Noja, Spain

Noja is one of our favourite stops in Cantabria, northern Spain. Just a short distance from the ferry port in Santander, it makes a great first stop on arrival in Spain.

Right next to the beach is a great campsite with all facilities but if you prefer wild camping, as we do, there is some waste ground just outside the campsite.

The campsite closes in the winter but the waste ground remains available (October 2026).

The huge beach consists of golden sand that stretches for miles. There is a rocky headland. Great for paddleboarding and swimming.

The town of Noja is a ten minute cycle ride from the beach or 30 minutes walk.

In the town you will find everything you need from supermarkets to banks as well as some tourist attractions such as museums.

The sea is the Bay of Biscay.

The two long beaches, Trengandín and Ris, with kilometres of uninterrupted golden sand stretches, are Noja's main attraction. Two tips: enjoy the spectacular sunsets by watching them at low tide and walking along the moon-like landscape that it forms. If you like diving, we recommend Trengandín beach. Ris beach, however, is great for surfing and canoeing.

All year round, motorhomes and campers can be found along the beach although the council are in the process of restricting them and tightening the rules about wild camping.

Remember the rules about wild camping in Spain - very different to sleeping in the van.

In the summer months, the beaches here can become packed with holiday makers.