TRAVEL GUIDES DIRECTORY: SANTANDER SPAIN NOJA

PLACES OF INTEREST

Noja boasts of its unique artistry as manifested in most architectural structures of the town. The town, just like all places in Cantabria, is also proud of its architectural masterpieces scattered around town.

During the 17th and 18th century, Noja gave rise to glorious mansions particularly in the village of Palacio. The Zilla Palace, where the Marquis of Albaicín stays, is an exquisitely designed abode truly fit for royalty. The Trengandin's Velasco tower is also a sight worth seeing.

The line-up of traditional houses in Pederoso displays the town's historical beginnings. Among these ancient homes, the Garnica House is the most famous.

Noja is also blessed with a number of natural features. The Santoña and Noja Natural Wetland Reserve is a sanctuary of interesting and unique earth species, in all its diversity. The 38 sq. km. of land envelops the Victoria and Jovel wetlands. Occasionally, unique birds from far away places migrate in the reserve. Aside from the fauna, the beautiful greeneries and water forms complete the beautiful panorama. Coastal landscapes, dunes and beaches, wetlands and estuaries provide a tranquil background to nature's activities.

The town of Noja is also one of the places that Camino del Norte (North Road) passes through. The long pilgrimage road passes fascinating historical sights from the town of Santoña, Comillas and Santillana Del Mar and the four coastal towns of San Vicente de la Barquera, Santander Castro, Urdiales, and Laredo. The road is an alternative route to go to places aside from the main road. Just for leisure, tourists love walking this long trail. Improvement on the road is underway to accommodate trekking and mountaineering activities.

Just between Isla and Noja is the Joyel Wetlands, which is a sanctuary for magnificent birds. The site is situated just below Mount Cincho. The place has fascinating, aged-old tide mills that Noja is famous for. You can always find one structured all over the town.

The Quejo Estuary, where Joyel Wetlands are located is also a natural wonder. It is actually a sea inlet, contrary to the usual perception that it is a river mouth.

Just fronting the Ris Beach, are the islands of San Pedro and La Oliva. These are tranquil pieces of land connected to the mainland, but only during low tide. The islands' small haven of ecological convergence adds magnificence to the Ris Beach.