The north of the Iberian Peninsula stands out, among other things, for its unprecedented natural landscapes, full of green meadows, high mountains and natural beaches with cold waters and yellow sand. The autonomous community of Cantabria, between the Basque Country and Asturias, has some of the most spectacular, ideal for practicing multiple outdoor activities such as surfing, cycling or hiking.
Throughout the northern region of Spain, there are countless opportunities to enjoy nature while discovering new places. These are three short and easily accessible hiking routes to do in Cantabria.
Cliff path leading to Ajo lighthouse
The Ajo Cliffs Trail, in the town of the same name, is one of the most remarkable routes in Cantabria. The route, a little over 6 kilometers long and an estimated duration of 1 hour and a half, is circular and easy to complete.
To start the tour you will need to go to the Cuberis beach car park, from where a fully marked path departs that marks the route at all times. In addition, throughout the route it is also possible to see different wooden markers that indicate the direction towards the Ajo lighthouse, which marks the end of the path.
During the route, it is possible to enjoy unique views of several cliffs, shaped by water and wind over the years. The path is simple and wide, ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying all the wildlife, mainly birds, that live throughout the enclave.
The route ends at the Ajo lighthouse, a vibrantly colored construction designed by artist Okuda. From here it is possible to enjoy a unique view of the Cantabrian Sea, while enjoying the relaxing sound of the waves and the breeze.
Cabezón de la Sal Redwood Forest Route
The route around the redwood forest, in Cabezón de la Sal, is a very popular route in the area, as it allows you to walk among trees planted in the 1940s. The natural monument of Secouyas has around 800 trees that can reach 40 meters high. , creating a magical and unrepeatable atmosphere.
The route, circular and 2.5 kilometers long, presents no difficulty since it uses fully equipped wooden footbridges, which makes it perfect to do with friends or family. In addition, it has an estimated duration of 1 hour and is easily accessible and has parking nearby to start the visit without the need to make extraordinary trips.
The forest follows a circular path, so throughout its surface it will be possible to enjoy different specimens of redwoods, although there are also some open areas to more easily appreciate the height and size of the trees.
The silence throughout the enclave allows you to connect with nature in a unique way, making the most of the forest and the wildlife that inhabits it. Once the tour is finished, the tour ends at the starting point, from where it is easy to return to the parking lot.
Road to the Hayal de Aloños viewpoint
The small town of Aloños, near Villacarriedo, is a perfect enclave for enjoying Cantabrian-style rural life. The route to the Mirador del Hayal de Aloños, which passes through a beech forest, begins in the town of the same name and climbs gently to the viewpoint, from where it is possible to enjoy a unique view of the Pas Valley .
The trail, surrounded by native nature, has a round trip distance of 5 kilometers, taking approximately 1.5 hours. The route begins in the town, from where the fully marked trail begins which leads towards the forest.
All along the path, where you can enjoy the freshness and unique smells of the beech trees, the path climbs slightly, so it is possible to do it with complete peace of mind, as it is not very demanding. After completing the ascent, it will be possible to reach the Mirador del Hayal de Aloños, from where you can enjoy the notes that surround the enclave. The return takes the same route downhill until reaching the town of departure.
