Playa de Santa Justa, located in Ubiarco, part of the municipality of Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, Spain, is a small, secluded beach that provides a peaceful and natural beach experience. It is situated near the small tourist town of Santillana del Mar on the Cantabrian Coast, which, despite its name, is not directly by the water. The beach can be reached by following a hiking route that covers several kilometers of the Camino del Norte. This route, which is considered moderate, offers picturesque views of the coastline and the hilly countryside.
The beach is characterized by a beautiful hermitage built into a protective cliff and is open to the north. It stretches 100 meters in length and has an average width of 40 meters. The composition of the beach is a mix of sand and stones, with golden sand. It is not designated as a nudist beach and there is no anchoring zone for boats. Visitors should exercise caution while bathing due to certain conditions.
Playa de Santa Justa is not very crowded, making it a quiet spot for visitors. It is isolated in terms of urbanization with no promenade along the beach. The area is not a protected zone, but it does have present vegetation.
The beach has recently undergone improvement works, including the construction of a spacious parking area and the restoration of access points, making it convenient for visitors. The parking area has 25 spaces available for tourists. Access to the beach is possible by car, and there are signs indicating the access points. The beach is also accessible for people with disabilities. However, there is no bus service to the beach.
In terms of amenities, the beach offers showers, trash bins, and a cleaning service to maintain its cleanliness. There is a food truck located near the car park for visitors to get supplies. However, there are no toilets, telephones, rentals for umbrellas, hammocks, or water sports equipment, beach kiosks, yacht clubs, or a designated area for snorkeling available at the beach.
For safety, there is a surveillance team present at the beach, and there are signs indicating potential dangers. The local police responsible for the area are from Santillana del Mar and Suances. The nearest hospital is the Sierrallana Hospital in Torrelavega, which is approximately 12 kilometers away.
Playa de Santa Justa is also known for its favorable wave conditions, making it a popular spot for bodyboarding. However, visitors should be aware of the presence of jellyfish in the water.
Despite the recent addition of a car park, some visitors feel that the beach has lost some of its charm due to the increased construction in the area. However, Playa de Santa Justa and the surrounding hiking route offer a scenic and enjoyable experience for those who want to explore the sea near Santillana del Mar.
