Natural Park of Saja Besaya

 

This is a natural area located in the central part of Cantabria that encompasses the headwaters of the river Saja and its tributaries, as well as several side valleys of the basin of the river Besaya, and which has a total extension of 245 square kilometres.

Curved road through a montainous landscape with green hills and distant valleys

Ideal place to go on outings and hikes in medium-height mountains

This Natural Park contains some of the best forests in Cantabria, which provide shelter to a valuable fauna, including deer, roe deer, wild boar, wolves, chamois, various birds of prey, occasionally a brown bear, etc. It is worth noting that this Natural Park shelters the eastern-most grouse leks of the Cordillera Cantábrica mountain range.

The Natural Park of Saja-Besaya is the ideal place to go on outings and hikes in medium-height mountains. There are authorized campsite areas and various villages in the surroundings that are fully equipped for visitors. Inside the Park we can find the historic and artistic ensemble of Bárcena Mayor, one of the best instances of popular mountain-style architecture.

The Park has an Interpretation Centre (telephone number: +34 608 065 846) with six recreational areas. There are different routes that are properly signposted. One of the most interesting tourist attraction is the Mirador La Cardosa, a vantage point with a roe deer monument as an escort and with spectacular views over the Natural Park. It is also a good spot to listen to the bellowing of deer at the beginning of autumn.

6 parks to enjoy nature in Cantabria

Where you may experience nature in all its glory. Would you like to come along?

Discover it

Nature in Cantabria

Wide view of Picos de Europa with green hills, rocky mountains, and clouds in the sky

National Park

of Picos de Europa

Tall sequoia trees in a forest with a wooden bench and ground covered in leaves

Sequoia

Wood

Natural rock formations emerging from the sea at Costa Quebrada, with turquoise water and waves

Geological Park

of Costa Quebrada

Coastal sand dunes at liencres Natural Park with beach, sea, and distant cliffs

Natural Park

of the Dunes of Liencres

Marshland in Cantabria with shallow water and cloudy sky

Natural Park

of the Marshes of Santoña, Victoria and Joyel

Wide view of Oyambre Natural Park with green hills, sandy beach, and ocean

Natural Park

of Oyambre

View of Collados del Asón with steep cliffs, green forest, and overcast sky

Natural Park

of Collados del Asón

Wide view of Saja-Besaya Natural Park with rolling green hills, dense forest, and a cloudy sky

Natural Park

of Saja Besaya