Colindres’ ecotourism centres on water

The Cantabrian tourism ministry is working on the creation of ‘water routes’

Cantabria is a mountainous region located in the north of Spain. Given its topography and location, it is understandable that its charm and attractions lie in the hiking offerings rather than the draw of the beaches that characterizes other regions from that country.

The regional Ministry of Tourism has decided to get creative and expand on this offer and brand with the creation of two hiking routes in Colindres whose theme will be water and water cycles, combining into one the benefit of ecotourism and awareness about the life-sustaining liquid.

This includes a budget for signposting and renovations

The small town of Colindres lies on the coast of the Cantabrian Sea between the cities of Santander and Bilbao. The ocean waters are cold here and it is more famous as a fishing town, in fact, it is the second-largest fishing port in the region. Local authorities, however, want to bring the attention of visitors to the importance of water for the municipality.

36,500 euros will be spent on highlighting the sites and facilities that have been historically important for the local residents in the provision and usage of water. For this purpose, explanatory panels and wooden postings will be placed on the town square and along the trails.

One of the trails, aptly named ‘Ruta del Agua’ (The Water Route) will run through the higher altitudes of the municipality of Colindres and includes the Raposil stream, the Hedino washhouse, the Fuentana fountain, Molino Trutero, Pilón de San Roque, Molino de los Viejos, Hot Springs, Molino de los Nuevos, Linares lavadero, Fuente de la Peralada, the Tejera fountain and the Vencia fountain. Depending on the hiker’s preference, one can also go through the Santolaja reservoir and the Cantolices spring.

The other trail, called ‘Las Marismas de Colindres’, is shorter (3890 metres) and forms a loop starting and ending at the town square and going through the Madre stream, the Magdalena mill, the Alameduca fountain and the Cueva fountain.

These water use heritage sites represent places that have been long used by local residents in their daily lives, such as laundry sites, fountains and mills.