Welcome to our selection of walks that allow you to explore the region of Cantabria. Starting with a tour of the principal attractions to be seen in Santander, we then take you to the rivers, coast, woodland and mountains of this beautiful part of Spain. Along the way, you can be a pilgrim for a day, encounter weird and wonderful creatures from Cantabrian folklore and enjoy routes around Lake Ebro. If you are interested in exploring more of the region, you will find details of our Cantabria Calling walking guides on the adjacent page.
Look out for these guys on your walk!
A Walking Tour of Santander
Santander, the capital of Cantabria, is a vibrant and forward-looking city. You can enjoy music concerts in open air amphiteatres or the formal surroundings of the Palacio de Festivales. There are art exhibitions in the Centro Botín, Teatro CASYC, the foyers of banks and civic buildings and countless small museums around the city. The beach at Sardinero would rival the best city beaches around the globe and in the centre of the city you will find parks, restaurants, a renovated fishing quarter, elegant shops and hectic pedestrian thoroughfares. The beach and commercial centres are separated by the Magdalena Peninsula which houses a polo field, mini zoo, beach and outdoor maritime museum.
Despite its expansive feel, Santander is a a relatively compact city and its main attractions can be visited in the space of day's walk - allowing for refreshment breaks and a leisurely lunch.
A really good place to start a walking tour is from the Town Hall Square. Facing the main entrance to the building, take the road on the left and soon, you will see the Mercado de la Esperanza ahead of you. This hectic fresh produce market is hugely popular with shops, restaurants and regular shoppers and it does seem that you can buy absolutely anything from its stalls and kiosks. From there, retrace your steps to the Town Hall and then turn left along the main street (Calvo Sotelo) and the Cathedral will be on your right. As well as visiting the main church, you should go into the ‘baja cripta’ where you will see relics of martyrs and some of the original stone work. Once you have visited the Cathedral, re-cross Calvo Sotelo and make your way to the Plaza Porticada and from there follow Calle San Francisco and Calle Ataulfo Argenta to arrive at the Mercado del Este. This converted market dates from 1840 and has recently been refurbished. It now houses a restaurant, several bars and food outlets, various shops and a Tourist Information Office.
Crossing the main road again (Paseo Pereda) brings you to the Jardines Pereda and the Centro Botín – this stunning waterfront building was designed by Renzo Piano and plays host to art exhibitions, music concerts and conferences. A waterside walkway and cycle path take you from the Centro Botín towards the marina at Puerto Chico and, eventually, the Palacio de Festivales, passing a crane from the original Santander docks, a number of monuments and a small art museum on the way. Keeping to the right of the Palacio de Festivales will bring you to Playa de los Peligros which you can cross via a wooden walkway. Climb the steps off the beach and turn right and you will soon arrive at the entrance to the Península Magdalena. A walk (or train ride) around this peninsula will take you past a polo field, mini zoo, outdoor maritime museum and a twentieth century royal summer residence. From the main gates of the peninsula, turn right to enter the Sardinero beach area where you will find hotels, bars, restaurants, an impressive Casino building and, obviously, the beach. A good spot to aim for is Piquio from where you can enjoy good views of the beach and enjoy a break in one of the several bars across the road. From here, buses will take your tired legs back to the Town Hall.
San Vicente de la Barquera - Playa Oyambre
General
Our book, Discover Cantabria (see adjacent page),
contains a walk along the beach at San Vicente de la Barquera, returning via
the pilgrim route. What follows is an extended and more challenging version of
that route taking in the estuary at San Vicente, the beach, a narrow path
around the cliffs at Cabo Oyambre and a magnificent viewpoint at La Gerra. The
walk is approximately 12 kilometres and although it is generally easy there are
significant climbs and descents on the headland section. A stick and boots or
sturdy walking shoes are recommended. You will need low tide to be able to walk
along the whole of the beach.
