In the northern reaches of the Iberian Peninsula, there are corners that seem frozen in time, untouched by mass tourism. Here, emerald meadows quietly meet the roaring sea, creating landscapes that invite unhurried reflection and long walks. One such hidden world can be found in the autonomous community of Cantabria, just a few kilometers from the popular town of San Vicente de la Barquera. This is the coastal trail of Prellezo (PR-S 252), which winds along the clifftops of Sierra de Jerra.
The journey begins in the village of Prellezo, which shares the trail’s name. Getting here is easy: turn off the highway toward Pesues, then follow the signs right to the center of the village. You can conveniently park your car in front of the local bolos court, where the traditional Cantabrian game is played. From here, the path gently ascends past small farms and green pastures. Soon, you’ll see a wooden bench serving as a landmark—the main trail departs here, leading toward the mountain ridge.
The main treasure of this trail is its seclusion. Unlike many other coastal paths in the region, it remains almost deserted even at the height of the season. That’s why it has become a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and solitude with nature, accompanied only by the sound of waves, birdsong, and the whistle of the wind. The entire route forms a loop about six kilometers long and can be completed in three hours without much effort. If desired, you can opt for a linear version to shorten the distance.
The only section that may seem challenging is equipped with wooden steps, making the ascent much easier. This makes the hike suitable for families with children and hiking beginners. The trail is marked with standard yellow-and-white markers, but it’s still recommended to download the route to your smartphone in advance. Some segments have lost their official certification, which may cause confusion at forks in the path. After conquering the steepest stretch, the path leads you over gentle hills to a natural viewpoint with one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the western coast.
The charm of this place lies not only in its landscapes, but also in its geological and natural wealth. The route passes through the Sierra de Jerra ridge, one of the so-called “flat sierras” or coastal rasas. These formations appeared over 480 million years ago, when this area was at sea level and shaped by the tides. Today, this ancient landscape features dizzying cliffs, gentle meadows, and wooded sections with pines, eucalyptus, holm oaks, and laurels.
From many vantage points, you can see the Tina Menor estuary, which has been designated a special protection area due to its ecological value. This estuary is a haven for seabirds and a stopover for migratory species, so sightings of gulls, cormorants, or herons are common here. This walk is a true invitation to enjoy the nature of the north at a leisurely pace. It lets you feel the salty breeze, listen to the waves crash against the rocks, and discover another, quieter side of Cantabria, away from the usual tourist routes. Just follow one simple rule: respect the environment. Don’t leave trash behind and do not disturb the local flora and fauna. The village has a freshwater spring, and along the way you’ll find several great spots to stop and enjoy the blue horizon of the Bay of Biscay.
