This long fine sandy beach at Noja on Spain's Cantabrian coast was almost deserted in May when this photo was taken before the main tourist season started. At low tide, walkers can reach the little port of Isla by crossing a small river on the left of the bay. However, it is not always so calm, and When the weather is suitable the waves can be fast and powerful making it a popular beach for surfers.

Playa de Ris in Noja - Noja visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Playa de Ris in Noja' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Cantabria.

Located on Brusco Point and the Quejo estuary on the north coast of Spain is Noja, popular for pristine surfing beaches and un-spoilt surroundings. Part way between Santander and Bilbao, Noja has grown in popularity from the late 19th century onwards. As a result, there has been a recent influx of holiday homes and apartments, many owned as second homes.

Playa Rios (Rios Beach) is a popular surfing beach fronting Ris in Noja. Nearby hotels include Hotel Olimpo, Hotel Astuy, Hotel Alfar among others. There is also a campsite and various holiday apartments and villas. Playa Rios is a sandy, blue flag beach that curves around the bay between Riós and Quejo.

Many of the summer tourists come from the nearby Basque Country and Castilla y León within Spain, as well as internationally. On the other side of Noja is the 3.5km long pristine Playa Tregandín (Tregandin Beach).

Playa de Ris
39180 Noja, Spain

Flight: Aeropuerto Internacional de Santander, Bilbao Airport.
Road: Noja is off the A8, 43km east of Santander and 80km west of Bilbao