Ubiarco: Coast, Geology and History

Ubiarco brings together coastal scenery, geology and historic buildings to create a distinctive destination. Notable landmarks include Playa de Santa Justa and its hermitage, the “Los Acantilados” route and the landscape of the Costa Quebrada Geopark. When choosing a hotel, it may help to first decide whether you want to focus your stay mainly on a beach visit, a walking route or historic traces. The places and routes below offer different points of interest rather than prescribing a single itinerary.

Coast and Geology

The Costa Quebrada Geopark area in Santillana del Mar focuses on Ubiarco. Its landscape landmarks include Playa de Santa Justa and its hermitage. The beach is also known as Playa de Ubiarco and is approximately 260 metres long. It is reached via a turnoff from the CA-351 road, followed by a route of about 500 metres. The beach length and access distance are two different reference points: around 260 metres refers to the beach, while about 500 metres refers to the described access route from the turnoff. Road conditions can change, so take this into account when planning.

Another point of interest in the landscape is Cueva de las Palomas. It formed at the foot of an impressive anticline and adds a geological aspect to the coastal sites. For travellers who want to understand Ubiarco not only through its beach but also through its geological features, the cave provides a specific point of reference. It offers a way to complement the coastal landscape with a distinctive geological formation.

Routes for Your Plans

The “Los Acantilados” route is 15.4 kilometres long, is travelled on foot and passes through Ubiarco to Ensenada Calderón. The route description specifies its distance, mode of travel and destination. Trail conditions can change, so it is worth checking the latest information before setting out. A separate route is the circular “Por el mar de Santillana” trail: it goes to the Ermita de Santa Justa in Ubiarco and then returns to the main square of Santillana del Mar.

The routes differ in the details that can guide your choice: Los Acantilados has a stated distance and names Ensenada Calderón as its destination, while “Por el mar de Santillana” is described as a circular route that returns to the main square. You can weigh up which route better suits your plans based on its length, destination and return point.

Historic Landmarks

The present-day building of the Ermita de Santa Justa is documented as early as the 16th century. The Paredón de San Telmo consists of two wall sections from an old medieval coastal watchtower. These two historic landmarks therefore differ in both function and context: one is a hermitage, the other the remains of a watchtower. They offer different ways to explore Ubiarco’s history.

Discover more destinations: Viveda, Queveda.

Return to the main travel overview: Santillana Del Mar.