Discover Northern Spain's Charming Medieval Village of Santillana del Mar

Any Northern Spain road trip will undoubtedly beg a stop of you in the cute cobbled town of Santillana del Mar, less than 2 hours west of Bilbao and about 30 minutes from Santander.

Although the name suggests it's a waterfront ("del Mar") beachy location, it is actually situated about 5-10 km from the ocean.

In town you'll be met with dozens of vendors and shops selling a variety of goods from handmade leather products to offbeat souvenirs, and medieval hotels and restaurants to send you back in time.

Here's a touch of what you can expect in Santillana del Mar for one night, including some first-hand tips to make the most of your fun.

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The Perfect Way to Spend a Day in Santillana del Mar

Time of Day to Arrive:

Plan your arrival for just after the shops after reopened after lunch (usually around 4 or 5pm). Check into your hotel and bop about some shops.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Altamira or Parador de Santillana Gil Blas

Both offer medieval decor and a great location in the center of town.

Where to Eat:

Regroup and go to dinner. I recommend Restaurante Gran Duque if you are looking for medieval charm or Pizzeria Bitinia for a locals only type of place, great for Italian pastas and pizza. Make a reservation at these places in advance.

Recommended Activity or Tour:

The next morning, visit the Caves of Altamira first thing when they open. Learn more about the prehistoric replica caves here - they can't be missed!

First, let's discuss the elephant in the room.

Spain has slapped a label on this town as one of their "Prettiest Villages" (Pueblos Bonitos), and a lot of people disagree. Why? Honestly, I have no idea! The town is full of charming streets, buildings and decor and it's a perfect stop for an overnight on a road trip.

Here's what to expect in Santillana del Mar:

• Nice strolls down ancient streets

• Quiet evenings in medieval hotels

• Charming meals in decorative spaces

• Popping in and out of souvenir and gift shops

That's it! To expect any more from this beautiful village, I don't know...but it's perfect for one night.

The whole town is easily walkable, and it's split into two sections - the "touristy" section, which is pedestrian only, and the "locals" section, which has lots of great restaurant options.

Wear good shoes for the streets, and expect a few inclines.

Before Arriving in Santillana del Mar

Your Northern Spain road trip itinerary will take you through many charming towns and beautiful coastal villages, but nearby treats include San Vicente de la Barquera or Comillas.

I also highly recommend a visit to the anchovy capital of Spain in Santoña, where you can take a fun factory tour or take a boat ride out past their mud flats.

Another ideal option prior to arriving in town is to stop about 15 minutes from Santillana del Mar to enjoy the wine offerings at Bodegas y Viñedos Miradorio de Ruiloba.

You can pop in for a glass of wine, or if you prefer, some folks do offer tours (at a high price tag) if you don't have your own transportation. Don't expect a full blown vineyard experience, but it's a cute stop for some relaxation just outside town.

You can learn more about the cider and wine in Northern Spain at my separate post here.

Lastly, and previously mentioned, a visit to the World Heritage Site, the Caves of Altamira, is a must. This visit can easily take an hour or two, so plan your day accordingly.

The nearest beach to Santillana del Mar also comes with an interesting site to visit called the Ermita de San Justa, which is a chapel built into the rock face along the seafront. A short walking path will take you to the chapel and provide great water views.

Highlights in Santillana del Mar

Staying in a medieval hotel is an essential way to properly enjoy the town, not only for the charming velveteen decor, but for the feeling of living in a castle for the night.

Hotel Altamira, where I stayed shown below, is a perfect example of what road trips through Spain are all about. Relax in the stunning surrounds and enjoy strolls around town from your home base.

From the moment you step foot in the lobby, you'll feel like you made the right choice, even if there's no AC at this hotel. I was worried about that, but we were there in April and we actually needed the heat that night!

The rooms were comfortable and the shower was divine! Breakfast is included.

Parador San Gil Blas is another such example (with a slightly higher price tag), but being part of the countries' government-run Parador program, they hold themselves at a next level of hospitality. Find out for yourself and enjoy their lovely courtyard for drinks or dine in their castle-like dining room.

Pizzeria Bitinia, a locals only type of Italian joint outside the pedestrian zone, was a highlight of my visit.

Not only was the food superb, but after a week of eating hearty fabada (Asturian bean stew) and other heavy Spanish treats, a nice Italian meal will really hit the spot.

Restaurante Gran Duque is another great option, perfect for surrounding yourself with more of the town's medieval charm.

If you are into kitschy weird stuff, I hear that the Torture Museum (Museo de la Tortura) is worth it. I went to the dungeon museum in Malta, and expected it to really be awful. Some might say torturous, in fact (see what I did there?). These small time wax figure style museums can be a ton of fun.

There is also a large church in town, Santa Juliana, which is worth a look if you enjoy visiting old churches.

Finally, be sure to seek out shops selling local handmade goods. A lot of the stores sell the same old same old from store to store, but there's a few hidden gems. One store sells Soruka bags (unique bags from Barcelona) with great prices. If you don't know about these bags yet, go find them. And then you will be amazed!

Before You Go

Lastly, be sure to book your restaurants and hotel reservations in advance. The town is small and most restaurants were not taking walk-ins.

Plan for a few hours in town at most if you don't plan to spend the night, and part of that should include a meal.

For more information on road trips throughout Spain and the Cantabria region near Santillana del Mar, check out my Spain category on the website for tons of great content.

Enjoy your trip!