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The Guriezo Valley offers many interesting places to nature lovers as it combines the proximity to the sea shore with imposing rocky mountains interspersed with meadows, green forests and woodland that create the most stunning views.
There are three main beaches nearby:
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Oriñon beach: Formed by the left bank of the Agüera river estuary this white and fine sand beach is 2 km. long. It is very shallow and wide reaching up to 500 m. into the sea at low tide. Because of its size and convenient access it is the most popular in the area. Access is through exit 160 off A-8.
- Arenillas beach: Located opposite Oriñon beach, it constitutes the right bank of the Agüera estuary. Much smaller and narrower it almost disappears at high tide.
- Sonabia beach: It can be reached through the Oriñon beach road driving past the beach and all the way to the Sonabia village. Located to the left of the village and right at the foot of the Candina rocky mountain it is the wildest of the three. For bird watchers, it allows direct observation of the vulture dens located at the top of the mountain right above it. Those constitute the only vulture colonies in Europe on a sea shore location.
There are many itineraries for trekking and mountaineering lovers. The closest and most interesting among those are:
- Cerredo mountain: Located west of Castro Urdiales it closes the Agüera river mouth on its right. Its highest point at 643 m. is less than 1.5 km. away from the sea while its slopes start right next to the waters. It is of karstic nature, full of sinks, ravines and loose rock areas that create a rugged appearance. The top provides an unparalleled panoramic view of the Cantabric Sea shore covering all the way from the city of Santander to Machichaco Cape. There are several ascent routes the best known ones being one starting from Allendelagua village at the sea shore or another one inland from the Alto de la Granja.
- Candina mountain: This mountain closes the Agüera river estuary on the West. It is undoubtedly one of the most scenic sectors of the Cantabric sea shore with its almost vertical cliff of nearly 500 m. The ascent track starts off at km. 161 of N-634 road, in the so called Alto de Candina (134 m.). The mountain top offers splendid views over the Liendo Valley, Santoña and Laredo. On its north slope one can find the Ojos del Demonio (Devil's Eyes), a couple of nature carved rock windows opening to the sea shore that allow a panoramic view of the Sonabia village and its whale shaped peninsula.
- Las Nieves peak: With its 778 m. it is the highest point in the divide of the Asón and Agüera valleys. At its very top there is a chapel dedicated to the Virgen de las Nieves (Virgin of Snow) whose festivity is celebrated up there by the locals on August 5th. The surrounding mountains constitute one of the main areas of megalithic culture in the Cantabria region with many remains of dolmen, menhir and tumulus are found. The peak is easily accesible almost to the top by paved road starting at Puerto de Hoyomenor, in the Guriezo to Ampuero road. There are also walking tracks that start from the village of Landeral in the Guriezo Valley.
Other activities available in the area include cycling, canoeing, horse riding and speleology. |