Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park Park

Address: Parque Natural de las Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel, Cantabria, Spain

The Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park is a protected coastal wetland complex on the Cantabrian coast of northern Spain in Cantabria. It conserves marshes, tidal flats and lagoons that are ecologically important for waterfowl and waders.

The marshes have long been used for fishing, salt extraction and traditional coastal activities; legal protection established the area as a natural park to conserve its habitats and bird populations. Management seeks to balance traditional uses with conservation and visitor access.

The park lies on the eastern Cantabrian coast near the towns of Santoña and Colindres, opening onto the Cantabrian Sea and forming part of the coastal transition between inland estuaries and the open coast.

• Birdlife: The park is one of Cantabria’s most important wetland reserves and is renowned for large concentrations of migratory birds in autumn and winter.

What to See#

• Marsh complex: A complex of coastal marshes, tidal flats and lagoons that includes the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel estuarine systems and associated reedbeds.
• Visitor facilities: Visitor facilities include bird hides and marked trails that allow observation of migratory and resident waterfowl and waders throughout the year.

The park stretches along the Cantabrian coast near Santoña and Noja. Reachable by regional roads (N-634) and local buses from Santander and Bilbao.

• Bring binoculars - migratory birds are a major draw and many species can be spotted from observation hides
• Visit the visitor centres at Noja and Santoña for seasonal bird reports and guided tours
• Avoid driving directly across marsh roads at high tide - some routes flood at peak tides