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Environmental guide

A campsite between the beach of Ris and the marshes of Joyel

We are in Noja, on the eastern coast of Cantabria, next to the beach of Ris and within the Natural Park of the Marismas de Santoña, Victoria and Joyel. It is an area where the sea, the marshes and the low mountains coexist, with many options for those who want something more than just the beach. In this guide we have gathered activities, businesses in the area, towns worth visiting and hiking and cycling routes.

A note before we begin: the distances are approximate and the schedules, prices, and seasons of the companies mentioned in the guide change from year to year, so it’s advisable to confirm them directly with each one before going.

The natural environment

Natural Park of the Marismas of Santoña, Victoria and Joyel. It surrounds the campsite and is considered one of the best places in Spain for birdwatching. The marshlands of Joyel, along the Ria de Cabo Quejo, and those of Victoria, towards Trengandín, form a wetland of great value where fresh and salt water mix. Here you can see ducks, herons, cranes, spoonbills and many other species depending on the season.

Santa Olaja Tide Mill and Casa de las Mareas. In the marshland environment, the Santa Olaja tide mill remains intact; it is a stone building through which the water flows with the movement of the tides; and there is an interpretation center within the park. There are also bird observation stations scattered throughout the wetland.

The beaches. La de Ris, next to the campsite, is a beach about two kilometers long dotted with islets. Towards the other end of the village is Trengandín, longer and rougher. In the neighboring municipalities are the beaches of La Arena and El Sable in Isla, Cuberris in Ajo and Berria in Santoña. With low tides, several beaches can be reached on foot, so it’s worth checking the tide chart when planning the day.

Cape of Ajo and Mount Buciero. The Cape of Ajo, with its lighthouse, is the northernmost point of Cantabria and offers cliffs and good views. Mount Buciero in Santoña is a wooded peninsula with strong historical features, lighthouses, and the well-known Caballo Lighthouse, which can be accessed by a long staircase carved into the rock.

Activities to do in the surroundings

  • Surfing, SUP and bodyboarding. The Ris beach, facing northwest and with a sandy bottom, is suitable for learning. There is a school and equipment rental right on the beach.
  • Kayaking and canoeing through the marshes. Guided tours of the natural park and the bay of Santoña, suitable for families. A peaceful way to explore the wetland area.
  • Snorkeling and diving. Excursions to discover the seabed of the Ris area and its surroundings.
  • Bird watching. With binoculars and the park's observatories, it is one of the best activities in the area, especially in spring and during the migration season.
  • Hiking. From flat walks through the marshland to coastal and mountain trails (see below).
  • Cycling and mountain biking. The coast between Ajo, Isla, Noja and Santoña is ideal for cycling, combining flat stretches along the sea with some uphill sections.
  • Boat tours. From Santoña, boats depart to sail through the natural park to the Caballo Lighthouse; there are also tours of the Bay of Santander.
  • Anchovy culture. In Santoña you can visit canning factories and museums dedicated to anchovies, a trademark of the town.

Companies operating in the area

These are some of the companies that operate in the area. They are not affiliated with the campsite; we include them as a guide. It is advisable to confirm each of their activities, schedules, and season prices.

  • Ris Surf School (Ris Beach promenade, Noja). Surf, SUP and bodyboard courses for all levels, equipment rental and shop, in facilities right on the beach with changing rooms and showers. Usually open from Easter to October. escueladesurfris.com
  • Nojactiva (Noja). Guided kayaking or canoeing tours through the marshes, snorkeling, bike and hiking trips, plus equipment rental. Focused on ecotourism within the natural park. nojactiva.com
  • Sirenia Diving School (Noja): diving and boat trips. buceosirenia.com
  • Paddle Surf School Enjoy Sup School (Noja) enjoysupschool.com
  • Buciero Natura (Santoña). Kayak through the bay and the marshes of Santoña, and the famous descent to the Caballo Lighthouse with a return by kayak so you don't have to climb the stairs. bucieronatura.com
  • Canoasón (Ampuero). Guided descents in canoe and kayak along the Asón River and through the marsh reserve.
  • KNS Ocio y Aventura. Guided kayaking trips in Laredo and Santoña, through marshes, cliffs and bird breeding areas.

Places to visit

One step at a time (Trasmiera coast)

  • Isla (about 5 km). Rural and quiet environment, with beaches such as La Arena and El Sable, the old town, the church of San Julián and Santa Basilisa, and the palace of the Condes de Isla-Fernández.
  • Ajo and Bareyo (about 12 km). Cabo de Ajo and its lighthouse mark the northernmost point of Cantabria, with cliffs and good views. A notable Romanesque church is preserved in Bareyo.
  • Santoña (about 11 km). Marina villa with a lot of character: fishing port, military heritage on Mount Buciero, Berria beach and, above all, the anchovy tradition, with canning factories and a museum.
  • Laredo (about 23 km). It stands out for its historic center, the Puebla Vieja, and the extensive beach of La Salvé, one of the largest in Cantabria.

