The charming medieval town of Santillana del Mar packs serious historical punch into its compact center. Three standout walking tours showcase the best of this northern Spanish gem. The Private Guided Walking Tour is a winner, efficiently covering the town’s Gothic towers, plaza mayor, and the stunning Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana. History buffs will love the Velarde Palace Tour, which cleverly uses virtual reality to bring the 16th-century Renaissance palace to life. For those with kids in tow, the Family Walking Tour hits all the medieval highlights while keeping young travelers engaged, plus you’ll skip the lines at the Collegiate Church. Let’s explore the best tours available in this remarkably preserved Spanish town.
Key Points
-
The Santillana Del Mar Private Guided Walking Tour offers a personalized exploration of the town’s Gothic architecture and historic landmarks like the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana.
-
The Guided Tour of the Velarde Palace provides an immersive experience using virtual reality to showcase the 16th-century Renaissance palace’s rich history and art collection.
-
The Memorable Family Walking Tour in Ancient Santillana Del Mar offers a 1.5-hour private tour led by knowledgeable local guides, with skip-the-line access to the Collegiate Church.
-
Santillana Del Mar is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, making it a popular destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
-
Most tours offer flexible booking options, free cancellation policies, and some provide skip-the-line access, catering to different group sizes and accessibility needs.
Santillana Del Mar Private Guided Walking Tour
Although Santillana del Mar is a small town, its rich history and impressive architecture make it a must-see destination.
The Santillana del Mar Private Guided Walking Tour offers visitors a chance to discover the town’s highlights. Led by a professional local guide, the tour explores Gothic towers, the main square, 18th-century homes, and the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana.
Guests can capture stunning photos at key locations. The tour’s flexible departure times and personalized experience ensure a tailored journey.
Priced from $209.33 per person, the tour provides excellent value with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Santillana Del Mar Private Guided Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Guided Tour of the Velarde Palace
The Guided Tour of the Velarde Palace offers visitors an immersive exploration of a stunning 16th-century Renaissance palace in Santillana del Mar.
Priced from €10.00 per person, the 45-minute tour features virtual reality technology to recreate the palace’s ancient inhabitants. Guests will learn about the history of Santillana del Mar while guided through over 2000 m² across 3 floors, with highlights including historical documents, classical paintings, medieval weapons, original furniture, and tapestries.
The tour can be booked with a reserve now & pay later option, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour allows visitors to skip the ticket line with a reserved spot.
Read our full review: Guided Tour of the Velarde Palace Review
Book now: Check availability
Memorable Family Walking Tour in Ancient Santillana Del Mar
Families seeking an immersive exploration of Santillana del Mar’s rich heritage can embark on the Memorable Family Walking Tour.
This 1.5-hour experience guides visitors through the ancient streets, highlighting the town’s medieval architecture and historical landmarks.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour includes skip-the-line access to the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, where families can marvel at the Romanesque masterpiece.
At Kč 5,184 for up to 6 people, this private tour offers a personalized and memorable way for families to discover the charming atmosphere of Santillana del Mar.
Read our full review: Memorable Family Walking Tour in Ancient Santillana Del Mar Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Santillana del Mar offers a captivating journey through its rich history and remarkable architecture. The guided walking tours provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the Velarde Palace, admire the town’s medieval charm, and create lasting memories. Whether traveling solo or with family, these tours offer a chance to uncover the unique character of this enchanting Spanish destination.