Cliff-top paths, a marked circular route and historic buildings give a trip to Santa Cruz de Bezana a range of different focuses. This lets you decide in advance whether you would rather spend your time by the sea, on a path through the countryside, or exploring architecture and industrial history.
Cliff-top paths
The municipal Playa de San Juan de la Canal–Arnía route follows a path of about 2.7 kilometres along the cliffs from San Juan de la Canal to La Arnía. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Tómbolo de Covachos; the route also offers a glimpse of the variety of birds on the cliffs. Check the condition of the path and access arrangements before your visit, as both may change.
Another coastal route, San Juan de la Canal–Virgen del Mar, follows a stone path, a wooden bridge and a cliff-top path leading to Rostrío. The named sections give you a clear idea of the types of surface you will encounter on this route. Playa de San Juan de la Canal has toilets, showers, foot-washing stations, waste bins, a cleaning service and a telephone. These facilities may be seasonal or subject to change, so check what is available for your visit.
Circular route, cycling and views
Encinar de Peñas Negras is a two-kilometre circular route between Parque de la Jaya and Alto de La Jigüela. It is rated as moderate and takes approximately two hours. If you plan to walk this route, its approximate duration will help with planning your day; check local trail conditions in advance.
Las mieses sobre ruedas offers another way to explore the landscape: this eight-kilometre cycling route runs between Soto de la Marina and Alto del Lloreo, passing meadows, cultivated land and settlements such as Prezanes. You can choose between a short circular route with a stated duration and difficulty level and a longer cycling route through varied landscapes. They differ both in how you travel and in their stated lengths.
The Alto de la Gigüela route also combines landscape with sweeping views. Mediterranean and Atlantic plants grow along the path, including holm oaks, hazel trees, chestnut trees and oaks. From the summit, the 360-degree panorama takes in Santander, its bay and practically the entire municipality of Santa Cruz de Bezana. On a clear day, you can also see the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains and the Picos de Europa. Santa Cruz de Bezana is one of the municipalities in the Costa Quebrada Geopark.
Church and milling history
The Iglesia de Santa Cruz de Bezana was built between 1905 and 1917 under the direction of Octavio Respuela; the tower was completed in 1923. Its distinctive features include a neo-Gothic main altarpiece, nine vaults with round and pointed arches, and a rose window on the west façade. Those interested in architectural history will find several specific details here that reveal the church’s design.
At the Molino del Ronzón in Sancibrián, structural remains and a masonry-block dam have been preserved. Documents show that the mill already existed in 1496; it operated until 1920 and had been in use for approximately 500 years. Ask about access to the surviving remains before visiting.
Local produce and trip planning
The recurring Festival del Tomate celebrates local horticulture and its produce. At the 2025 edition, visitors could explore stalls run by local producers and learn more about the history and distinctive qualities of the tomatoes. The programme at the time also included a food and crafts market, seed distribution and a communal meal. Check the dates and programme for the relevant year.
When looking for a hotel in Santa Cruz de Bezana, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: coastal paths, a hiking route, cycling or historic heritage. Plan around the conditions on the relevant paths and the dates of seasonal offerings.
Discover more destinations: Soto De La Marina, Maoño, Mompia, Sancibrían, Bárcena De Cicero, Villapresente, Villafufre, San Roque De Riomiera.
Go to the regional travel overview: Cantabria.