One-day excursions

  • Santander (about 45 km). The capital, with the bay, El Sardinero, the Centro Botín and the Palacio de la Magdalena.
  • Castro Urdiales (about 50 km). Puerto, old town and a monumental complex by the sea formed by the church of Santa María and the castle-lighthouse.
  • Santillana del Mar (about 65 km). One of the most visited towns in Cantabria, with its medieval complex and, very close by, the Cave and Museum of Altamira.
  • Nature Park of Cabárceno (about 37 km). Wildlife enclosure in semi-freedom on an old mining site; highly recommended with children.
  • Comillas and the Western Coast (more than an hour). Modernist architecture, with the Capricho by Gaudí, and villages like San Vicente de la Barquera.
  • Peaks of Europe and Liébana (about two hours). Potes, the cable car from Fuente Dé and the Monastery of Santo Toribio, for those looking for mountains.

Walking routes

  • Marismas de Joyel and Molino de Santa Olaja (easy, flat). From the Ris beach, a walk through the wetland passing by the marsh lookout and the tide mill. Ideal for going with binoculars and observing birds. Much of the route is on a path and some stretches are paved. Wikiloc tracks: Circular route Ris – Marismas – Isla · from Soano via Casa delle Marea.
  • Coastal trail from Ris to Trengandín (easy, about 8 km round trip). A coastal walk between the two large beaches of Noja, with the possibility of returning inland. Wikiloc track: Ris, San Pedro and Trengandín.
  • Helgueras – Pico Miravalles – El Brusco (average). Circular route that climbs up the mountain below and the pine forest to the Pico Miravalles, with views over Trengandín and Berria, and descends towards the beach of El Brusco through the natural park. Helgueras – Mijedo – Miravalles – Brusco · circular from Helgueras.
  • Monte Buciero and Faro del Caballo (moderate/demanding, in Santoña). Walk along the cliffs and steep slopes of Buciero. The descent to the Caballo Lighthouse saves a long staircase; the effort of the climb back up has to be carefully evaluated. Wikiloc tracks: Full circular of Buciero · Simpler version.
  • Route of the Seven Villas (long, about 27 km). Coastal route along the ancient Trasmiera that connects Arnuero, Ajo, Isla, Noja and Santoña, passing through El Brusco, El Buciero and the beach of Berria. It can be done in stages. It is a signposted route; you can search for variants on Wikiloc (Noja).
  • Camino del Norte (Stage Noja – Güemes, about 13 km). The Camino de Santiago from the coast passes through the area; the stage to Güemes, with its well-known hostel, is a good half-day hike. Marked route of the Camino; variations in Wikiloc (Noja).

Bike routes

  • Circular Ajo – Cabo Quejo – Isla – Marismas de Joyel – Noja (BTT). Coastal route that combines cliffs, beaches, dunes and marshland, with flat stretches and some uphill sections. Wikiloc tracks: complete circle from Ajo · variant from Playa Joyel.
  • Costa de Trasmiera towards Isla, Ajo or Santoña. The network of roads and coastal paths allows for departures of varying lengths, connecting the neighboring villages; most of the land along the sea is gentle.
  • Seven Villas Route by bike. The same coastal route mentioned in the hiking routes can be traveled by mountain bike.

The environment is generally friendly for cycling: there are many flat stretches along the coast and the marshlands, with some steep slopes as you approach the cliffs and hills. Extreme caution is advised on stretches that share a route with the road.

Equipment included in the accommodations

Our accommodations are equipped for cooking and for everyday use. Each one includes:

  • Kitchen: 2 pots, 2 saucepans, cutlery, plates, glasses, breakfast cups, serving dish, serving board, cutting board, kitchen knife, bread knife, kitchen scissors, corkscrew, squeezer, soup pot, pasta strainer, microwave and drip coffee maker.
  • Living room and rest area: TV and a blanket per bed.
  • Exterior: covered terrace, garden table and chairs, two sun loungers and a clothesline.
  • Cleaning and safety: Welcome kit (rags, towel, trash bag, one-use dishwasher detergent and a roll of toilet paper), broom and bucket, broom and dustpan, and fireproof blanket.

 

They do not include a toaster, juicer, blender, slow cooker or barbecue. Neither do they include sheets, towels or kitchen towels, which can be rented at the campsite.