PARADOR DE SANTILLANA DEL MAR

The historic town center of Santillana del Mar is unusual in that it is only open to pedestrians. You won't see any cars, making your visit very special indeed. This historic district has preserved its original character for hundreds of years. Highlights among the buildings include the Casa del Águila (House of the Eagle) and the Casa de la Plaza (House of the Square), the statue Homenaje al hombre de Altamira (Homage to the Man of Altamira), and the fabulous town hall building. As you stroll through the main square (Plaza Mayor de Ramón Pelayo) and along the streets that branch off from it, you will discover the many charms of this Cantabrian town with its cobblestones, monuments and houses built centuries ago with beautiful flowers hanging from their balconies. Santillana del Mar Zoo is just 2 kilometers from town and a must-see, especially if you have children. And a little over 15 kilometers away you will find the lovely village of Comillas, lapped by the waters of the Bay of Biscay.