Noja

About Noja

Noja, in Cantabria, is a fantastic example of the beauty of Green Spain - a small town of stunning 17th century architecture surrounded by lush countryside, majestic mountains and gorgeous beaches.

Famous for its two sandy beaches, Ris and Tregandin, Noja is in a perfect coastal location that is popular with families but quieter than nearby Santander. The beach at Ris, in particular, is a Blue Flag family-friendly beach of fine golden sand.

Set against a backdrop of encircling mountains, it is no wonder that the town is at the heart of many religious myths and legends. One local legend even suggests that Noah's Ark washed up on one of the mountains nearby.

Explore the town and its wonderful architecture, especially the palaces and villas of Spain's rich in days gone by. Or why not head out to sea and visit the Isla San Pedruco, where the hermitage of San Pedruco lies at its heart of tangled and overgrown trees?

Full of independent stores and markets of fresh produce, Noja also has a surprise in store with the nuns at the Convento de Sta Maria de la Merced in the town making and selling delicious cakes. Alongside the nuns' remarkable produce, seafood and traditional meats and stews are on the menu here - this is a town of homely food and good wine to be enjoyed together.

Nearby are the coastal towns of Santoña, Castro Urdiales and Laredo, the glorious city of Santander and the Reserva Natural de las Marismas de Santoña y Noja, one of the most important natural parks on the Iberian peninsula for the conservation of birds.

If you’re looking to visit Noja, you can get the ferry to Santander from either Plymouth, or Portsmouth and drive just 45 minutes along the coast to reach the town.