Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park, Natural park in Cantabria, Spain
Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park is a large protected area on the Cantabrian coast that spans multiple municipalities. The wetlands include estuaries, salt marshes, and mudflats where tides and currents shape the landscape constantly.
The marshes received initial protection as a Natural Reserve in 1992, then gained Natural Park status in 2006. These designations reflect growing recognition of the area's ecological value and the need to safeguard it.
Local fishing communities have shaped this place over generations with practices tied to the water and tides. These traditions remain visible in how people interact with the marshes today.
Start your visit at the interpretation center located at Santoña Port, where you can get maps and information about routes through the marshes. Contacting the center in advance helps you plan which areas are accessible and what you can see on the day of your visit.
The marshes attract over 130 water bird species throughout the year, with many species passing through during migration seasons. This concentration of birds makes it one of northern Spain's most important stops for traveling waterfowl.
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