Galizano: Beach, Cliffs and Culture

Galizano begins at the sea: Playa de Galizano is a secluded beach in a rocky, vegetation-covered setting, with fine golden sand and strong waves. Coastal paths, cycling connections and historic sites complete the picture of this Cantabrian destination.

Coast and Paths

Playa de Galizano, also known as La Canal, opens out widely towards the sea at low tide and turns into a large pool at high tide. Because of its tranquillity, the ria and the water areas, it is considered a particularly family- and child-friendly beach. Surfing is possible at Playa de Galizano.

The Ruta de Cucabrera leads from Galizano along a path towards the beach and the coastal cliffs, where the Cueva de Cucabrera is located. The Ruta de Los Acantilados runs along paths near the coast through a landscape characterised by cliffs, where the beaches of Arenillas and La Canal are located.

Surfing and Cycling

Established in 2012, the Reserva Natural de Surf de Ribamontán al Mar was Spain’s first and Europe’s second surf reserve. It covers the entire coastal surf zone between Somo-Loredo-Langre and Galizano.

In Ribamontán al Mar, a mountain-bike circuit runs along the cliffs of Langre and Galizano. The Ruta de Carril Bici connects Galizano and Somo along the route of the wide road and is fully signposted for approximately 5 km. Different types of activities and route lengths can be compared separately when planning your own itinerary.

Other places in the same regional context include Suesa, Somo and Loredo.

Culture and History

The San Isidro festival in Galizano has been celebrated since 1940 as a traditional fair featuring an exhibition and competition for Friesian cattle. The San Isidro Fair also includes exhibitions of Cantabrian handicrafts, including ceramics and woodwork.

The Ermita de San Pantaleón in Galizano is located on a hilltop. Three of its walls remain; its construction probably predates its first documentary mention in 1642. Construction of the Iglesia Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción began in 1580. Its main portal is designed in the classical style and features Doric columns.

The Casa de Agustín del Pontón y Calderón de la Barca dates from the second half of the 17th century and stands beside a three-storey tower. The house of master stonemason Pedro de la Cuesta dates from 1619. The Escuelas de Galizano were founded at the beginning of the 20th century.

In the 19th century, numerous workshops in Galizano produced “a la cortesana” ceramic goods, continuing the craft tradition introduced by Fernández de Isla in the 18th century. Archaeological sites with ceramic remains attest to human presence in Galizano since prehistoric times.

The Casa de Calderón-Güemes and the Casona de Campo Velasco also date from the 17th century. The San Pantaleón festival is celebrated on 27 July at the Ermita de San Pantaleón with a festive mass and a communal picnic.

For the main travel overview: Castanedo.