Prellezo’s coastal landscape and history can be explored from different perspectives: Playa de Berellín is known for its striking karst formations by the sea, while Castro de Castillo represents archaeological heritage. Cave finds, a ruin and former vineyard terraces add to these themes. The focus is therefore not only on the beach, but also on traces of human activity and the landscape’s former uses.

Coastal Views and Playa de Berellín

Playa de Berellín, also known as Barnejo, is located in Prellezo. It is about 740 metres long, features striking karst formations and has been declared a site of national tourist interest.

There is a viewpoint in front of the beach, from which you can see the entire west coast of Cantabria. This offers two distinct perspectives on the coast: the beach’s karst formations and the sweeping view along the west coast. If you are particularly interested in landforms, it is helpful to distinguish between the coastal relief and the panoramic view.

A description from 2025 mentions a private car park 300 metres from the beach and a short descent. The parking prices listed there were €3 per car and €10 for motorhomes. Check the current parking conditions before setting off.

Archaeology and Historical Traces

Castro de Castillo is located on the coastal headland of Castillo. Its outermost point, which juts out into the sea, is called Punta de la Garita; the castro is about 800 metres north of Prellezo. In 2004, it was designated a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the category of archaeological site. This designation differs from Playa de Berellín’s tourist distinction: the archaeological site is the focus at the castro.

Tools from the Magdalenian period were found in Cueva del Rejo in Prellezo. The ruins of Santa Eulalia de Prellezo also date from a period similar to that of Portillo. The historical references therefore range from a Magdalenian find to a ruin dated to a period comparable with Portillo.

Nature and Landscape

The Cueva del Rejo Natura 2000 site is located within the municipality of Val de San Vicente. It was designated on 7 December 2004 and is home to six bat species of Community interest. The comparison points to two different aspects of nature: the karst formations at Playa de Berellín and the bat species in the Natura 2000 site.

The higher meadows of Prellezo, facing the sea, have terraces that were home to vineyards centuries ago. They offer a different focus from the archaeological evidence: here, the emphasis is on the landscape’s former use for viticulture.

Planning Your Route

The route marked PRS-252 starts in Prellezo, next to the church. It is no longer officially approved, and route markers may be missing. If you plan to take this route, check its course in advance and do not count on continuous waymarking.

Discover more destinations: Pechón, Unquera, Serdio, Estrada, Abanillas, San Vicente De La Barquera, Pesués.

Back to the main travel overview: Val De San Vicente.