The Cantabrian countryside offers a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty. This day tour from Santander showcases the region’s highlights, from the charming medieval town of Santillana del Mar to the cave of Altamira, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring remarkable Paleolithic art. Travelers can also explore Potes, Spain’s most beautiful inland village. With an affordable price tag, this excursion promises an immersive experience that may leave you longing to uncover more of Cantabria’s captivating wonders.

Good To Know

  • This day tour from Santander explores the picturesque towns of Cantabria, including Santillana del Mar, the Cave of Altamira, and Potes.
  • The tour is priced from $48.93 per person and lasts 11 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Highlights include visiting the Cave of Altamira, known for its Paleolithic rock art, and exploring the charming streets of Santillana del Mar and Potes.
  • Transportation, entry tickets to the Altamira Museum, and guided tours of Santillana del Mar and Potes are included in the tour.
  • The tour offers the opportunity to experience Cantabria’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty through a carefully curated itinerary.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

From Santander: Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour - Overview and Pricing

The Day Tour from Santander offers visitors an opportunity to explore the picturesque corners of Cantabria, Spain. Priced from $48.93 per person, the 11-hour tour saves travelers up to 8% compared to the regular price.

Explore the picturesque corners of Cantabria, Spain on an 11-hour tour from Santander, priced from $48.93 per person.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option, the tour provides flexibility.

Highlights include the charming town of Santillana del Mar, the renowned Cave of Altamira, and the beautiful inland village of Potes.

Transport, entry fees, and guided tours are included, though food, drinks, and hotel transfers are excluded.

Itinerary Highlights

From Santander: Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour - Itinerary Highlights

Exploring picturesque corners of Cantabria, the Day Tour from Santander takes visitors to the charming town of Santillana del Mar, renowned for its cobblestone streets and historical atmosphere.

The tour also includes a visit to the Cave of Altamira, featuring a replica Neocave and an exhibition of Paleolithic rock art.

Travelers will then experience Potes, named the most beautiful inland village in Spain in 2020, with the opportunity to explore its traditional architecture and artisanal shops.

Along the way, guests will enjoy the spectacular views of the Hermida Gorge during the comfortable bus ride from Santander.

Activities and Experiences

From Santander: Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour - Activities and Experiences

This day tour from Santander offers a comfortable bus ride, allowing visitors to sit back and enjoy the spectacular views of the Hermida Gorge during the journey.

In Santillana del Mar, travelers have free time to explore the charming cobblestone streets and historical atmosphere.

The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Cave of Altamira, which features a replica Neocave and an exhibition of Paleolithic rock art.

The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Cave of Altamira, which features a replica Neocave and an exhibition of Paleolithic rock art.

The tour also includes guided visits to the picturesque town of Potes, known for its traditional architecture and artisanal shops.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Although the day tour from Santander includes the tickets to the Altamira Museum, a local official tourist guide, and private transport from Santander with guided tours of Santillana del Mar and Potes, it doesn’t cover food and drinks or hotel pickup and drop-off.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

The inclusions are:

  1. Tickets to the Altamira Museum

  2. Local Official Tourist Guide

  3. Private transport from Santander

  4. Guided tours of Santillana del Mar and Potes

The exclusions are food, drinks, and hotel transportation.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have provided a solid overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars for the day tour from Santander based on 17 reviews.

Travelers highly praised the transportation (5/5) and value for money (5/5). Positive feedback highlighted the enjoyable stops and experiences, including the picturesque views, traditional architecture, and the Altamira Cave replica.

The tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Cantabria’s highlights, catering to a range of interests.

While some may find the tour not suitable for wheelchair users, the overall customer satisfaction indicates a worthwhile day trip option from Santander.

Exploring Santillana Del Mar

As visitors step into the charming medieval town of Santillana del Mar, they’re immediately captivated by its cobblestone streets and well-preserved historical atmosphere.

The tour offers the opportunity to explore this picturesque gem, known as one of the most beautiful inland villages in Spain.

Visitors can:

  1. Admire the ornate Romanesque architecture of the Collegiate Church of Santillana.

  2. Stroll along the quaint streets lined with traditional stone houses and shops.

  3. Visit the Casa de los Borja, a 15th-century palace with intricate carvings.

  4. Immerse themselves in the town’s rich cultural heritage and artisanal offerings.

Discovering the Cave of Altamira

After exploring the charming town of Santillana del Mar, the tour proceeds to the renowned Cave of Altamira.

Known as the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistory," the cave features well-preserved Paleolithic rock art, including bison, horses, and deer paintings.

Dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistory," the cave showcases well-preserved Paleolithic rock art of bison, horses, and deer.

Visitors can’t access the original cave but instead explore a replica, the Neo-Cave, which provides an authentic experience.

The on-site museum also offers an exhibition showcasing the cave’s history and significance.

Travelers have the opportunity to explore this fascinating window into humanity’s distant past, gaining insights into the artistic achievements of our ancestors.

Experiencing the Charm of Potes

From Santander: Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour - Experiencing the Charm of Potes

The last stop on the tour is the charming town of Potes, nestled in the Cantabrian Mountains.

Visitors can explore Potes’ traditional architecture and artisanal shops. The highlights include:

  1. Wandering the quaint streets lined with historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor.

  2. Browsing the local shops offering handcrafted products, from pottery to leatherwork.

  3. Admiring the stunning natural scenery, with the Picos de Europa mountain range providing a picturesque backdrop.

  4. Experiencing the authentic local culture and cuisine in the town’s vibrant plazas and cafes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Larger Group?

Yes, this tour can accommodate larger groups. The tour provider offers private transport, allowing for group bookings. Customers can check the tour’s availability and pricing for their desired group size when making a reservation.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option for a private tour. The tour provider offers private transportation from Santander, allowing you to explore Potes, Santillana del Mar, and Altamira with a personalized experience and flexibility for your group size.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is required for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to explore the historic towns and caves. The tour provides transportation and entrance tickets, so you can focus on enjoying the sights without additional gear.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?

The tour has a set itinerary, but customers can inquire about customizing it to fit their interests. The tour operator may be able to accommodate special requests, subject to availability and additional costs.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not explicitly stated, but based on the reviews, it appears to have a comfortable and manageable number of participants, allowing for personalized attention and an enjoyable shared experience.

The Sum Up

The "From Santander: Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour" offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Cantabria’s stunning landscapes and rich history. For just $48.93 per person, participants can explore the charming Santillana del Mar, marvel at the remarkable Paleolithic art in the Cave of Altamira, and discover the captivating Potes, deemed Spain’s most beautiful inland village. This tour provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the diverse cultural and natural wonders of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: