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3 green territories. Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias by motorhome
- AZPEITIA – GIJON IN 13 STAGES
- 8th stage: Santillana del Mar
STAGE 8: SANTILLANA DEL MAR
Santillana del Mar is beyond doubt one of the places with the greatest historical-artistic value in the whole of Spain; the whole town is a monument.
It is known as “the town of the three lies”, since it does not have a saint (“santo”), it is not flat (“llano”) and is not on the coast (“del mar”).
Santillana del Mar and Altamira Cave go side by side. The latter has been described as the “Sixtine Chapel” of cave-paintings. The cave was discovered by chance by Modesto Cubillas in 1868.
Santilla del Mar plays host to a huge range of cultural activities throughout the whole year in its numerous exhibition rooms and museums.
Wandering along the town’s medieval cobbled streets the visitor will encounter numerous craft workshops and can taste a glass of fresh milk and sponge cake, a traditional delicacy of the town.
Tourism in Santillana del Mar, Cantabria
Cultural tourism:
Gastronomy:
- Mesón Casa Gerardo: specialises in traditional dishes such as “cocido montañes” a hearty meat and vegetable stew, “fabadas en olla ferroviaria”, white beans stew slow-cooked in the traditional manner, magnificent grilled meats
- Hotel Palacio Elorriaga: traditional dishes with modern touches
- El Pasaje de los Nobles
- Casa Cossio restaurant
- More restaurants in Santillana del Mar: https://santillanadelmarturismo.com
Local festivals calendar:
- Puppet Festival, last week of May
- Religious theatre and procession of the Three Wise Men, 5th January
- Santa Juliana, patron saint fiestas, 27th June.
Hiking:
- The Town Council website recommends several different types of nature routes for walking and discovering the area: Routes in Santillana del Mar (in spanish).
- Routes by Wikiloc
Addresses of interest:
- Official tourism page of Cantabria
- Santillana del Mar Tourist Office
Address: Plaza Mayor 1
39330 Santillana del Mar, Cantabria
Tel.: +34 942 818 075