Natural Parks in Cantabria

Natural Parks in Cantabria highlight the region’s lush mountains, forests, and coastline. The Picos de Europa National Park, partly in Cantabria, offers dramatic limestone peaks, gorges, and diverse wildlife. The Saja-Besaya Natural Park is known for dense forests, rivers, and populations of red deer and wild boar. On the coast, the Oyambre Natural Park protects beaches, dunes, and estuaries, providing habitats for many bird species. Together, these parks reflect Cantabria’s blend of rugged mountain landscapes and rich coastal ecosystems.

Wildlife & Walking Regions of Spain | Natural Parks by Region

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Spain’s diverse regions offer some of Europe’s best wildlife and walking experiences. From the wetlands of Andalucía to the forests of Galicia and the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, each region has its own natural character.

Use this guide to explore Spain by region and find guided tours from trusted partners. Discover national parks, reserves, and the wildlife of Spain.

Andalucía – Wildlife, Mountains and Wetlands

Walking in the Sierra de Grazalema
Explore southern Spain’s most diverse landscapes, from Doñana’s wetlands to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and Grazalema. This region is perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and year-round nature travel.
Explore Andalucías Natural Parks
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Saja-Besaya Natural Park

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The Saja-Besaya Natural Park
  • Region: Cantabria
  • Local towns and villages: Bárcena Mayor, Arenas de Iguña, Cabuérniga, Cieza, Hermandad de Campoo de Suso, Ruente and Los Tojos
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1988
  • Park surface area: 23,932 hectares.

Points of interest

The Saja-Besaya Natural Park is located in an area between the hydrographic basins of the Saja and Besaya rivers extending from Monte Río los Vados in the extreme north to the Fuentes-Palombera and Sierra del Cordel (Campoo) mountains in the south. The largest protected area in Cantabria, the entire park is also integrated into the Saja National Hunting Reserve .

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Collados del Asón Natural Park

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Collados del Asón Natural Park
  • Region: Cantabria
  • Nearest village: Soba, Asón
  • Declared a Natural Park: 2006
  • Park surface area: 4,740 hectares

Points of interest

A unique area of ​​great interest the Collados del Asón Natural Park is located in an area that has traditionally been scarcely populated and is characterized by its limestone outcrops, small beech forests and unique Cantabrian oak groves along with man-made meadows for livestock use.

The small neighborhood of Asón (in the municipality of Soba) is the only population center that is within the limits of the park.

Find a hotel in the area of the Collados del Asón Natural Park

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Santoña Victoria y Joyel Natural Park

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The Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Natural Park is an estuary in Cantabria, protected as a natural park. It is one of the wetlands of most ecological value in the north of Spain
  • Region: Cantabria.
  • Province: Cantabria.
  • Declared a Natural Park:
  • Park surface area: 6,500 hectares.
  • Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
  • ZEPA (Special Area for Bird Protection).

Points of interest

The Santoña Victoria y Joyel Natural Park is an estuary in Cantabria, protected as a natural park. It is one of the wetlands of most ecological value in the north of Spain. It is used as a winter refuge and migratory passage by many species of birds.

The marshes are formed by the Asón River and the park occupies over 6,500 hectares distributed among the municipalities of Argoños, Bárcena de Cicero, Colindres, Escalante, Laredo, Limpias, Noja, Santoña and Voto.

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