Why stay here?
A traditional Cantabrian-style manor house in Santillana del Mar, offering a quieter alternative to Gil Blas while sharing the same exceptional medieval-town setting.
Why it stands out
It gives travelers the Santillana setting in a quieter regional-style property distinct from the historic Gil Blas mansion.
How long to stay
Two nights works well for Santillana, Altamira and a nearby coastal excursion.
Best route role
Use Santillana as the central Cantabria anchor between Limpias and Fuente Dé or Asturias.
A newer manor designed to belong to Santillana
This Santillana del Mar Parador is a purpose-built manor house that follows the traditional architecture of the town rather than occupying an original centuries-old mansion.
That distinction matters because Santillana has two separate Parador properties: this one emphasizes calm regional style, while Gil Blas occupies the historic Barreda-Bracho house.
Inside one of Cantabria’s best-preserved historic towns
Santillana del Mar is compact and walkable, with Altamira nearby and Comillas, Oyambre and the western Cantabrian coast within easy driving distance.
More about the stay
This newly built manor house respects the traditional local architecture and harmonises perfectly with the style of this lovely town.
Comfortable rooms and a pleasant atmosphere add to the peace and tranqulity of this hotel.
The restaurant and bar, in the Parador Santillana Gil Blas, offer a chance to try the most traditional dishes in Cantabrian cooking.
Is Santillana Altamira right for your trip?
Travelers who want to stay inside Santillana del Mar with a quieter manor-house feel.
Visitors combining Altamira, Comillas and the Cantabrian coast.
Road-trippers who want a central Cantabria base for two nights.
Place this Parador in Cantabria
Cantabria’s Paradores pair naturally with Asturias, the Basque Country and Castile and León. Expect historic towns, mountain access and a slower northern-Spain pace.
Explore all Paradores in Cantabria →Start here. Then fan out.
Use the local map for geographic context, then compare the nearby Paradores below before deciding where the route should go next.
What to see nearby
- Santillana del Mar.
The whole town, old and well-preserved, is worth visiting. - Cuevas del Soplao caves (40 km.)
- Museum of Altamira (3 km.)
- Cares tour (60 km.)
- Santillana zoo (2 km.)
- Comillas (17 km.)
Sobrellano Palace, chapel-mausoleum of the Marquises of Comillas, the Pontifical University, the Capricho de Gaudí. - San Vicente de la Barquera (29 km.)
Santa María de los Ángeles Church, Castillo del Rey castle. - Oyambre (20 km.)
Oyambre Natural Park - Beaches
Urbiaco (5 km.)
Cobreces (10 km.)
Comillas (17 km.)
Oyambre (20 km.)
Suances (10 km.)
Activities and ways to spend your time
- Bungee Jumping
- Canoeing
- Canyoning
- Canyoning
- Climbing
- Diving
- Equestrian Trails
- Golf
- Horse Routes
- Micro-lights
- Paragliding
- Potholing
- Rafting
- Rafting
- 4x4 Vehicles
Regional flavor
We recommend you try cocido montañes (mountain stew): cabbage, beans, ribs, sausage, panceta, chorizo, black pudding all go into it. Enjoy too the grilled beef steak with Tresviso sauce, the hake in Cantabrian sauce, clams from Pedreña, the anchovy salad, the Cantabrian ventrisca (tuna) and quesada pasiega (cheesecake).
Before you build the stay into your route
Use the map for context
The Atlas map shows where this property sits relative to other Paradores. Actual road distance and driving time can differ substantially from straight-line distance.
Check the dates you need
Use the verified Booking.com handoff to check live availability for your dates before fixing the surrounding route.
Allow time for the destination
Use the regional guide, nearby places and Journey links as planning context rather than treating the Parador only as a place to sleep between long driving days.
Planning a stay at Parador de Santillana Altamira
Is Parador de Santillana del Mar the same as Santillana Gil Blas?
No. They are separate Parador properties in the same town. Santillana del Mar is a newer manor house built in traditional local style, while Gil Blas occupies a historic stately home.
Is the Parador close to Altamira?
Yes. The Altamira museum and cave area are only a short drive from Santillana del Mar.
How many nights should I stay in Santillana?
Two nights works well for the town, Altamira and one nearby coastal excursion.
Can I book Parador de Santillana Altamira through Paradores Atlas?
Paradores Atlas does not take the reservation itself. The Check availability link opens the verified Booking.com property/availability page in a new tab, where booking and payment are completed.
