Santoña: Forest, Wetlands and Coastal Paths

Santoña brings together Monte Buciero and its Cantabrian holm oak forest, the wetlands of the Parque Natural de las Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel, and Playa de Berria. When choosing a hotel in Santoña, you can first consider whether nature trails, the pilgrimage route, historic buildings, or the beach and local food culture will be the focus of your stay.

Forest, wetlands and trails

Monte Buciero is home to one of the best-preserved and most floristically diverse Cantabrian holm oak forests on the Iberian Peninsula. The Parque Natural de las Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel is one of Spain’s most important wetlands. Its network of trails and observation points makes it possible to watch birdlife without disturbing its tranquillity. The forest and wetlands thus offer different nature experiences: holm oak ecosystems on the one hand, and birdwatching in the marshes on the other.

The hiking routes also differ in their focus. Senda 1 – Faros y acantilados is a 12-kilometre circular route along the coast of Monte Buciero. Senda 2 – Ecosistemas de bosques leads into the heart of Monte Buciero to discover its Cantabrian holm oak forest. If you are planning a hike, check the trail conditions beforehand. Senda 4 – Tradición pesquera y Fuertes Napoleónicos is an easy route around the town centre. It passes important Napoleonic fortifications and later defensive structures, and runs alongside salt marshes and coastal holm oak ecosystems.

Pilgrimage route and coast

The Camino del Norte passes through Santoña, crosses the bay by boat and connects Laredo with Güemes via two alternative routes. The Santoña route is approximately 29 kilometres long. Services relevant to pilgrims include the boat crossing, hostels, pilgrim passport stamping and places to eat. As boat services may change, it is advisable to check the crossing schedule before planning your journey.

At Faro del Caballo, coastal history meets a long descent down steps. The lighthouse was built in 1863 at the foot of the cliffs of Monte Buciero and ceased operating in 1993. A stone staircase of 763 steps descends to the lighthouse; a further 111 steps lead down to sea level. Check the trail conditions before planning the descent. During the summer season, boat trips from Santoña as well as guided kayak and stand-up paddleboarding tours offer views of the lighthouse from the sea. Dates and availability for seasonal activities may vary.

Playa de Berria is a 2,000-metre-long semi-urban sandy beach. Surfing and beach volleyball are available there. Alongside coastal paths and the steps down to the lighthouse, beach activities offer another distinct focus for your stay.

Buildings and history

The historic sites include several fortifications with different histories. Fuerte de San Martín now serves as a cultural venue and houses several permanent exhibitions; the exhibition programme may change. Fuerte del Mazo was built in 1812 on Napoleon’s orders, fully restored in 2001 and designated a Bien de Interés Cultural. Fuerte de San Carlos can be reached by a road that runs along the eastern side of Monte Buciero. Check local conditions before planning to use this access road.

Iglesia de Santa María del Puerto dates from the first half of the 13th century and combines Romanesque and Early Gothic styles. It has three naves, with the central nave being wider, and preserves many original Romanesque columns. Teatro Casino Liceo offers a different architectural impression: built in the early 20th century in a historicist and eclectic style, it combines Neoclassical and Modernist elements. Monumento a Juan de la Cosa commemorates the cartographer and co-discoverer of the Americas, who is considered the creator of the first world map, in 1500.

Traditions and local produce

Virgen del Puerto is the patron saint of Santoña and is carried in a procession every year on 8 September. Carnaval de Santoña was recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional in 1985; its annual dates and programmes vary. If you are planning a visit around a festival, it is therefore worth checking the dates for the relevant events.

Anchovies and bonito also shape the local food culture and economy: Santoña’s industry is based mainly on marketing bonito and anchovies in olive oil. Since 1999, Santoña has held the Feria de la Anchoa, featuring tastings and artisan workshops. Dates and programmes change from year to year. Together with the buildings, trails and coastal sites, these offer a range of themes around which you can plan your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Miengo, Liérganes, Los Tojos, Argoños, Secadura, La Cueva, Trasvia, Guardamino

For the broader travel overview: Cantabria.