How to get
there and where to park
Leave the A8 motorway at jct 264 and at the roundabout
at the entrance to the town turn right. At the next roundabout follow signs for
the camp site and beach. As you approach the beach area there are shops and
restaurants on the right. Park here if you can otherwise continue to the main
car park (there is a charge in high season) and return by foot.
The walk
Start by taking the path that leaves the Tostadero
beach and passes alongside the campsite and soon arrive at the estuary. Here
you will have splendid views of the town, the fishing port and the sea. Turn
right and follow the estuary bank until you reach the beach. Turn right here to
walk the entire length of the beach. At the end of the beach turn right to
climb a path and, shortly after the lifeguard station, turn left to join a
narrow track signed to Pájaro Amarillo.
This narrow path leads you around the headland with several ascents and descents and a number of posts and markers along the way until eventually you gain partial views of the beach at Oyambre. The path then heads inland and towards a small woods. When you reach the woods you will see two large arrows.
Turn right to follow the path towards Barrio Oyambre and after a
short climb the path swings right and then, after about 400 metres, a sign
directs you left onto a wide stony path. Pass between farm buildings and join a
tarmac road that leads to the main road at the village La Gerra. From here
there are stunning views of the beach, the countryside and, on clear days, the
mountains in the distance.
Turn right to follow the pilgrim path towards San
Vicente and then, just after leaving La Braña, leave the road to head quite
steeply downhill and return to the main car park.
A walk along the River Nansa 7.5 kms, easy (or 15 kms out and back)
General
An interesting and varied walk along the valley of the
important Nansa River, to a small waterfall and hydro-electric station and back
along the same route. The path is marked throughout with green and white
way-markers.
How to get there and where to park
From Jct 269 of the A8/E70 (signed for the caves at Soplao and El Chufín), turn right and
then, at a roundabout, turn left towards Unquera
and Pesués, joining the N634. Soon turn left onto the CA181 following a
sign for Munorrodero and Puentenansa. Cross a bridge and pass through the
village of Muňorrodero. As you leave the village, the route is signed on the
right. As you turn off the CA181 follow the
track to a large car park where you will also find a helpful map and
information board, picnic tables and play area.
The walk
Start by walking back along the road with the river on your right and soon arrive at two sets of wooden steps – there are a number of these as well as bridges and walkways along the route. Follow the woodland track until it splits with an option to follow the river bank or the main path. The paths re-unite after a short distance. Keep to the path as it follows the river upstream. At a little about three kilometres there are steps down to a cave which you may choose to visit and soon the path turns sharp right to again follow the river. Shortly afterwards the path splits again – both routes are signed to Camijanes - with an option to follow the main path or turn right and take the slightly shorter route, involving a rocky river crossing. The height of the river will probably determine your choice and the paths join up again after about a kilometre. Very soon afterwards there is a fork to the right taking you past a refuge and onto the only tricky section – a short, narrow stretch of path along a cliff edge, though you are supported by a hand-rail.
Eventually you will reach an open area with a view of the small waterfall and steps up to a small picnic and parking area. Depending on the height of water level in the river, for variety on the way back you may wish to follow the alternative path back to Muňorrodero.
Collada de Carmona. 9.75km Generally easy
General
You can feel really remote on this walk, although you are never far from the villages of the Cabuérniga and Nansa Valleys. You will enjoy a pleasant stroll around a natural and unspoilt area and may well come across a variety of flora and fauna as well as marvelling at stunning views of the local mountains and countryside. Starting from the Collada Carmona at 611m you climb steadily to 665m and then descend on a wide track before returning uphill to the start.
How to get there and where to parkLeave the A8/E70 at jct 249 and follow signs for Cabezón de la Sal across two roundabouts. As you approach the town take the CA180 towards Reinosa and follow the road through Cabezón. Stay on this road through the villages of Ruente and Barcenillas and then, at Valle de Cabuérniga turn right onto the CA182 towards Carmona. Follow this road uphill for a little over 4 km and then, just after a sign for a crossroads arrive at Collada de Carmona with a large parking bay on the left alongside a signpost for a walking route to Sarceda. With the signpost on your left walk to the end of the parking bay where you will find a small pillar and plaque for Collada de Carmona. The walk starts here.
