Welcome to this tour of the most beautiful of Spain's villages”, paraphrasing the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre.


Sheltered by gentle hills, a stone's throw from the sea and protected from the bloody and unforgiving passage of time, we find this historic town. A veritable crossroads, inspiring artists, poets, philosophers and writers, the town has a charm which is difficult to translate into words. Simply strolling through the peaceful traffic-free cobbled streets of the Historic-Artistic Site, surrounded by mainly fourteenth to eighteenth century buildings, gives rise to unique sensations, only experienced by those who visit the town.

Santillana del Mar, is undoubtedly Cantabria's main centre of historical and artistic interest, and one of its most visited destinations. From the first known settlement, in the form of the Cueva de Altamira, to the present day, this town has been home to a formidable heritage, presided over by the jewel of the Cantabrian Romanesque, the collegiate church of Santa Juliana, and present in the houses, stately homes and coats of arms of their noble owners. No matter where you turn, you will find pieces of history that conjure up a prehistoric, medieval, Renaissance, baroque, modern and current Santillana.


Santillana del Mar grew up around the monastery of Santa Juliana, whose origins date back to the eighth century. The village was granted its own municipal charter by King Alfonso VIII in 1209, becoming capital of the Asturias of Santillana, which led to significant economic, demographic and urban change. The town is structured around two streets forming a Y, and representing the division of two functions: the civil, leading us to the Plaza Mayor, formerly known as the Plaza del Mercado, and the religious, along Calle del Canton, with the imposing and captivating Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana. Most of the buildings were built from the eighteenth century with wealth brought back to the area by many of the inhabitants of Santillana who had emigrated to the Indies (America) in the sixteenth century due to a period of decline in the region.


Santillana's historical legacy is evident wherever you turn, but is not the only reason for a visit. Its privileged natural setting - easily accessible but far from the daily stress of large cities - enables you to enjoy a unique landscape that combines the sea with the green of its fields. Fans of both beaches and hiking trails will be perfectly at home here.


To the artistic and natural richness of the town, we must add its folklore and cultural calendar. Traditional and religious festivals and numerous further activities are a regular fixture in the village diary. The hospitality of its inhabitants is on display in a wide range of quality establishments - from charming inns and hotels, to bakeries and restaurants where you can sample regional cuisine - as well as in a long tradition of cabinetmakers, artisans or ceramicists who bring a touch of modernity to their traditional pursuits, only serving to enhance the many virtues of this special place. Santillana del Mar, a place to discover.