Costa Quebrada, in Cantabria, is one of those places that seems to come straight out of a postcard. If you like rugged coastlines, quiet beaches and natural silhouettes that shape the landscape, you will love this part of the coast. With just 20 kilometres stretching from the La Magdalena peninsula in Santander to Cuchía beach in Miengo, Costa Quebrada is one of those places where you feel insignificant compared to the immensity of nature.
What makes this place even more special is that it has recently been included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, a recognition that only places of extraordinary geological importance can achieve. By entering this exclusive club, the Costa Quebrada is more protected than ever, ensuring that its value is maintained for future generations.
You’ll see that this coast has it all: spectacular cliffs, beaches of great beauty and rock formations that tell the story of how the land and sea have sculpted this landscape over millions of years. If you like to enjoy natural landscapes without crowds, here are some places to discover the best of this coast from end to end.
La Arnía: the most photogenic corner
We start with one of the most striking and representative places of the Costa Quebrada: La Arnía beach. Here you will find a landscape drawn by enormous rock formations that emerge from the sea. The layers of sedimentary rocks that you see here, which can make you think of the famous Flysch of Zumaia, remind us that its geological history goes back 125 million years. Although it is difficult to get an idea, the truth is that simply walking along this beach and watching the waves crash against the rocks is quite an experience.
La Arnía is not a very large beach, it barely reaches 200 meters, but that is precisely what makes it special. In summer it is true that it is very crowded, but even then the surroundings are worth it. Of course, out of season it is a real luxury to contemplate it alone. If you like photography, this is the ideal place to take some of the best shots of your route because right in front of the beach are the Urros de Liencres, a series of islets that are the symbol of the Costa Quebrada.
Covachos Beach: the tombolo that takes you to an island
If you like different beaches that offer more than just sand and water, Covachos Beach is for you. This beach is famous for its tombolo, a strip of sand that, at low tide, connects the beach to the Castro, an islet of great beauty. Walking there can always be an interesting experience, but be careful with the tides, if you get lost you may find yourself surrounded by water.
Covachos is also a good place for those looking for a quiet corner. Although access on foot is a little more complicated, the effort of going down the stairs next to the rock is worth it. Being surrounded by cliffs, it is well protected from the wind and, in addition, it is usually a place frequented by nudists.
Valdearenas: south, nature and lots of sand
If you are one of those who love big beaches, Valdearenas is yours. Located near Liencres, which is the longest beach in the entire Costa Quebrada, it is a perfect place for surfing and hiking, because in addition to offering a large area of sand, it is surrounded by the Liencres Dunes Natural Park.
Here you will not only enjoy the sea, but also one of the most important dune landscapes in northern Spain. You can hike along the trails that cross the park or even go bird watching. It is a good place to go with the family because it is quiet, but be careful with the water because the sea can surprise with treacherous currents. You should look at the color of the flag before venturing into the water. Of course, surfers have it among their favorites.
Cerrias: the beach from the viewpoint
If there is something that characterizes the Costa Quebrada, it is its impressive cliffs and one of the best places to see them is Cerrias beach. From here we have excellent views of Portio beach and its flysch, and it is also a particularly beautiful place to see how, at sunset, the sun dyes the rock walls with warm colors. The beach itself is small, charming and easy to access.
But if you prefer other, much wider views, mark on your map the Picota mountain, which can be reached in half an hour’s walk from the village of Mortera. Its altitude is only 240 metres above sea level, but it is more than enough to leave at our feet the mouth of the Pas River, the Liencres Dunes Natural Park and the Valdearenas beach.
Somocuevas: the most intimate cove
Sometimes what you want most is to find a small, quiet beach, where there is hardly anyone, and Somocuevas Beach is perfect for this. It is a somewhat hidden cove, which allows it to be less crowded than other companions on the same coast. It is surrounded by a wild and authentic environment, and is also often frequented by nudists.
Somocuevas is famous for its crystal clear and calm waters, making it an ideal place to practice snorkeling. Equip yourself with a mask and tube and get ready to discover the underwater life that hides among its rocks.
Cuchía: the end of the road
If you started in Santander, the route along the Costa Quebrada ends at Cuchía Beach, in the municipality of Miengo. This beach has nothing to do with all the previous ones, it is much larger and has all the facilities and services you would expect to spend a full day on the sand.
From here you can go to the Punta del Águila viewpoint, on Robayera beach, to say goodbye to the route enjoying one of the best panoramic views of the Costa Quebrada, right in front of Valdearenas beach and the Liencres dunes. It will be an excellent end point for this route along the wildest coast of Cantabria.