The walkCross the road and go through a gate by a cattle grid to take the path that leads straight ahead. Cross another cattle grid and, very soon, keep left at a fork. Follow this path until you arrive at an intersection. Turn left here to follow the grass path – the other path is your return route. Stay on the grass track and soon enjoy views of the valley below, the Escudo Ridge in front of you and the Peňa Sagra to your left. Soon the path runs alongside a fence and you follow the fence for some 850m. Pass a signpost and head downhill and then, in a hollow, instead of following the fence steeply uphill, keep right to follow grass track. This soon becomes a more distinct path and leads down to a more substantial track below where you turn right. You stay on this track for 2.75 km as it makes its way around the valley and gently descends. Ignore any minor paths to the left or right, pass a water trough on the left and a gate and holly bushes on the right and eventually, at a major intersection, turn right to start making your way quite steeply uphill. Head towards the pylons above and bear right. Continue uphill and ignore a path that descends to the left. The path follows alongside a wall for a short distance and then heads into open pasture - you might encounter horses and cattle here. Continue uphill with fine views of the surrounding villages; ignore another path to the left; keep straight ahead at the next intersection and eventually return to the path that leads back to the parking area.
Monte Corona (9 kilometres - easy)
General
An undulating nine kilometre walk visiting managed forestry,
two ermitas and the viewpoint at Monte Corona. You will enjoy some tremendous views of
the coastal towns, woodland and the Picos de Europa at different points on this walk.
How to get there and where to park
Leave the A8/E70 at jct 249 and at the roundabout take the exit for Comillas on CA135. After 3.5 Km you
reach the small village of La Hayuela.
Turn left here by a panel and entrance to the Parque Natural de Oyambre
with a sign-post for Monte Corona and
Camino Forestal. Ignore the access road to the houses on the left and then keep left to follow the rough tarmac road and after nearly
two kilometres, just before the red and white observation tower, you reach a
fork in the road. Take the right-hand
fork and then follow a sign for San
Esteban. Continue on this road downhill until you come to a parking area on
the left. The walk starts here.
The walk
From the parking bay turn left on the road past a picnic area on your left towards the ermita San Esteban. Going into the grounds of the ermita you find a helpful panoramic diagram of what lies in different directions. Returning to the track, make your way past the ermita on the tarmac road to the right and begin a lengthy steady descent on a wide path through eucalyptus trees for about two kilometres, ignoring other roads on the right.
At a T-junction at the foot of the descent, turn left and begin a steady climb of a further two kilometres which brings you to another T-junction. Here, turn right and make your way towards the ermita San Antonio where there is also a picnic area. As you approach the ermita, by a signpost for ermitas de Caviedes, turn left and immediately left again to take the track which rises steadily with the motorway on your right and then turn left at the top of the hill by a way-marker.
Descend to a crossroads and take the gravel path opposite which rises to the
left of a white panel. This road gently rises to the view-point at Monte Corona. From here you will enjoy
views of the forestry and the surrounding landscape. Continuing on the track,
you soon pass under the forestry observation tower and turn left to follow the
sign towards San Esteban. Continue downhill
to return to the starting point.
A short section of the Camino de Santiago (10 km easy)
Comillas to San Vicente de la Barquera
General
If you have admired the numerous pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago and wondered what it would be like to join them, then this walk gives you the opportunity to sample a short stretch of the route and enjoy some wonderful Cantabrian scenery along the way. This one way route involves catching a local bus from San Vicente de la Barquera to Comillas and then walking back.
