
Altamira and Santillana del Mar Trip
Discover the extraordinary paintings of the Altamira caves and visit the museum's replica of this over 30,000-year-old site. You'll also get to explore the medieval town of Santillana del Mar. Tour Details.
- 5 hours
- 735 reviews
- Open on Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Discover the extraordinary paintings of the Altamira caves and visit the museum's replica of this over 30,000-year-old site. You'll also get to explore the medieval town of Santillana del Mar.
Tour Details
We will depart from Santander and head towards the town of Santillana del Mar, home of the famous Altamira cave. This site is one of the most significant Palaeolithic locations in the world, with only five visitors permitted weekly to ensure long-term preservation.
Our first stop will be the Altamira National Museum and Research Centre, where a life-size replica of the caves awaits. Here, we will admire the detailed cave paintings and uncover the fascinating history of the cave’s discovery in 1868.
Next, we will embark on a walking tour of Santillana del Mar, a stunning medieval town known affectionately as "the town of three lies." Contrary to what its name may suggest in Spanish, it is neither holy (santo), nor flat (llana), nor near the sea (mar)!
The tour will guide us to the Plaza Mayor, allowing you to enjoy a stroll through the charming, cobbled streets before we arrive at the collegiate church of Santa Juliana. You will have an hour of free time to further explore Santillana del Mar independently, taking in its medieval architecture within the historic centre.
At the conclusion of our tour, we will return to Santander.
Pickup Options
This tour includes pickup from hotels located in central Santander. If your accommodation is outside the city center, please proceed to the designated meeting point at Calle Castelar, 29.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
On this tour, you will explore both the Altamira caves and the medieval town of Santillana del Mar.
Details of the Tour
The excursion starts from Santander, leading to Santillana del Mar, where you will have the opportunity to see the Altamira caves and a museum replica of the historical site.
Included Services
Pickup from central Santander hotelsGuided tourFree time in Santillana del Mar
Not Included Services
Entry to the actual Altamira cave due to preservation restrictionsFood and drinks
Meeting Point
If your hotel is outside the central area, meet at Calle Castelar, 29.
Prices
Included
- Hotel pickup & drop–off
- Transport by minivan
- English–speaking guide
- Admission to the Altamira museum
Tips
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.



