Dueso between Playa de Berria and historic trails

Playa de Berria is located in Dueso (Santoña) and stretches for 2,200 metres between Monte Brusco to the west and the Buciero massif to the east. White, fine sand and a gentle slope characterise the beach; coastal vegetation including marram grass, bindweed, sedges and spurge grows in the dunes. Surfing takes place at Playa de Berria, while surf schools offer equipment rental as well as lessons and courses.

The coast can be reached via the CA-907 from Santoña or Argoños, as well as via the A-8, exit 182, and the C-629. The coast, historic trails and wetlands can be compared as different focal points when searching for a holiday apartment in Dueso.

Routes

A hiking route to Faro del Caballo leads from Santoña via El Dueso, Playa de Berria and Faro del Pescador to Faro del Caballo. Access on foot requires a staircase with 685 steps; 111 additional steps lead down to the sea. Excursion boats to Faro del Caballo depart from the marinas in Santoña and Laredo. From the water, however, the lighthouse can only be seen from a distance, and it is not possible to disembark there.

Senda 1 - Faros y acantilados passes through the Barrio El Dueso and by the former Polvorín del Dueso. Senda 2 - Ecosistemas de bosques is a 3.5-kilometre linear route leading to the connection with Cuatro Caminos. It descends from Fuerte del Mazo towards Barrio El Dueso and passes the Polvorín del Helechal.

Senda 3 - Culminaciones del Buciero is a circular route via Peña Ganzo, Buciero and La Atalaya and reaches the Valle de los Avellanos, a sinkhole mainly covered with hazel bushes. Senda 4 - Tradición pesquera y Fuertes Napoleónicos reaches Barrio El Dueso after its section at Fuerte del Mazo and, after leaving El Dueso, follows a small dirt path along the edge of the Marisma de Sorbal.

Nature

Senda 2 - Ecosistemas de bosques passes through a relict coastal holm oak forest on limestone soil. This forest is considered a particularly valuable coastal forest in the north of the Iberian Peninsula.

The Marisma de Sorbal is a freshwater wetland fed by groundwater from Buciero. Depending on the season, common snipe, various species of ducks, herons, coots and moorhens can be observed in the small wetland of the Ruta de las Marismas.

History and local life

Centro Penitenciario El Dueso is the second-oldest prison in Spain that is still in operation. During its renovation, the exterior appearance, historic building structure and architectural elements of the prison built at the beginning of the 20th century were preserved.

Napoleon Bonaparte directed the construction of Fuerte del Mazo in 1812. The fort was intended to control the northern and western approaches, including a possible landing at Playa de Berria and an overland attack. The Polvorín del Dueso in Barrio El Dueso was built to supply the dilapidated Fuerte Imperial with ammunition.

The Fiestas de San Miguel are celebrated every year in Barrio El Dueso as a festival with tradition, participation by associations and the neighbourhood, and activities for locals and visitors. The 2025 programme included a mass and a procession.

More destinations

Uznayo, La Gándara, Camplengo, Torrelavega, La Lomba, Salces, Ormas, Laredo

To the higher-level travel overview: Cantabria.