Explore the Timeless Wonders of the Cave of Altamira
Discover the prehistoric artistry of the Cave of Altamira in Santillana del Mar, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing ancient cave paintings and rich history.
The Cave of Altamira, located in Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, is a stunning archaeological site that offers a mesmerizing glimpse into prehistoric art. Renowned for its remarkable cave paintings, this UNESCO World Heritage site invites tourists to explore the rich history and culture of early humans. Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits that bring the ancient world to life, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in archaeology and history.
A brief summary to Cave of Altamira
- Avenida Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, s/n, Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, 39330, ES
- +34942818815
- Visit website
- Tuesday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Consider visiting the Altamira Museum first for a deeper understanding of the cave's significance.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the walk to the cave and museum involves some uneven terrain.
- Check the opening hours beforehand, as they may vary seasonally.
- Plan to spend extra time in Santillana del Mar to explore its charming streets and local eateries.
Getting There
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Bus
From the city center of Santander, head to the Santander Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses de Santander) located at Plaza de las Estaciones. Take the ALSA bus towards Santillana del Mar. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Once you arrive at the Santillana del Mar bus stop, exit the bus and walk towards Avenida Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola. The Cave of Altamira is a short 10-minute walk from the bus stop. Follow the main road until you see the signs for the Cave.
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Taxi
If you prefer a more direct route, you can take a taxi from any location in Santander. Simply ask the taxi driver to take you to 'Cueva de Altamira' in Santillana del Mar. The drive will take approximately 25-30 minutes. Make sure to have the address 'Avenida Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, s/n, 39330 Santillana del Mar' handy.
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Train and Walking
Start by taking a train from Santander to Torrelavega at the Santander train station (Estación de Tren de Santander). The train ride takes about 20 minutes. Once you arrive at Torrelavega, exit the train station and catch a local bus or taxi to Santillana del Mar. Alternatively, you can walk from Torrelavega to Santillana del Mar, which is around 5 kilometers. The walk will take approximately 1 hour, so plan accordingly.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ayuntamiento de Santillana del Mar
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Plaza Mayor
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Ermita de Santa Justa
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Iglesia de San Cristóbal
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Capilla Panteón de los Marqueses de Comillas
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Cementerio de Comillas
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Ermita de la Virgen del Mar
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Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo de Santander y Cantabria
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Parroquia de la Anunciacion
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Monumento al Incendio de Santander
27.1 km
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Estatua de Pedro Velarde
27.2 km
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Plaza Porticada (plaza de Velarde)
27.2 km
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Pereda Garden
27.3 km
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Mercado del Este
27.3 km
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Grúa de Piedra
27.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
National Museum and Research Center of Altamira
0.0 km
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Cueva Altamira original
0.2 km
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Laberinto De Villapresente
1.4 km
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Santillana Zoo
1.6 km
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Santillana del Mar
1.7 km
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Torre de Los Velarde
1.8 km
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Torre del Merino
1.9 km
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Torre de Don Borja
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Museum of Torture - Inquisicion
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Casco Histórico de Santillana del Mar
2.0 km
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Museo y Fundación Jesús Otero
2.1 km
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Palacio de Los Velarde
2.1 km
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El Castillo de Vispieres
2.4 km
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San Miguel Historic Garden Bridge
3.0 km
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Peredo Palace
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Essential places to dine
Restaurante Palacio Mijares
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Restaurante La Dársena de Suances
9.2 km
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LA COCINUCA DEL BOURBON
13.9 km
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El Nuevo Molino
14.4 km
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Bar Restaurante El Cazurro
19.6 km
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Restaurante la Tucho
22.8 km
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Restaurante La Ventana
23.1 km
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Restaurante Gelín
23.6 km
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Restaurante Santlivis sl
25.4 km
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Restaurante Las Olas
25.6 km
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Restaurante La Candelita
25.7 km
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Restaurante La Gruta de Jose
25.7 km
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Marisquería Santander La Chulilla
25.7 km
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Restaurante Casona Del Judio
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Restaurante Los Peñucas
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mercado de Abastos de Torrelavega
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Artesanìa Carruselambra
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Aloe Vera Productos
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Ideas Y Cosas
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Quesería Artesanal 3 Valles Pasiegos
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Valle Real
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El Corte Inglés Santander
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Centro Comercial Bahía de Santander
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Sobaos Pasiegos y Quesadas Casa Olmo
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Cadeneta
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3MSTYL
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El Colmado Santander
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Almacenes Mariana
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Bazar Chino Xin Xin I
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Distrito Zero
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pub En Vivo
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Alquimia Tavern
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EL ANDÉN - Bar de copas - SARON
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Bar Cuadros
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Bar Jamaica - Santander, Cantabria
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Rock Beer The New
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Bar la Crisis
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Speakeasy Bar
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Pub La Buhardilla
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Bolero
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La Floridita
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1769 Pub Santander
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Bull Santander
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SOHO Bar Gallery
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Bramble Cocktail Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Caramelo • Sunset Club
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El Trópico - Cantabria
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Sala Niágara
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URBAN CLASSICS
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Discoteca Cambalache
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Coppola - Santander, Cantabria
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Sala Rocambole
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La Tentación - Santander, Cantabria
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Kudeta Santander
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IKKO CLUB
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Sala Sümmum
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Sala Queen Santander
28.3 km
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Discoteca Amarras
29.3 km
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