Playa de Berria is in Dueso (Santoña) and stretches for 2,200 metres between Monte Brusco to the west and the Buciero massif to the east. White, fine sand and a gentle slope define the beach. Plants including marram grass, bindweed, sedges and spurge grow in the dunes—a stretch of coast where you can explore the beach and dune vegetation together.

Beach and surfing at Playa de Berria

Surfing takes place at Playa de Berria, where surf schools offer equipment rental, lessons and courses. As the availability of individual providers may change, check current offerings in advance. There are also several walking routes to choose from, with different layouts and themes.

Walking trails through the forest, Buciero and El Dueso

Senda 2 – Ecosistemas de bosques is a 3.5-kilometre linear route that continues to its junction with Cuatro Caminos. It descends from Fuerte del Mazo towards Barrio El Dueso and passes the Polvorín del Helechal. Along the way, it runs through a relict coastal holm oak forest on limestone, considered a particularly valuable coastal forest in the north of the Iberian Peninsula.

Senda 3 – Culminaciones del Buciero offers a different route layout: it is a circular trail that goes via Peña Ganzo, Buciero and La Atalaya and reaches Valle de los Avellanos. This doline is mainly covered with hazel shrubs. After its section at Fuerte del Mazo, Senda 4 – Tradición pesquera y Fuertes Napoleónicos reaches Barrio El Dueso; after leaving the barrio, it leads to a small dirt path along the edge of Marisma de Sorbal. Senda 1 – Faros y acantilados also passes through the barrio and by the old Polvorín del Dueso.

Senda 2 is 3.5 kilometres long and linear; Senda 3 is a circular trail via Peña Ganzo, Buciero and La Atalaya. Before setting out, check current trail conditions and any access restrictions.

Reach Faro del Caballo on foot or from the water

A walking route to Faro del Caballo leads from Santoña via El Dueso, Playa de Berria and Faro del Pescador. Reaching Faro del Caballo on foot involves climbing a staircase with 685 steps; there are another 111 steps down to the sea. Excursion boats depart from the marinas in Santoña and Laredo. From the water, however, you can only see the lighthouse from a distance; landing is not possible. The walking route and boat trip therefore differ considerably in how close you can get to the Faro. Check in advance whether the boat excursions on offer are available.

Wetlands, fortress history and fiestas

Marisma de Sorbal is a freshwater wetland fed by groundwater from Buciero. Depending on the season, snipe, various species of ducks, herons, coots and moorhens can be observed at a small wetland on the Ruta de las Marismas. These seasonal wildlife-watching opportunities add a different focus to the forest and coastal trails: the wildlife of the wetlands.

The fortress remains also give the routes a historical dimension. Napoleon Bonaparte oversaw the construction of Fuerte del Mazo in 1812. The fort was intended to control the northern and western approaches, including a possible landing at Playa de Berria and an overland attack. Polvorín del Dueso in Barrio El Dueso was built to supply ammunition to the dilapidated Fuerte Imperial.

Every year, the Fiestas de San Miguel are celebrated in Barrio El Dueso, with the participation of associations and neighbours and activities for residents and visitors. The 2025 programme included a Mass and a procession; dates and details may vary from year to year. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check that year's dates and programme.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

Playa de Berria can be reached via the CA-907 from Santoña or Argoños. Other access routes include the A-8 via exit 182 and the C-629.

Discover more destinations: Bárcena de Ebro, Guardamino, Pumareña, Santa María De Cayón, La Gándara, Santiurde De Toranzo, La Revilla, Vega De Liébana.

Go to the regional travel overview: Cantabria.