Hiking Routes in Escalante & Where to Stay

If you are looking for a hotel close to the best hiking routes in the Santoña Marshes, Cantabria, Hotel Rural Las Solanas is the perfect base for exploring the Natural Park and relaxing after each day on the trails.

Escalante lies in the heart of the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park, a protected landscape that forms part of the Natura 2000 Network and has been designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is the ideal destination for travellers who want to combine nature, marked hiking trails and spectacular coastal scenery. Our hotel is ideally located for hiking in eastern Cantabria, close to the coast and with easy access to both inland routes and coastal paths.

Best Hiking Routes in Escalante and Santoña, Cantabria

From our hotel you can easily reach some of the region's best-known hiking routes, suitable for all levels and preferences — from a relaxing walk to a route with a little more adventure.

Montehano Route & Mosolla Cave

A 9.09 km route offering panoramic views across the bay and the marshes. The trail starts just a few minutes from the hotel and combines nature, history and adventure, including old bunkers and the Mosolla Cave.

Escalante's Neighbourhoods & Marshes

An 8.6 km route, ideal for those looking for a quieter and flatter walk. It allows you to enjoy the biodiversity of the wetlands without straying far from the village. If you enjoy birdwatching and photography, the route through Escalante's neighbourhoods and marshes is an excellent choice.

San Sebastián Monastery & Montehano Castle

A route of approximately 10.30 km combining historical heritage with beautiful natural scenery. It links Escalante with the Montehano area, where you can discover the history of the San Sebastián de Hano Monastery and enjoy spectacular panoramic views from Montehano Castle over the surrounding Natural Park.

Popular Routes near Santoña

Many visitors also take the opportunity to explore some of the best-known trails around Santoña, such as the ascent to Monte Buciero or the demanding descent to the iconic Faro del Caballo, one of the most spectacular hiking routes in Cantabria thanks to its breathtaking views over the Cantabrian Sea.

Another highly recommended walk is the route around Fuerte del Mazo, which combines local history with coastal scenery along an accessible trail.

After the hike, many walkers complete the day with a stroll around the fishing port of Santoña, one of the most important on the Cantabrian coast, where they can experience its maritime atmosphere and discover the town's famous anchovy tradition. Our location makes it easy to combine marshland trails with coastal hiking and authentic seaside experiences in one of the most attractive areas of eastern Cantabria, all just a short drive from the hotel.

Hiking and Birdwatching in the Santoña Marshes

The Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Natural Park is not only an excellent destination for hiking, but also for anyone who enjoys being close to nature. Many trails pass through areas of exceptional ecological value where birdwatching is possible throughout the year. If you would like to discover more, visit our section dedicated to birdwatching tourism in Cantabria.

All these hiking routes can be adapted to your fitness level and are designed to start and finish in the Escalante area.