Santander to Santillana del Mar: 30th April - 2nd May

When we left Santander the weather was cool, but still dry. For the first stage of our journey we took the FEVE ('cercania') from Santander to Barreda. The rain started while we were on the train but so it was time for our ponchos to go on when we left the train. First stop was the bar just past the station, for a cafe con leche, then we set off to walk to Santillana. It rained all the way so we were glad of the ponchos and waterproof overtrousers. For the first time ever I had damp/wet feet, and so did Terry!! This year we have a different make of boots!

Arriving in Santillana we made our way uphill to the Hotel Colegiata where we were booked in for 3 nights (Brittany Ferries). A good room, paper to dry our boots, a meal and siesta. Following that we had time to sit in their lounge area and could see wet pilgrims coming down into Santillana on the road we had walked earlier. Supper was eaten at the Camping cafe nearby and some emergency rations bought from their little shop.

Next day (May Day) we walked around Santillana itself. Many years ago this was still a working village, with the cows kept in the undercrofts of the houses. Now it is more of a museum piece in itself with tourist shops, the 'working' village is across the main road. It is still interesting and we enjoyed wandering around. The restaurant El Porche had a good menu and didn't mind our wet ponchos hanging in their dining area.

Thursday was the day we had our tickets for the Altamira museum. One look at the rain and any idea of walking up to the museum was abandoned. The hotel reception called the taxi/bus which was also collecting passengers for the morning ALSA and then took us up to the museum. The museum itself is small but interesting as well as the 'neo-cueva'- the replica cave. This is good but lacks the atmosphere of the real cave which we saw nearly 20 years ago. Those who have not had that experience will be amazed at the neo-cueva.

After the visit to the museum we were able to walk back into Santillana as the rain had stopped. Lunch at the El Porche again and then back to the hotel to pack ready for walking on. Still drying my boots out! Terry's are OK.

View across Santillana from the hotel

Street in Santillana del Mar