How to get there and where to park
San Vicente de la Barquera is signposted from junction 264 of the A8 motorway. The bus station is located close to the roundabout at the entrance to the town where you will also find a large car park. From the bus station, catch the local bus La Cantábrica to Comillas. The bus stops alongside the car park beneath the Sobrellano palace. The bus timetable can be consulted here Bus timetable
From the bus-stop, turn away from Comillas and, staying on the same side of the road, follow the footpath away from the town. The walk starts with a short section through a park in the shadow of El Palacio Sobrellano. Continue to a roundabout where you go straight on following the CA131 towards San Vicente. After nearly two kilometres, there is a shore-side bird-watching spot with a useful display of the most common birds to be seen. At this point (Ria de la Rabia), cross the road and continue along the path. At various points along this stretch the red path takes you alongside the estuary with good opportunities to spot egrets, plovers, mallards and other water birds. A further 1500m along the road, just as you cross the Ria Capitán, take the right turn (CA236) towards Oyambre, soon to arrive at Playa Oyambre where there are toilets and bars.
The green footpath continues up-hill and it is worth taking a short (or longer) break at La Gerruca where you can enjoy splendid views of both the Picos de Europa and the beach. Just beyond La Gerruca is a track that takes you down to the beach and, depending on the tide and weather, you can return to San Vicente along across the sand.
Otherwise, the path follows the coast and during the summer (April-October) there are toilets at the different points where it comes close to the beach. Eventually, as you pass a sign informing you that you are leaving La Braňa, take the steep road down to the right. This brings you to the beach at Merón and from here you can follow the road back to the bus terminal, crossing the Puente de la Maza bridge, for a total journey of 10.5 kilometres.
Besaya walking and cycle path at Suances (12 km easy)
General
The
dedicated pathway between Suances and Torrelavega follows the River Besaya inland. Shared by cyclists and
walkers this route provides a wealth of points of interest along the way. The first six kilometres takes you past a wide estuary; vestiges of
Suances’ industrial heritage; modern industry in the shape of a water treatment plant and a sulphur
factory; spots for fishing and rock climbing; and the confluence of the Rivers Saja and
Besaya. The route is ideal for birdwatching; there is a well maintained hide
after four kilometres with illustrations and labels (in English) of the species
that most frequently visit the area.
How to
get there and where to park
Leave the A8
motorway at jct 234 and follow signs for Santillana del Mar. Stay on the CA136
across a number of roundabouts heading for Suances. Eventually you arrive at a
roundabout and turn right onto the CA351 towards Suances. When you reach a
T-junction in the centre of the town, turn left and head downhill. As you
approach the bottom of the hill a sign directs you right towards Playa de la
Ribera. The road bends right and then you arrive by a small football stadium.
Turn left here and you will find ample parking as well as a number of
restaurants and bars.
The walk
From the car
park, walk along the road keeping the football stadium on your left. At the end
of the road, you will see an entrance onto a path which leads you through a park.
As you emerge from the park turn left – there is a beach bar (chiringuito)
opposite and from here the path is shared with cyclists. The wide estuary to
your left is home to a vast number of water birds and you may spot avocets,
curlews, kingfishers, godwits, egrets, swans, green and redshanks. In spring
and autumn, the estuary is a resting place for migratory birds.
The path
continues over pontoons and past a number of benches and picnic tables. At four
kilometres you reach a water treatment plant where, to the left you will see
the hide, ‘Tarro Blanco’ (shelduck). From here the path continues towards the
‘Barrio San Martín’, passing a sulphur works on the
right, and two kilometres beyond the hide, you reach a large recreation area
with picnic tables and barbeque points.
The total distance from the car
park in Suances to the recreation area is a little over six kilometres and you may
of course choose to cycle rather than walk.
Caves and mythological creatures at Monte Tejas. 10 km easy.
General
This very easy route of about nine kilometres, takes you past the caves at Hornos de la Peña and from there to the refuge at Monte Tejas. Along the way you will encounter some fabulous creatures from Cantabria's mythology. The tarmac and gravel tracks make it ideal for winter and you will enjoy the shelter of oak, beech, holly and yew trees.
How to get
there and where to park
The starting
point, Tarriba, is close to San Felices de Buelna and is accessed from jct 172
of the A67 motorway and then following the CA170. In the centre of the village
is a large recreation area where you will find a car park.
