4.7
(3)
49
riders
7
rides
Gravel biking around Cabezón De La Sal offers diverse terrain, from the open river valleys of the Saja River to the mountainous relief of the Sierra del Escudo de Cabuérniga. The region features extensive fluvial terraces, native deciduous forests within the Saja-Besaya Natural Park, and the unique coastal redwood forest of Monumento Natural de las Secuoyas del Monte Cabezón. These varied landscapes provide a network of forest tracks and paths suitable for no traffic gravel bike trails.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
10
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
25.9km
01:52
490m
490m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
47.0km
03:45
890m
890m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
39.6km
03:22
920m
920m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Palacio de Sobrellano, also known as the Palacio del Marqués de Comillas, is one of the most important architectural jewels in Cantabria. It was built in the 19th century and stands out for its neo-Gothic style and its close connection with the Indian legacy and the Spanish aristocracy.
2
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Precious stretch, with views of the coast
0
0
I walked down the street while I was doing the Besaya Green Route.
0
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Quiet place, interesting views.
0
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Beautiful hermitage located on the slopes of Monte Corona
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Surrounded by rocks, it is a very wild and beautiful place. They say that when the water is calm you can take a nice swim, but in my case, I couldn't enjoy it, although I did enjoy its beauty.
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The Casa Palacio that the Ceballos had in Barros is today owned by Mr. Herrero and Mr. Martínez de Azcoitia. It is a beautiful mountain architectural complex with a portal between cylindrical cubes, a typical mansion and a chapel. It was restored a few years ago by the current owners who have managed to give its interior a stately and period atmosphere. It dates back to the beginning of the 18th century.
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Giant Barros Stele: Located in the town of Barros, municipality of Los Corrales de Buelna, Cantabria. The Cantabrian Steles found next to the hermitage of the Virgen de la Rueda, in the town of Barros, and the two found in the Lombera neighbourhood, are displayed in a permanent exhibition next to the aforementioned hermitage in what is known as the Parque de las Estelas de Cantabria. These are circular pieces that preserve the base pier, 0.80 metres wide, for vertical placement. The largest one (Barros II), between 2.15 and 2.46 metres in diameter and weighing 3,000 kilos, was found in fragments in 1977 between the walls of the chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Rueda de Barros and was rebuilt in 1999. The Cantabrian stele known as Barros I, also called the Wheel of Santa Catalina or the Wheel of the Virgin, is smaller in size, but its dimensions are still spectacular: 1.75 metres in diameter and 32 centimetres thick. Made of sandstone, easy to work, like the previous one, it has a geometric decoration. Although interpreted by some as religious or funerary testimonies, the steles displayed in the Parque de las Estelas de Cantabria continue to offer researchers numerous questions about their functionality and chronology. There is a possibility that they may belong to the Roman period or even later. They were declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1985 and since then their image has been part of the coat of arms of Cantabria. Information from: https://www.cantabriarural.com/lugares-de-interes/parque-de-las-estelas-de-cantabria.html
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There are 7 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Cabezón De La Sal featured in this guide. These routes are designed to offer an immersive experience away from vehicular traffic, traversing diverse landscapes from river valleys to forested areas.
The region around Cabezón De La Sal offers a varied terrain for gravel biking. You'll find routes that traverse open river valleys, extensive fluvial terraces of sand and gravel, and significant forested areas, including parts of the Saja-Besaya Natural Park. Some routes may also feature mountainous backdrops, providing challenging ascents for more experienced riders.
Yes, all 7 routes in this guide are rated as 'difficult', offering significant elevation gains and distances suitable for experienced gravel bikers. For example, the route View of Comillas – View of the Cantabrian Sea loop from Cóbreces covers over 43 km with more than 900 meters of elevation gain. Another challenging option is Ermita de San Antonio – San Ciprián Climb loop from Virgen de la Peña, which is nearly 47 km long with almost 900 meters of climbing.
Many routes offer stunning natural beauty. You might encounter the unique coastal redwood forest at the Monumento Natural de las Secuoyas del Monte Cabezón, or explore parts of the Saja-Besaya Natural Park with its extensive native deciduous forests. Some trails also provide views of the Cantabrian Sea or estuaries like La Rabia Estuary. You could also pass by the dramatic El Bolao Cliff.
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include Views of the Zapedo marsh – View of Comillas loop from Cóbreces, which is a substantial 48.5 km circular ride, and View of Comillas – Viewpoint overlooking Comillas Beach loop from Comillas, offering nearly 50 km of traffic-free cycling.
Cabezón de la Sal benefits from a mild climate. While specific seasonal recommendations depend on personal preference, the region's diverse topography means routes are available year-round. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer can be warm but still enjoyable, especially in forested areas. Winter rides are possible, but checking local weather conditions is always advisable.
Absolutely! The region is rich in history and culture. While on your gravel bike adventure, you could explore nearby historical sites such as the Santillana del Mar Historic Town Centre or the Historic center of Comillas. These charming towns offer a glimpse into Cantabria's heritage and are often accessible from the wider network of trails.
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in this area, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility and natural immersion offered by the traffic-free routes, highlighting the beautiful scenery, varied terrain, and the opportunity to explore Cantabria's unique landscapes away from busy roads.
Yes, some routes offer stunning coastal vistas. For instance, the Onzapera Cove – Santillana del Mar loop from Santillana del Mar provides views of the coast and takes you near coves. Other routes, like those around Comillas, also offer glimpses of the Cantabrian Sea and its dramatic coastline.
The difficult no-traffic gravel trails in this guide typically range from 25 km to nearly 50 km in distance. You can expect significant elevation gains, with routes featuring anywhere from 490 meters to over 950 meters of climbing. This makes them ideal for riders looking for a substantial workout and rewarding views.


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