Part of the protected Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel wetlands lies within the municipality of Bárcena De Cicero, between the Rías de Ano and de Treto. Shallow water areas there connect brackish water and rainwater, providing space for a diverse range of plant and animal life. Nature and cultural heritage shape the different focuses of a stay.
Marshland, birdlife and tides
The Marisma de la Saca lies along the road between Cicero and Santoña. Dead trees with trunks rising out of the water give this part of the wetlands its characteristic appearance. For several dozen cattle egrets, the Marisma de la Saca is the most important roosting site within the reserve. The largest concentration in the Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel was recorded in late December and early January: during this period, 10,000 to 20,000 birds from 50 species were counted. Counts can vary from year to year.
The Playón de Cicero can also be understood through the rhythm of the water: at low tide, it is the largest area of the estuary exposed by the receding water. Shellfish gathering is particularly active there, especially for fine carpet shells and rough razor clams. The Mirador de las Marismas in Cicero offers a viewpoint with exceptional views across the coast. The Ruta de Vidular offers a different perspective: after leaving the forest, the view extends across the valley and, in clear weather, all the way to the sea.
Nature enthusiasts can explore several different aspects: wetland ecology, birdlife, tidal landscapes and scenic views. When planning, it is worth bearing in mind the time of year for bird concentrations and the dependence of the Playón de Cicero on the tides; each relates to a different aspect of the landscape's timing.
Churches, palaces and bridges
The churches of Santa María de Bárcena de Cicero and San Pelayo in Cicero offer specific points of architectural comparison. Santa María was begun in the second half of the 17th century. It has three naves with ribbed vaults and a Churrigueresque altarpiece dating from around 1710. San Pelayo is a 17th-century building with a cruciform floor plan and also a ribbed vault. Its altarpiece is dated 1633 and is by Rodrigo de Los Corrales. The floor plan, vault and altarpiece each offer a different way to explore religious architecture.
In Adal, in the upper part of the village, in the Barrio de la Maza, stands the Palacio y Capilla de Alvarado. This protected Baroque ensemble dates from the second half of the 18th century. In Gama, the Palacio de la Colina is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The 18th-century Baroque palace was commissioned in 1759 by Don Juan Antonio de la Colina y Rasines. Also in Gama is the Palacio y Capilla de Rugama, a stately Baroque residence featuring a portal, a tower decorated with a coat of arms, an attached manor house and a pantheon chapel. These buildings offer different highlights within the local cultural heritage.
The Puente de Treto adds a chapter in engineering history: the metal bridge was built over the Ría de Treto in 1901 by the Eiffel company and connects Adal with Colindres. In Ambrosero, in the Barrio de la Madama, are the remains of a former residence. This historic site is associated with an arrival from Colindres in 1584. A Rococo high altar from 1770 by Cosme de Vierna and Manuel Ortiz de Palacio is also located in Ambrosero.
What to prioritize when looking for accommodation
When choosing a hotel in Bárcena De Cicero, you can first decide whether you want to focus on nature and birdlife or on churches, palaces and historic buildings. The places described include Cicero, Adal, Gama and Ambrosero. This lets you shape your search around your own interests instead of choosing solely by a general place name.
Discover more destinations: Gama Bárcena Cicero, Colindres, Ruesga, Reinosa, Barros, Guardamino, Ampuero, Santa Cruz De Bezana.
For the broader travel overview: Cantabria.
