This small but impressive grove of coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) is so close to the A8 motorway that it would be a shame to miss them. Be aware that you can't turn left into the small parking area but must go a short distance up the road, turn around and come back. It is a short but easy stroll down a wide boardwalk to the grove of several hundred specimens. Take a moment to ponder the fact that they are so far from their natural range but so much at home in these growing conditions.See more..
A hidden geological treasure in Northern Spain. There are places where awe-inspiring landscapes mask some deeper meanings. Costa Quebrada Geologic Park is one of these rare natural jewels. For decades this natural asset remained overlooked because of the appeal of its coves and golden sand beaches. Located in the green northern coast of Spain, near Santander, it is not only pleasing to the eye, but it also displays a unique assortment of coastal landforms and features that provide the opportunity for both witnessing geology in action and discovering in a very straightforward and simple way the origin and evolution of our planet. The visitor can understand these otherwise complicated facts thanks to brilliant examples along the coastal path. These telling features have the power to inspire, even to the untrained eye, the very same ideas and interpretations that the first geologists gave birth to. Geology here is, definitely, for everyone. The endless confrontation between the tilted rock layers and the ocean has produced a very diverse group of coastal landforms that lie in a row along a 10-mile long shoreline: Cliffs, arches, islets, coves, beaches, tombolos, sand spits, dunes and estuaries show the constant evolution of coastal areas. A more detailed observation of the rocky outcrops reveals the records of ancient tropical reefs, huge beaches and forests and marine whole ecosystems miraculously frozen in time by preserving minerals, and the mass extinctions that ended them. But not only that. The Park holds many traces of the human bonds to the geologic heritage throughout human history. This includes some Palaeolithic flint quarries where it is easy to spot some of the materials discarded by early humans when making their tools and weapons. Also, one particular layer of rock in Costa Quebrada was used by ancient humans as an ochre and umber colored 3-D canvas in the superb, UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, so-called "Sistine Chapel of Cave Painting": The Altamira...See more..
The wetlands extend over a large area especially at low tide when the expanse of mud flats are exposed. There’s plenty of birdlife and I also noticed a couple of public viewing hides on the road into Santona - The road actually crosses the marshes for quite a distance. There’s a number of paths and trails which you can take and it’s enjoyable walking along seeing what you can spot. There’s an interpretive centre at the estuary end of the port area but unfortunately it was closed when I visited early March.See more..
We walked the senda fluvial as part of the camino Lebaniego. It is a quiet, easy to walk trail along the murmuring river. See more..
4.0El molino de las aves(27 reviews) - Naturaleza en su esplendor Nature & Wildlife Areas
Un lugar magnífico para conocer tanto las marismas (que ya no lo son..) como sus especies animales. La gente que lo atiende es fantástica.See more..
5.0Urros de Liencres(19 reviews) - Definitely worth a visit for Photography Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas
This place is awesome and offered great views for sunset photography. If rainy be careful can be slippery.See more..
4.0Parque Natural Oyambre(17 reviews) - Beautiful park... Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Beautiful beach, great natural birding area and a fantastic bar with live music. Park the car near the path to the beach. At first it doesn't look like a path to the beach, only swampy wetlands with lots of birds. Follow the locals and you'll be amazed. There is the most beautiful sand beach along the rocky coast less than a quarter mile in. There is a jazz place before you go on the beach where they make great drinks and have a little trailer which sells food. The music is excellent. You can also bird watch from the tables. Loved this place.See more..
4.5Nacimiento del Rio Gandara(10 reviews) - Espectacular Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Nos ha encantado hacer un picnic en semejante espacio natural. Bonito, limpio y cuidado en extremo es de visita obligada si andas por la zona. Poner los pies en el agua junto al nacimiento es toda una experiencia ‘helada’ y gratificante! JajajajSee more..
4.5Cabo Cebollero O Ballena De Sonabia(2 reviews) - La Ballena de Oriñon o Sonabia. Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations
Uno de los enclaves naturales más hermosos del Oriente de Cantabria. Su silueta en la lejanía recuerda un cetáceo en el mar, para pasar al Cabo Cebollero es recomendable ir con bajamar. Las vistas desde allí son espectaculares. Un rincón no muy conocido donde hacer unas rutas de fantásticas.See more..
4.0Playa De Sonabia, Punta Ballena(2 reviews) - Punta Ballena genial Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations
Antes de llegar a la playa de Sonabia o durante tu estancia playera puedes pasarte por punta ballena un lugar que parece Marte, un sitio tranquilo con el sonido del mar a uno y otro lado, un paseo difícil y arriesgado en algunos puntos e increíble en otros. Pero con cuidado y tiempo merece la pena. Puedes ver desde allí perfectamente el Ojo del Diablo.See more..
Es el humedal más importante del norte de España, un ecosistema de gran riqueza e importancia para las migraciones de muchas especies. Es una maravilla pasear en plena naturaleza y avistar las distintas aves, el entorno es realmente espectacular. Recomendable llevar prismáticos.See more..
