Explore the charming towns of Santillana del Mar and Comillas on a full-day self-guided tour that allows you to learn about the region’s captivating Romanesque architecture, Modernist design, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Discover the renowned Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana and the unique El Capricho de Gaudí, while also enjoying the tranquil ambiance of picturesque fishing villages. With flexible scheduling and convenient transportation, this tour offers a delightful blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty. However, the true allure of this journey lies in the unexpected delights that await as you venture through these enchanting Cantabrian destinations.
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Full-Day Tours In Santander.
Key Points
- Explore the well-preserved Romanesque architecture and medieval ambiance of Santillana del Mar, a highlight of the self-guided tour.
- Discover the Modernist architecture and picturesque streets of Comillas, including the renowned Capricho de Gaudí.
- Enjoy panoramic coastal views at Parque Natural Oyambre and visit charming fishing villages along the way.
- Flexible itinerary allows personalized exploration of Cantabria’s western shores with air-conditioned vehicle transportation.
- Overwhelmingly positive feedback from travelers, with knowledgeable guides and great value for the guided experience.
Tour Overview and Highlights
The self-guided tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas offers a full-day excursion for visitors to explore Cantabria’s western shores.
This tour boasts a 4.0 overall rating from 9 reviews, with 5 five-star and 3 four-star ratings.
Highlights include visiting the Romanesque temple in Santillana del Mar and picturesque fishing villages like San Vicente de la Barquera.
Travelers can also enjoy spectacular coastal views, including beaches like La Concha and Los Locos.
The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort and convenience, with pickup service from Santander.
While stroller accessible, the tour isn’t wheelchair friendly, accommodating a maximum of 16 travelers per group.
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Itinerary and Attractions
The self-guided tour kicks off at 10:00 am, allowing travelers to explore the key attractions at a leisurely pace.
The first stop is the Capricho de Gaudí, a modernist building with admission tickets not included. Visitors can spend up to 2 hours marveling at this architectural gem.
Next, the tour heads to the Parque Natural Oyambre, where travelers can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline for around 30 minutes.
The pre-planned itinerary includes additional stops, providing opportunities to discover more of Cantabria’s western shores, such as the fishing villages and beaches along the way.
Transportation and Accessibility
For the convenience of travelers, the tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transportation. The tour is accessible for strollers, but not for wheelchairs. The group size is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers per tour.
| Transportation | Pickup Service | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| Air-conditioned Vehicle | From Santander | Stroller Accessible |
| Not Wheelchair Accessible | ||
| Max 16 Travelers |
Inclusions and Exclusions
The self-guided tour includes lunch and comprehensive guide services, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.
However, admission tickets for specific attractions like the iconic El Capricho de Gaudí aren’t included in the tour price. Travelers should factor in these additional costs when planning their budget.
It’s worth noting that the tour operator has a non-refundable policy, meaning no refunds are available for cancellations.
Despite these exclusions, the tour offers excellent value, providing a guided exploration of Santillana del Mar and Comillas without the hassle of planning the itinerary and transportation.
Traveler Feedback
Travelers’ feedback on the self-guided tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the tour’s ability to offer a comprehensive and enjoyable experience. Reviewers praised the knowledgeable guides who provided valuable insights throughout the journey. While some suggested a longer duration in Santillana del Mar, the overall consensus was that the tour offered a great taste of Cantabria’s western shores. The following table summarizes the tour’s rating and reviews:
| Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5 stars | 5 |
| 4 stars | 3 |
| 1 star | 1 |
| Overall Rating | 4.0 |
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Exploring Santillana Del Mar
After arriving at the charming town of Santillana del Mar, visitors can’t help but be captivated by its well-preserved Romanesque architecture and medieval ambiance.
Highlights of exploring this historic village include:
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Strolling along the cobblestone streets and admiring the quaint houses, many of which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.
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Visiting the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a Romanesque masterpiece from the 12th century with stunning architectural details.
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Discovering the Birthplace of Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, a renowned Spanish scholar and philosopher, now a museum showcasing his legacy.
The town’s timeless charm and well-preserved heritage offer visitors a glimpse into Spain’s rich cultural past.
Discovering Comillas
Leaving the charming town of Santillana del Mar behind, visitors can now shift their focus to the coastal gem of Comillas. This quaint fishing village is known for its stunning Modernist architecture, including the grand El Capricho de Gaudí, a remarkable building designed by the renowned Spanish architect.
Visitors can explore the picturesque streets, admiring the unique blend of historical and contemporary structures. The nearby Parque Natural Oyambre offers panoramic coastal views, providing a serene respite from the town’s lively atmosphere.
With its tranquil ambiance and architectural treasures, Comillas promises an enriching experience for those seeking to delve deeper into Cantabria’s cultural tapestry.
Preparing for the Tour
What should travelers do to prepare for this self-guided tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas?
First, plan your transportation. The tour includes pickup service from Santander, so be ready at your designated meeting point.
Plus, wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as you’ll be exploring on foot.
Finally, bring any necessary medications, snacks, and water to stay hydrated during the day’s activities.
The itinerary covers a lot of ground, so being prepared will ensure you make the most of your time in these picturesque towns along Cantabria’s western coast.
- Plan transportation to the pickup point
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather
- Bring any necessary personal items for the day
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specific dress code for this tour. Comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes are recommended to explore the historic sites and coastal areas comfortably throughout the day.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour does not have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, from children to seniors. The tour provides accessibility for strollers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
The tour allows you to bring your own food and drinks. You can enjoy a picnic at the scenic locations or stop for meals at local restaurants along the way to enhance your self-guided exploration.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, but travelers can explore Santillana del Mar further on their own after the guided portion is complete. While food and drinks aren’t provided, guests are welcome to bring their own.
How Much Walking Is Required During the Tour?
The tour involves moderate walking, with the majority of time spent exploring the historic towns and taking in scenic coastal views. Visitors can expect to walk for around 2-3 hours throughout the day.
Recap
This full-day self-guided tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas provides an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning Romanesque architecture, Modernist design, and breathtaking coastal landscapes of Cantabria. Visitors can enjoy the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of these charming destinations at their own pace. With a flexible itinerary and comfortable transportation, this tour offers a delightful mix of history, art, and scenic wonders, making it a must-do experience for those seeking to discover the charm of this captivating Spanish region.
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