A former narrow-gauge railway line is now a green corridor for walkers and cyclists: the Tren de Ontaneda route runs for approximately 8 km through El Astillero. The development of this former industrial town can also be traced in other places. Wetlands, cultural offerings and routes with different themes give your stay several possible focuses—from nature and outdoor activities to local history.
Walking and cycling routes
El Astillero has around 20 established routes for walkers and cyclists. They showcase local natural and cultural heritage. A shorter historical perspective is offered by the approximately 3 km route “Por el muelle de Astillero”: it covers the development of the municipality from the founding of the Real Astillero to its emergence as an industrial town. At approximately 8 km, Tren de Ontaneda is longer and follows the route of a former narrow-gauge railway. Today it serves as a green corridor. This gives you two different themes to choose from: local development on one route and the former railway line on the other.
Parque de La Cantábrica also has a free, permanent orienteering course. Several courses are adapted to different age groups and experience levels. Check whether the local map is available before your visit.
Wetlands and nature
The wetland, restored for public use, comprises the Marismas Blancas and Marismas Negras. SEO BirdLife has designated the Marismas Blancas as an ornithological reserve. Together, these names identify the two components of the wetland; the designation gives the Marismas Blancas a specific ornithological status. This puts a landscape theme alongside the historic routes, without requiring a particular excursion or wildlife-watching activity.
The Camino del Norte de la Costa is also part of the area’s context: El Astillero lies on the Cantabrian section of the route, which is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This adds another historical connection to the local industrial heritage.
Industrial history and buildings
The Puente de los Ingleses was designed in the 19th century as an iron structure with a facility for loading and unloading iron from the mines of Obregón. It was built as a railway loading facility for the mining industry, is designated a Bien de Interés Local and forms part of Cantabria’s industrial heritage. After being closed since 2017, the bridge was officially reopened to the public. Check the current access rules before visiting.
The development of other buildings also reflects different eras and uses. The present-day three-nave church, with its Romanesque character, was built in 1949 after an earlier chapel for workers at the La Planchada shipyards was demolished due to a lack of space. A building constructed in 1877 originally served as an inn for people visiting the sea baths and the waters of “La Fuentuca.” The remains of a former refinery are now located in a public park. Together, these places show how religious, tourism-related and industrial history have left different traces in El Astillero.
Culture and other activities
The municipal Sala Bretón is a cultural venue for theatre, dance, concerts, cinema and exhibitions. The performances and films on offer change with the programme. Almacén de las Artes complements this with courses, workshops and cultural activities in visual arts, music, theatre, robotics and illustration; individual courses vary from year to year according to the programme.
The La Cantábrica sports complex has outdoor and indoor pools, padel and tennis courts, a climbing wall, squash courts, a gym and saunas. Opening hours may change; check the latest information before visiting. Those looking to focus their stay on culture, nature or sport will find a variety of local themes to explore independently.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Gornazo, Los Tojos, Alfoz De Lloredo, Castañeda, Escalante, Vega De Liébana, Polanco, Tresviso.
For the main travel overview: Cantabria.
