A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Santillana del Mar: The Jewel of Cantabria

Introduction

Santillana del Mar is a small town located in the region of Cantabria, in the north of Spain. Known as the "town of three lies", since it is neither holy, nor flat, nor does it have a sea, this picturesque medieval village is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, thanks to its rich history, its impressive architecture, and its unique charm.

The Historic Center

The heart of Santillana del Mar is its historic center, a maze of cobblestone streets flanked by stone houses with wooden balconies. Many of these houses date back to the 15th and 16th centuries and are adorned with coats of arms. The Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana stands out, a 12th-century Romanesque church that gives the town its name and houses an important cloister.

The Altamira Caves

A few kilometers from Santillana del Mar are the famous Altamira Caves, known as the "Sistine Chapel of Quaternary art". Discovered in 1879, these caves house some of the oldest and best-preserved cave paintings in the world, with depictions of bison, deer, and horses dating back more than 15,000 years.

The Santillana Zoo

For animal lovers, the Santillana Zoo is a must-visit. This zoo and botanical garden houses a wide variety of species, from lions and tigers to monkeys and exotic birds. In addition, it has a butterfly house and an aquarium, making it a perfect option for a family day out.

The Barquillero Museum

The Barquillero Museum is another attraction of Santillana del Mar. This small museum is dedicated to the tradition of the barquilleros, street vendors of barquillos, a typical Spanish sweet. The museum recreates an old barquillo shop and offers demonstrations of how these delicious sweets are made.

The Surroundings

The surroundings of Santillana del Mar also have a lot to offer. The Cantabrian coast, with its impressive cliffs and beaches, is just a few minutes away by car. Other charming towns can also be visited, such as Comillas, with its famous Capricho de Gaudí, or the city of Santander, with its elegant promenade and lively nightlife.

Gastronomic Products of Santillana del Mar

• Cream Cheese of Cantabria

  This cheese is one of the most representative products of the region. It is made with cow's milk and has a soft and creamy texture. Its flavor is mild and slightly acidic, making it perfect to accompany with bread or fruits.

• Sobaos Pasiegos

  The sobaos pasiegos are a type of fluffy and sweet sponge cake made with butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. They are very popular throughout the region and are usually consumed for breakfast or snack.

• Mountain Stew

  The mountain stew is a traditional dish of the region that is made with white beans, cabbage, black pudding, chorizo, and pork meat. It is a hearty and very tasty dish that is usually served in the colder months of the year.

• Orujo from Liébana

  The orujo from Liébana is a brandy that is made in the region of Liébana, very close to Santillana del Mar. It is distilled from the remains of the grape used to make wine and has a strong and characteristic flavor.

Sports Activities in Santillana del Mar

Hiking

Santillana del Mar offers hiking routes that will allow you to enjoy its rich flora and fauna. You can explore the Oyambre Natural Park or the Santoña Marshes Nature Reserve.

Cycling

Cycling is another popular activity in Santillana del Mar. You can rent a bicycle and explore the city and its surroundings, enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Surfing

A few kilometers from Santillana del Mar, you will find some of the best beaches for surfing in Spain. Beaches like Liencres or Los Locos are famous for their waves.

Horse Riding

For horse lovers, Santillana del Mar offers the possibility of horse riding routes. It is a different and fun way to get to know the area.

Golf

If you like golf, in the surroundings of Santillana del Mar you will find several golf courses where you can practice this sport while enjoying the sea views.

Places near Santillana del Mar

If you are in Santillana del Mar and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Comillas is a tourist gem in Cantabria, Spain, famous for its modernist architecture and its university. Visitors can enjoy its rich cuisine, highlighting fresh seafood, mountain stew and traditional desserts such as sobaos and quesadas.

Suances, a coastal gem in Cantabria, Spain, is famous for its stunning beaches and exquisite seafood cuisine. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, local fish and the famous pasiegos sobaos in this charming tourist destination.

Torrelavega, in Cantabria, is a tourist gem with a rich industrial history and impressive architecture. Its vibrant gastronomic scene stands out, with delicious local dishes such as the mountain stew and the Pasiegos sponge cakes.