Almost every hermitage in Cantabria stands on a hilltop or in the middle of a meadow. The Santa Justa hermitage, a small rural chapel, does exactly the opposite: it hides in a sea cliff at Ubiarco, right by the water, and has only two walls. The rock provides the rest. It has been standing up to the waves of the Cantabrian Sea (the southern edge of the Bay of Biscay) for centuries, and it’s still there.
In this deep dive, we’ll tell you its story, who the two saints it’s dedicated to were, how to get there, and what to keep in mind before you go. We’ll also share where to eat gluten-free in Santillana del Mar, just a few minutes away.
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A Semi-Rock-Cut Hermitage on the Ubiarco Cliff
The hermitage is in Ubiarco, the only coastal village in the municipality of Santillana del Mar, next to the beach of the same name. It was built using a natural hollow in an anticline (an arch-shaped fold in the rock), which is why it’s considered a semi-rock-cut church: it has just two masonry walls and a single-pitch tiled roof, and all of it is attached to the cliff.
It was declared a Bien de Interés Local (a locally protected heritage site) in 2010. Inside, it’s austere, dark, and damp, with a single lamp lighting a very small space, and they say you can hear the roar of the waves against the walls from within.
Justa and Rufina: Two Seville Potters on the Cantabrian Coast
The story begins hundreds of miles away, in Seville, in the 3rd century. Justa and Rufina were two sisters, potters and Christians, who were persecuted and martyred for their faith between July 17 and 19. Their relics explain why this hermitage was dedicated in their honor.
The building we see today dates from the 16th century, but an earlier hermitage already stood here around the 12th century. Over time it became a pilgrimage site, one of the first on the Cantabrian coast, and it was part of the Camino del Norte (the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago) as it passes through Cantabria.
The July 19 Romería and “Santa Justa la Grande”
Ubiarco celebrates its patron saint twice a year. The feast of Santa Justa “La Chica” (the Little One) is on July 19, with Mass, a romería (a traditional pilgrimage festival with a picnic atmosphere), and an open-air dance party. On that day, the image of the Virgin to whom the hermitage is dedicated is carried in procession. “La Grande” (the Big One), the official feast according to the diocesan calendar, falls on the Monday after Pentecost Sunday (Whit Monday), usually in late May.
📍 The sources we consulted don’t agree on when you can go inside the hermitage, so if you’d like to see the interior, we recommend asking first at the Santillana del Mar town hall.
How to Get There and What to Expect
Access is via the S-473 road and, from the junction, another 500 meters (about 550 yards). Santa Justa beach is about 260 meters (285 yards) long, with fine, golden-brown sand and a noticeable slope. There is a car park, and access is suitable for people with reduced mobility as far as the entrance to the beach.
The paths that skirt the cliff offer views of the coastline, but take care: at high tide or after heavy rain, access can become difficult. High above the cliff you’ll also find the remains of the San Telmo Tower, a medieval watchtower from the 14th century that once kept watch over arriving ships. If you like this kind of seaside landmark, check out the 5 Cantabrian lighthouses.
What to See Near Santa Justa
You’re a stone’s throw from Santillana del Mar, the famous “town of three lies” (its name suggests a saint, flat ground, and the sea, yet it is none of the three), with its Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana and its medieval streets. You’ll find everything you need in our complete guide to Santillana del Mar. Also very close is the Neocueva de Altamira (the replica of the famous Altamira Cave), and around Suances you’ll find beaches such as Tagle and Los Locos. And if you enjoy finding lesser-known corners like this one, don’t miss the Cantabria Sequoia Forest.
We recommend visiting Santillana del Mar, since it’s so close. For us, it’s one of the must-see villages in Cantabria and one of those places we never tire of visiting. We usually go two or three times a year, in different seasons, because each one gives it its own special charm.
Where to Eat Gluten-Free Near the Hermitage
Santillana del Mar is one of the best stops in Cantabria for celiacs. We recommend Restaurante Conde, which offers quite good value for money, and otherwise almost every restaurant in the village has gluten-free options. We also recommend a visit to Las Quintas if you fancy a gluten-free dessert.
As always, we recommend booking ahead and letting the staff know you’re celiac when you arrive. You’ll find more options in our post on gluten-free restaurants in Cantabria.
The Santa Justa hermitage shows that Cantabria hides stories even in the most exposed corners of its coast. Tell us in the comments if you already knew it, or if it’s going to be your next stop along the western coast.
Santillana del Mar Spain: Complete Travel Guide and Best Things to See
Gluten-Free Restaurants in Cantabria: A Local’s Guide for Celiacs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the Santa Justa hermitage?
In Ubiarco, the only coastal village in the municipality of Santillana del Mar (Cantabria), next to Santa Justa beach. According to Cantabria Tourism, it is reached via the S-473 road and, from the junction, another 500 meters.
How old is the Santa Justa hermitage?
The current building dates from the 16th century, although an earlier hermitage already stood here around the 12th century. It was declared a Bien de Interés Local (locally protected heritage site) in 2010.
Who were Justa and Rufina?
Two sisters from Seville, potters and Christians, martyred for their faith in the 3rd century between July 17 and 19. Their relics explain why the hermitage was dedicated to them.
When is the Santa Justa romería held?
Santa Justa La Chica is celebrated on July 19, with a romería (traditional pilgrimage festival) and a procession of the image of the Virgin. The official feast, La Grande, falls on the Monday after Pentecost Sunday, usually in late May.
Are there facilities at Santa Justa beach?
There is a car park and access for people with mobility issues, although they won’t be able to get down onto the beach. We can’t tell you whether there is a lifeguard or a beach bar, as we’ve never been in summer.
