44 Most Underrated Cities You Should Visit In Spain

By

Akanksha Sharma

February 23, 2026

17. Santillana del Mar: The Town of a Thousand Legends

Plaza de Santillana del Mar. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Nurfermi

Despite its name, Santillana del Mar is not by the sea, but it is one of Spain’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns. Its cobbled streets, golden-hued buildings, and Romanesque churches make it a step back in time. The town is also home to the Altamira Caves, often called the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art," featuring 17,000-year-old Paleolithic cave paintings. Strolling through Santillana del Mar feels like wandering through a living museum, where history and legend intertwine at every turn.

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