Hornos de la Peña
The walk
Once you have passed the caves, the route continues via a number of crossings over the River Tejas towards the refuge of the same name. Shortly after you pass a recreation area on your left, the track climbs and then a wide path leads you down towards the river where you will see a carved creature in the woods. Make your way down and you will find more creatures and carvings. Cross the river by the stones and then follow the path uphill, spotting more fantastic figures and then at a junction of paths, take the narrower option to the right. Eventually you arrive at the gravel track and looking down to your left you will next figure. Across the track there is another path leading into the woods. Follow this path and you will encounter yet more creatures.
Return to the main path and turn right. The track climbs gently and you may enjoy good views of the peaks at Dobra and Ibio as well as the Peña Sagra in the distance. There are a couple more figures on this section and then you ignore a grass track to the left and eventually, you pass two stone pillars and turn left to begin a steady descent towards the village at Tarriba. Keep left at the next two junctions and when you reach the outskirts of the village, turn right and make your back to the start.
Southern Cantabria
Up to now, the majority of the routes on this page are located in and around western Cantabria. The following walks are set around Lake Ebro, to the south of the region.
Ermita de las Nieves
Distance 6.5
km
Total
ascent 270 metres
Difficulty Easy
General
The Ermita
de las Nieves is one of the most renowned landmarks in this part of Cantabria.
This easy route takes you through the villages of Monegro and Quintana before
crossing woodland and pasture and descending to the ermita. At the ermita
and at different points around the walk you will enjoy excellent views of Lake
Ebro and the surrounding area.
How to
get there and where to park
From jct 136
(Reinosa norte) of the A67 motorway, take the CA 171 towards Requejo. After
about five kilometres you arrive at Café Elisa, Monegro, on the left. There is
parking on the right, opposite the café. Here you will also find a waymarker
and map describing the route.
Directions
Cross the main
road to take the road alongside the café and very soon turn left towards
Monegro, following a sign. At Monegro, by a water trough, keep left to head
uphill towards the church. Keep the church on your right and continue your
ascent. The road continues uphill and turns left towards Quintana. When you
arrive at the buildings, pass through a gate and turn right to take a wide dirt
and gravel track. After a short distance you enter woods – mainly oak trees –
with signs and markers to guide you. Eventually the path emerges into open
country and there are splendid views of Lake Ebro and the peninsula La
Lastra to your right. After about two kilometres you come to a junction of
paths with the ermita below. Turn right to follow the grass track
downhill to arrive at the ermita. It is worth taking a break here to
enjoy the views and the ermita itself.
Then, a
tarmac road leads you downhill with Stations of the Cross – the key episodes
from Jesus’ route to his execution – on the side of the road. Each small pillar
carries the name of one of the local villages. Eventually you arrive at
Monegro, keep straight ahead through the houses and, at the trough, turn left
to return to the start.
Llano
Distance 6.5
km
Total ascent 120
metres
Difficulty Easy with some short, steep climbs and descents
General
The area around
Llano, on the southern shores of Lake Ebro, was among the worst affected by the
flooding involved in the establishment of the lake in the mid twentieth century.
Several buildings were sacrificed along with vast areas of pasture. This route
takes you inland from the shores of Lake Ebro and through woodland with
numerous examples of oak and holly trees, among others. Along the way you
should have plenty of opportunities to spot and hear the wildlife that thrives
in the woods and wetlands and you should enjoy good views of the railway bridge
that carries La Robla – one of Spain’s oldest rail routes connecting
León and Bilbao. The route benefits from good signage throughout which is
especially welcome in the woodland sections. Please be advised that the river
crossing may be difficult, if not impassable, after particularly heavy
rainfall. We understand that there are plans to construct a more permanent
structure.
In the village, Llano, you will find an excellent example of an ancient yew tree in the grounds of the church.
