Santillana del Mar

Travel Guide

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, a river mouth, and green hills in the background.
A coastal town with cliffs, a beach, and a clear blue sea.
A historic building with a red-tiled roof, arched windows, and a bell tower.
A lush green valley with rolling hills, scattered houses, and a clear blue sky.
A rural village with terraced fields, traditional stone houses, and a prominent tower.
Hotel San Marcos

Hotel San Marcos

4 out of 5
Avda Antonio Sandi 27A Santillana del Mar Cantabria
$89 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
$98 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Santillana del Mar. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Calle de Santo Domingo and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
"Our stay was excellent.: the location, the accommodations , the staff and a great breakfast."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2026

Hotel San Marcos
Posada Mediavia

Posada Mediavia

3 out of 5
Mediavia 34, Barrio Ubiarco Santillana del Mar Cantabria
$44 nightly
The price is $48 total per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
$48 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this pension in Santillana del Mar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Playa de Santa Justa and Hermitage ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (109 reviews)
"Limpio. personal agradable"

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2026

Posada Mediavia
Hotel Cuevas - Adults Only

Hotel Cuevas - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Avda Antonio Sandi 4 Santillana del Mar Cantabria
$121 nightly
The price is $133 total per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
$133 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Santillana del Mar. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Hotel Cuevas - Adults Only
See all 1,276 properties in Santillana del Mar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartamentos Estela de Altamira

Apartamentos Estela de Altamira

3 out of 5
Avda del Zoo s/n Santillana del Mar
Stay at this aparthotel in Santillana del Mar. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Santillana del Mar Zoo and Calle de ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"The price is like an apartment of a 4 star hotel. But they charge you for everything. Including using the indoor swimming pool (that is not heated by the way), cleaning the apartment, any extra towel for the pool. There was not even soap to wash our hands.. On the other hand you can hear everything ..."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2026

Apartamentos Estela de Altamira
Akla Hotel Suites Santillana

Akla Hotel Suites Santillana

3 out of 5
Plaza de las Arenas 3 Santillana del Mar CB
Stay at this apartment in Santillana del Mar. Enjoy free breakfast and WiFi (surcharge). Popular attractions Museum of the Inquisition and Torre de Don Borja ...
Akla Hotel Suites Santillana
House with pool and games room in Santillana del Mar

House with pool and games room in Santillana del Mar

Santillana del Mar, Viveda Cantabria
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Santillana del Mar. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Área Natural de Especial ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"Lovely house and Ernesto and his wife are great hosts"

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2026

House with pool and games room in Santillana del Mar
See all properties in Santillana del Mar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Santillana del Mar attractions

Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar

8.8/10 (95 reviews)
Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar is just one of the places to see in Santillana del Mar, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Take in the festivals in this quaint area.
See properties

Things to do

Tour to Capricho de Gaudí Santillana del Mar and Redwood Forest

Santander: The Caprice of Gaudí, Santillana and Redwood Forest

$34
per adult
Santander: The Caprice of Gaudí, Santillana and Redwood Forest
Picture 10 for Activity From Santander or Torrelavega: Soplao Cave Excursion

From Santander: Soplao Cave Tour & Pechon Scenic Viewpoint

$96
per adult
From Santander: Soplao Cave Tour & Pechon Scenic Viewpoint
from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal

from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal

$79
per adult
from Santander: Fascinating Saint Sebastian of Garabandal
See all activities in Santillana del Mar

Frequently asked questions

Is Santillana del Mar worth visiting?
Santillana del Mar is worth visiting for its unique historical sites, including the famous Caves of Altamira and the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar. Travelers can also explore the local dining scene, which offers a variety of European and Italian cuisine options.
When is the best time to visit Santillana del Mar?
The best time to visit Santillana del Mar is from June through August, when the weather is generally pleasant. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through January are a good option, offering a more tranquil experience for travelers.
What is Santillana del Mar known for?
Santillana del Mar is known for the Caves of Altamira, a significant historical site. Travelers can also explore the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar and the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira. This destination is a coastal city in Spain, located on the Cantabrian Sea.
What is a good itinerary length for Santillana del Mar?
A good itinerary length for Santillana del Mar is one to two days to explore key highlights like the Caves of Altamira, the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, and the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira. An extended stay of three days allows travelers to enjoy these sites more thoroughly, perhaps with an immersive visit to the Velarde Palace Museum. See Santillana del Mar Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Santillana del Mar?
Santillana del Mar offers travelers a journey through history, art, and ancient natural wonders:

  • Tour the Neocueva and Altamira Museum, which includes a guided experience and admission
  • Visit the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, a prominent local landmark
  • Explore the Velarde Palace Museum for an immersive cultural experience
  • Stroll through Santillana del Mar on a private customizable historical walking tour
  • Discover the Hermitage of Santa Justa, another historic landmark.

How do I plan a trip to Santillana del Mar?
To plan your trip to Santillana del Mar, search for places to stay and book flights and rental cars in advance. Explore attractions like the Caves of Altamira and the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, and consider booking activities such as a Guided Tour of the Neocueva. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor options for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Santillana del Mar?
In Santillana del Mar, travelers can find Spanish cuisine, offering classic dishes like paella, savory tapas, and traditional tortilla española. There are also Italian options available, including familiar favorites like pizza and pasta.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Santillana del Mar?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Santillana del Mar by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Santillana del Mar with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Santillana del Mar trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Santillana del Mar?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Santillana del Mar can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Santillana del Mar trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Santillana del Mar trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Santillana del Mar trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Santillana del Mar trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Santillana del Mar?
If it's your first trip to Santillana del Mar, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Santillana del Mar hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Santillana del Mar hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Santillana del Mar

A cobblestone street lined with historic stone buildings featuring balconies and arched doorways.

Torrelavega

A lighthouse with a red roof, a stone wall, and a rocky outcrop in the background.

Suances

A coastal landscape with a historic stone structure, a river, and green fields.

Alfoz de Lloredo

An aerial view of a coastal landscape with a sandy beach, a river estuary, and green fields.

Oreña

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