Imagine walking along a long path surrounded by lush green meadows that resemble high-altitude pastures, crossed by streams, dotted with thousands of colorful flowers, and inhabited by birds, cows, goats, and horses. This rural trail ends with breathtaking views of the sea below, where frothy waves crash against rocks sculpted by wind and water over centuries. This is the experience you can have in Cantabria, in northern Spain, by following beautiful walking routes along the coast of Liencres.
Within a few steps, the landscape surprises with its enchanting views of the blue sea, the scent of eucalyptus and maritime pine forests, the chirping of birds in flowering meadows, and the sand of dunes stretching to the sea.
Want to experience all this? Here are three stunning itineraries to explore along the coast of Liencres, discovering the spectacular shoreline known as “Costa Quebrada.”
1. A Coast Shaped by the Waves: Route from Arnia to Cerrias
Walking along the coast of Liencres between the beaches of Arnia and Cerrias, you can admire one of the most incredible landscapes in Cantabria. This area is at the heart of the Costa Quebrada Geological Park.
After parking your car in a convenient free parking lot, the trail winds through greenery along the cliffs. On the horizon, between the blue sea, rocks, and cliffs rise like giant sculptures shaped over centuries by nature.
This is undoubtedly one of the most evocative routes along the coast of Liencres, showcasing the transformation of the coastline over centuries due to the relentless erosion by waves and wind.
The landscape, shaped by the waves, is relatively recent from a geological perspective, dating back a few thousand years following the last glaciation. The waves have continuously eroded the coast, carving rocks and creating bays and cliffs.
Distance: 3 km
Difficulty: Low
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Accessible by: Foot, bicycle
2. Walking Among Sand Dunes: The Valdearenas Route
Liencres boasts one of the most important dune systems on the Cantabrian Sea. This circular route takes us to the mouth of the Pas River and back to the starting point.
The hike begins at Valdearenas Beach, known for its waves and popular among surfers, with a convenient free parking lot and a bar.
This walking route is a fun “climb” through the sand dunes, exploring ever-changing corners shaped by sand and vegetation. Feet sink and slide in the soft sand, while the sound of ocean waves and the blue horizon accompany our stroll.
The dune system is constantly transforming due to the Pas River, wind, and sea waves. Approaching the river’s mouth, we traverse a beach scattered with driftwood, silvery trunks, and pieces of trees accumulated like sculptures carried by the current, feeding the dunes and preventing their erosion.
Approaching the Pas River, the landscape becomes tranquil and quiet: the tall sand dune shields the path from the noise of the waves, while the river is a placid water mirror reflecting the sky.
In the final part of the route, heading back towards the starting point, you walk alongside a forest of maritime pines and fragrant eucalyptus, creating yet more different and surprising landscape corners.
Length: 4 km
Difficulty: Low
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Accessible by: Foot
3. Route from Somocuevas to Canallave
This last route is one of our favorite itineraries along the coast of Liencres. The rural path leads to the beaches of Somocuevas and Canallave, passing through flower-filled pastures with incredible views of the rocks and sea.
This journey through geology and Earth’s history takes us back to the age of dinosaurs. Coral reefs, seabeds, and the deep sea that once occupied this territory millions of years ago have left their marks on the stones we see today.
Past the cove of El Madero, the trail offers pristine nature, meadows rich in floral species and colors, occasionally crossed by small streams and home to many birds. This route, perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts, also provides magnificent views from above the sandy beach of Canallave and its regular waves, much to the delight of surfers.
Length: 3 km
Difficulty: Low
Estimated Time: 2 hours (round trip)
Accessible by: Foot, bicycle, horseback
These three walking itineraries along the coast of Liencres offer a true immersion in nature, between the green and blue of the sea, the song of birds, and the sound of waves. They also provide a journey through the millennia-long history of the earth and an opportunity to understand the significant transformations of nature. Are you ready to walk?
