Rada lies at the beginning of the Ría de Rada, formed by the mouth of the Clarín River. The estuary is in the southern part of the Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel Natural Park. Typical rushes and reeds grow in the marsh, providing a habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds. This brings together the estuary’s characteristic vegetation and birdlife in the same landscape.

Marshland and Birdlife

On the Natureando route along the Ría de Rada, you can spot grey herons, little egrets, common sandpipers, kingfishers, various duck species, black kites and western marsh harriers, among other birds.

A route along the Ría de Rada leads to a birdwatching hide and then returns to Rada along the same path, so you can think of it as an out-and-back route.

In the estuary area, the Ría de Rada joins the Ría de Limpias before the Ría de Treto forms. The combined waters reach the Cantabrian Sea through Santoña Bay. This helps put Rada’s location in context as part of a succession of estuaries leading to the sea.

Architectural History and Religious Traditions

La Giralda is the surviving portal to the former house of the Baron of Rada. It dates from the 16th century and is Baroque in style; it owes its popular name to the human figure above the keystone of the arch. The portal also displays a coat of arms bearing the heraldic emblems of Alvarado and Tijera.

The Church of San Ginés de Rada encompasses several historical periods. It was probably preceded by a Gothic church, construction of which began in the late 15th century. The present building dates to the late 16th century, and an altarpiece dates from 1619. Thus, the probable Gothic origins, the present building and a later-dated furnishing come together.

San Ginés has a Latin-cross floor plan. Two small chapels are in the nave, and two larger ones beside the presbytery. The nave is the longer part of the church, while the presbytery is the choir area; this makes the layout of the chapels easier to understand. San Ginés also houses a portable altar from the 16th century, donated by the Rada family.

A traditional pilgrimage festival is held in Rada for Nuestra Señora de la Merced. If you are travelling specifically for the celebration, check the festival dates in advance.

As a guide to your interests, several options stand out: birdwatching along the Ría, the architectural history of San Ginés and La Giralda, or the religious tradition of the pilgrimage festival.

Discover more destinations: Anaz, Torices, Corvera De Toranzo, Tresviso, Cillorigo De Liébana, La Busta, La Maza, Riotuerto

For the regional travel overview: Cantabria.