Santillana del Mar & Altamira Cave

by coach & on foot

This experience will begin with a short drive to the municipality of Santillana del Mar. where you will arrive to The Altamira Cave.

The Altamira Cave was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Discovered in 1879 by an amateur archaeologist and his young daughter, it took more than 20 years before scientists would accept that the wonderful prehistoric paintings of bison, horses and other animal figures within the cave were the work of primitive people many thousands of years ago.

The actual cave was closed to the public in 2002 to prevent deterioration of the paintings, however you’ll have the opportunity to visit the museum which depicts the life of our ancestors and features a spectacular ‘Neo Cave’, an impressive replica of the original.

Your journey will continue into the delightful town of Santillana del Mar which boasts bright cobbled streets and magnificent tanned stone and brick buildings. You will pass by on your guided walk sights including the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, the Tower of Don Borja, and Merino Tower amongst other beautiful buildings. Your guide will enlighten you with the history and secrets of the town.

Your next stop on this experience will be at the Parador de Santillana del Mar, a beautiful 17th century mansion formerly owned by the Barreda-Bracho family. Here you will have the chance to relax over refreshments of tea, coffee and local pastries before the return journey to the pier.