px-Museo_de_la_Tortura_El_Solar_(Santillana_del_Mar)_-_2013-Aug-16_-_by_Stromare.JPG)
Museo de la Tortura, Santillana del MarSantillana is a seaside village in Provincia de Cantabria, Cantabria, Spain, home to around 4,042 people. There are 10 notable places to see in and around town, including Cave of Altamira and Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain. The nearest airport is Santander (SDR), about 21 min by road, with direct flights from the UK.
Why go
- Sights worth the trip: Cave of Altamira, Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain and National Museum and Research Center of Altamira.
- Right on the coast.
- Best weather from July: daytime highs between 22°C and 22°C with little rain.
- Easy to reach: Santander (SDR) is 15 miles away with direct flights from the UK.
Top sights in Santillana
Ranked by how well known they are.
- 1Cave of Altamira
- 2Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
- 3National Museum and Research Center of Altamira
- 4Santillana Zoo
- 5Museo de la Tortura, Santillana del Mar
- 6Palace of Peredo, Mijares
- 7Castillo de Vispieres
- 8Palacio de Velarde
- 9Museo Diocesano Regina Coeli (Cantabria)
- 10Castro de El Cincho
- 1cave
- 2archaeological site
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
1 mile from the centre · Photo
cave with prehistoric art and World Heritage Site in Spain
- 3museum
National Museum and Research Center of Altamira
1 mile from the centre · Photo
Paleolithic museum in Spain
- 4botanical garden
- 5museum
6palacePalace of Peredo, Mijares
2 miles from the centre · Photo
cultural property in Santillana del Mar, Spain
7castleCastillo de Vispieres
1 mile from the centre · Photo
8palacePalacio de Velarde
In the centre · Photo
9museumMuseo Diocesano Regina Coeli (Cantabria)
In the centre · Photo
10archaeological siteCastro de El Cincho
1 mile from the centre · Photo
Tours & tickets in Santillana
See which tours and tickets are available near Santillana.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in Santillana
Sea-view hotels and apartments fill up first in summer; book early for July.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach Santillana and the villages around it is a hire car from Santander (SDR), about 21 min away.
Best time to visit Santillana
July: daytime highs between 22°C and 22°C with little rain.
- 13°CJan188 mm
- 14°CFeb113 mm
- 15°CMar87 mm
- 16°CApr83 mm
- 17°CMay115 mm
- 21°CJun86 mm
- 22°CJul58 mm
- 24°CAug80 mm
- 22°CSept133 mm
- 21°COct172 mm
- 17°CNov155 mm
- 14°CDec126 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 7°C | 188 mm | 6 h |
| Feb | 14°C | 7°C | 113 mm | 7 h |
| Mar | 15°C | 8°C | 87 mm | 8 h |
| Apr | 16°C | 9°C | 83 mm | 10 h |
| May | 17°C | 11°C | 115 mm | 11 h |
| Jun | 21°C | 15°C | 86 mm | 10 h |
| Jul | 22°C | 16°C | 58 mm | 11 h |
| Aug | 24°C | 17°C | 80 mm | 11 h |
| Sept | 22°C | 15°C | 133 mm | 10 h |
| Oct | 21°C | 14°C | 172 mm | 7 h |
| Nov | 17°C | 11°C | 155 mm | 7 h |
| Dec | 14°C | 8°C | 126 mm | 6 h |
Averages 2015–2024. Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Getting there from the UK
By air
- Santander (SDR)15 miles, about 21 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Bilbao (BIO)60 miles, about 1 h 26 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Asturias (OVD)98 miles, about 2 h 18 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
By car and ferry
Driving from Calais takes roughly 13 h 46 min without stops. Nearest ferry ports: Santander (16 miles), Bilbao (54 miles).
Santillana is good for
Around Santillana
Towns and villages within an hour or so.
Questions people ask
Is Santillana worth visiting?
Yes. Santillana is known for Cave of Altamira, Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain and National Museum and Research Center of Altamira, and it is on the coast. It works well as a base or as a day trip from the towns nearby.
When is the best time to visit Santillana?
July, with daytime highs between 22°C and 22°C with little rain.
How do I get to Santillana from the UK?
Fly to Santander (SDR), which has direct flights from UK airports, then it is about 21 min by road. Bilbao (BIO) is an alternative, 60 miles away. Driving from Calais takes roughly 13 h 46 min.
Is Santillana good for families?
Yes: there are family-friendly attractions nearby and beaches, and most activities can be booked in advance.
What is near Santillana?
Santander (16 miles), Llanes (33 miles), Comillas (9 miles) and Santoña (33 miles) are all within an hour or so.