How to
get there and where to park
Leave jct
133 (Reinosa Sur) of the A67 and take the CA730 east, following the shores of
Lake Ebro. Stay on this road for about fifteen kilometres, passing through Las
Rozas, and then, a short distance beyond the village of Llano, you will see a
large parking area and signs for the walking route on the right. The walk
starts from here.
Directions
From the car
park, take the tarmac road towards farm buildings and at a fork keep right to
stay on the road as it bears right and becomes more of a gravel track. At the
next fork, keep right to follow a grass path with good views of the lake and
railway to your right. At the next junction, the path leads you right and
begins a downhill section. At the bottom of the descent a large sign directs
you left and into the woods. Follow the track through the woods with various
signs and markers on trees to guide you and, at a bend, turn right to head
quite sharply downhill. Pass a sign informing you that you are in the Robledal
de La Dehesa and continue along the track with a stream alongside. Eventually
you arrive at a stile on the right and, crossing the stile, you will see a
series of large stones which will take you the few steps across the River
Ballurbio. Scramble up the bank and turn right.
A short
distance further on you reach a large sign for Llano. Carry on straight ahead
for a few paces and then turn right to follow the narrow track to the right.
The path continues through the woods and eventually a short step up takes you
onto a wide gravel track where you turn right.
Soon, you
emerge into open country with views of the railway bridge down to your right.
Just before a cattle grid, turn right and follow the signs downhill and through
a gate where you again turn right. Walk through a tunnel and then keep left to
arrive at a viewpoint for the railway bridge; an excellent photo opportunity.
Pass through a heavy gate and soon arrive at the sign from earlier where you
turn left to climb uphill and retrace your steps to the start.
Las cigüeñas de Bustamente
Distance 6
km approx.
Total
ascent 150 metres
Difficulty Generally easy
General
This is a
straightforward, well marked and very peaceful walk, in the shape of a tennis
racquet. It takes you from the village of Bustamente, renowned for the large
numbers of storks that gather and build their nests in the summer, onto the
peninsula La Lastra which protrudes into the body of Lake Ebro. The high
point, La Peña de la Lastra, is at nearly a thousand metres above sea
level and the views from here and at other places on the walk are stunning. There
are signposts for most of the route. The whole area is a designated ZEPA (bird
protection zone) and there are excellent opportunities to spot woodland,
farmland and water birds. Since this is a sparsely populated area, it can feel
that the wildlife is very close by.
How to
get there and where to park
From jct 136 (Reinosa norte) of the A67 motorway, take the CA 171 towards Requejo. After about eight kilometres, turn right onto the CA 723 for Villasuso. Drive through the village and on to Bustamente and soon arrive at the church, San Pelayo. There is a hard standing on the road alongside a water trough or you can park on the grass surrounding the church. There is a board with a map of the route on the grass by the church.
This walk follows follows the Naturea route but owing to the absence of a clear path and signage through the woods, we have omitted that section.
Directions
Start by
following the tarmac road towards the Estación de Bombeo. Walk down here
for about 500 metres and then, following a sign, turn right. The road becomes a
gravel track and soon swings left. Eventually you pass a sign for El Pomar.
A little way further on you will see a sign to your left in the woods, this
forms part of your return route. The path soon turns into a grass track and the
next sign directs you left towards Peña la Lastra. From here you will
see a waymarker and the next sign in the distance. Make your way across open
country and then start uphill. Soon, you come to a wide track and turn right to
continue your ascent. At this point you will enjoy splendid views of the
surrounding landscape including Lake Ebro, the submerged church at Villanueva,
the chapel, Santa María de las Las Nieves and, on a clear day, the mountains of
the ski resort at Alto Campoo. A sign directs you left towards La Lastra, the
highest point of the walk (950 metres above sea level). From here, continue
straight ahead and commence your descent. Then a sign directs you left towards
the woods and at the next sign head right. Soon you come to the point from
earlier with a path some twenty metres to your left and a sign directing you right
into the woods and towards Las Hayas. Ignore this sign and return to the
path; turn right and retrace your steps to the start.
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