Colindres between salt marsh, the Way of St. James and architectural history

The natural surroundings of the Río Asón estuary and historic buildings reveal different sides of Colindres. When looking for a hotel in Colindres, consider whether you would like to focus your stay on the salt marsh, the Way of St. James or architectural history.

Salt marsh, estuary and nature trail

The Río Asón estuary and the salt marsh within the municipality of Colindres are part of the Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel Natural Park. The salt marshes are also designated as a ZEPA, or Special Protection Area for Birds. Colindres is part of the European RAMSAR network for wetlands. These protected-area designations give the landscape its distinctive natural character.

About 400 metres from the start of the promenade, there is a birdwatching point. From there, you can observe the salt marsh’s flora and fauna with binoculars. The nature trail along the estuary is 2.3 kilometres long, has a low difficulty level and takes about 60 minutes. It can be walked or cycled; a cycle path runs along the entire promenade. Check local trail conditions and possible diversions before your visit.

Architectural history and different routes

The Royal Shipyards of Falgote were founded in 1618 to build ships for the Armada del Mar Océano and galleons for the Carrera de Indias. Only limited archaeological remains of the shipyards survive. The Puente Giratorio, which connects Colindres with Treto, offers a different perspective on engineering history: it opened in 1905 and was considered an engineering milestone of its time because of its complex turning mechanism.

The modernist route starts at Alameda-Gurugú and ends at the Puente Giratorio. It is 1.6 kilometres long and also has a low difficulty level. This makes it shorter than the 2.3-kilometre nature trail; both routes have the same stated difficulty level. Their different lengths can help you plan if you are choosing between nature watching and a walk focused on architecture.

The Iglesia San Juan Bautista stands on the ruins of a medieval monastery dedicated to San Jorge and San Juan, dating from the 10th or 11th century. Thirteen walnut choir stalls from the former monastery are now in the church choir. The church is also on the original Way of St. James. An inscription at the Casa de los Capitanes gives the year 1728 and names Don Bartolomé and Don Felipe de Palacio as its builders; the building is a residence in the Montañés Baroque style.

Other buildings also illustrate different forms and periods: the Palacio del Infantado, also known as the Condestable, is a Renaissance palace created in the 16th century by extending a medieval tower. The Casa-torre de Los Agüero dates back to a square medieval tower from the 15th century. It has two coats of arms; the striking one on the main façade belonged to the Agüero family. The Casa Cahupín-Villota dates back at least to the first half of the 17th century and is considered a Casona montañesa in the Clásico Montañés style. The Casa-torre de Santaolaja, also known as the Torre de Santolaja, stands out for its unusual circular ground plan. Remains of the historic Los Nuevos tidal mill survive in Colindres.

The Way of St. James and local history

One seasonal condition is important when planning a walking stage: if the ferry service between Laredo and Santoña does not operate in winter, the marked walking alternative runs through Colindres, Escalante and Gama. Check the ferry service conditions before travelling. The Albergue de Colindres is in a former teachers’ house owned by the municipality, on the Way of St. James; confirm current availability in advance. The tourist information office is on the ground floor of the Casa de Serafina. Check its opening hours before visiting.

Colindres is one of the municipalities on the Ruta del Emperador Carlos V, the route taken by the emperor himself. The Ruta de las Casonas runs near the historic Camino Real. Kings and nobles, wool and grain merchants, and travellers from Castile once followed this route to reach the coast and European markets.

Historic food culture

Local agriculture has also shaped the history of the town. Colindres had a significant Chacolí wine tradition, which was widespread until the 19th century; vineyards and vine arbors long shaped the historic landscape. Citrus fruits, especially oranges and sour lemons, were traditionally among the most important agricultural products. For centuries, they supplied a major export trade to France, England, Ireland and the Netherlands. A recurring festival recorded in the town is Día del Cocido: held annually in Parque del Riego, it attracts hundreds of residents and visitors.

Discover more destinations: Nestares, Ormas, Corvera De Toranzo, Bárcena De Cicero, Mazandrero, Castanedo, Cabezón De La Sal, Secadura.

For the broader travel overview: Cantabria.