Highlights
- • Extensive lush forests
- • Diverse and protected fauna
- • Well-marked trails
- • Local history and culture
- • Storybook landscapes
description
The Saja-Besaya Natural Reserve stretches like a green mantle over northern Spain, offering a serene refuge for those seeking peace in nature. Its lush forests and diverse fauna create a vibrant ecosystem that invites exploration and discovery. Here, the whisper of the wind through the trees and the song of birds are the soundtrack to an unforgettable experience.
With a history intertwined with…
The Saja-Besaya Natural Reserve stretches like a green mantle over northern Spain, offering a serene refuge for those seeking peace in nature. Its lush forests and diverse fauna create a vibrant ecosystem that invites exploration and discovery. Here, the whisper of the wind through the trees and the song of birds are the soundtrack to an unforgettable experience.
With a history intertwined with local communities, this region is a living testament to the harmony between man and nature. Well-marked trails allow visitors to delve into landscapes that seem straight out of a storybook, where each step reveals a new secret of the land.
Location
Guide - Saja-Besaya Natural Reserve
How to get there
Information on how to get to the region
The reserve is located in Cantabria, accessible from Santander in about an hour by car via the CA-280 road. You can also reach it by public transport by taking a bus from Santander to Cabezón de la Sal and then a taxi to the reserve's entrance.
Area Information
General information about the area
The reserve has a visitor center where you can get information about trails and local biodiversity. There are several well-maintained trails that allow exploration of different areas of the park.
Geography
Geography and terrain characteristics
The reserve spans over 24,500 hectares of mountainous terrain, with altitudes ranging from 200 to 2,000 meters. It is located between the Saja and Besaya valleys, offering landscapes of dense forests and open meadows.
Flora & Fauna
Flora and fauna of the region
The reserve hosts rich biodiversity, including iconic species like the brown bear and the Iberian wolf. In spring, wildflowers blanket the meadows, attracting numerous pollinating insects.
Activities
Can you camp in the reserve?
Camping is not allowed within the reserve to protect the natural environment.
Are there marked hiking trails?
Yes, the reserve has several well-marked hiking trails for different difficulty levels.
Is there an entrance fee to access the reserve?
No, access to the reserve is free, although some guided activities may have a cost.