Saja-Besaya Natural Park

In this park we find most of the characteristics that define the typical landscape of the inland mountains of Cantabria.

Inside, we find large areas of forest and native trees of great ecological value, alternating with areas of scrubland and meadows. The original ecosystem has been modified by human activity; the area is populated, creating grassland areas dedicated to grazing from the original forest.However, the complex remains highly preserved and is a good example of the symbiosis between humans and the environment throughout the Cantabrian region. You will be impressed by the impressive oak groves, beech forests and high-altitude pastures sheltered by holly trees. Of particular interest are the oak groves of Bárcena Mayor, the oak and beech groves of Villasuso de Cieza and the hazel grove of Coo, the latter outside the park boundaries but very close by.Among the fauna, the griffon vulture and the black woodpecker stand out, along with the Egyptian vulture, roe deer, wild boar, peregrine falcon and golden eagle. In the Saja we find otters. The presence of wolves and, occasionally, brown bears is also detected.