In Arnuero, marshland and estuaries meet rocky cliffs, walking trails and significant cultural monuments. To plan your visit, you can choose from circular routes through varied landscapes, coastal viewpoints and specific cultural themes.

Marshland, cliffs and protected areas

The Marisma Joyel is an estuary located mainly in Soano, in the municipality of Arnuero, and forms part of the Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel Natural Park. You can take a self-guided circular walk there from the car park on the CA-449. The Acantilados de Isla stretch between the Rías de Quejo and Castellano: rocky cliffs that rise more than 50 metres above sea level in some sections. The route is easy to walk from either end.

At the mouth of the Campiazo, on the Ría de Castellano, lies the natural boundary between Arnuero and Bareyo. The area is designated by the European Union as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). Monte Cincho is also protected: within the natural park, it is designated as a strict nature reserve and has a relict stand of holm oaks. From the viewpoint on Monte Cincho, the view extends from the Cantabrian Mountains in the south to the coast between Santander and Bilbao.

In the wider Trasmiera area, the Ecopark is shaped mainly by tidal marshes, which are home to thousands of migratory birds. Interpretive trails and a visitor centre showcase the region’s industrial, landscape and natural heritage. The Trasmiera Ecopark was awarded European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) status by the European Commission for its sustainable tourism offering.

Routes with different focuses

The Huellas Route is a circular trail through a cultural landscape, holm oak forest and marshland. Along the way, it showcases a selection of significant civil and religious buildings that form part of the region’s cultural heritage. The route is less than 13 kilometres long, has no particular difficulties and is suitable for all groups. It runs mostly along small roads. As route conditions can vary locally, it is advisable to check the route before setting out.

If you would rather head for a destination on the estuary than take a circular route, consider the Ruta Ría Castellano: it follows local roads and paths to the estuary and Playa de la Arena beach. A section of the Camino de Santiago del Norte also passes through the municipality of Arnuero. At the entrance near Castillo, the official route offers two alternatives; check the route locally before your trip. The options therefore differ in format: a circular route, a trail to the estuary, or a choice between two Camino de Santiago alternatives.

Culture in Isla and Trasmiera

The parish church of San Julián y Santa Basilisa de Isla is a protected cultural monument and is one of Cantabria’s outstanding examples of a hall church. It houses a richly decorated polychrome high altar from the 17th century. Another distinctive feature is its English Romantic-style organ, built around 1890 and unique in Cantabria.

At the Observatorio del Arte, an educational and interactive exhibition shows how artisans worked and highlights the important works they created in Arnuero and elsewhere in Trasmiera and Spain. The Casa de las Mareas is the Ecopark’s main visitor reception centre and provides information to help plan cultural and nature visits.

A medieval building dating from the 11th century served as a pilgrims’ hospital for centuries and has been renovated as a hostel on the Camino de Santiago del Norte. If you are considering staying overnight at this hostel, check its current availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Isla, Argomilla, Helguera, Arredondo, Arenas De Iguña, La Pared, Valdáliga, Olea.

For the regional travel overview: Cantabria.