The 10 Best Things to Do in Potes & Nearby Highlights of the Picos de Europa
Arguably, one of the most beautiful villages at the foothills of the Picos de Europa National Park is Potes. This medieval hamlet is nestled beneath the eastern mountain range (Macizo Oriental) of the park and is historically part of the Liébana region. This fertile region is blessed with valleys, rivers, meadows, and forests, all encircled by the gazing eyes of towering limestone peaks.
Although small, there are many things to do in Potes. The village is blessed with significant historical sites, charming streets with preserved traditional homes, delicious cuisine, and the scenic rivers of Deva and Quiviesa that flow through the heart of the hamlet.
Potes is a popular place to base and enjoy the Picos de Europa National Park and the nearby Camaleño and Liébana Valleys. There are numerous hiking trails, points of interest, and attractions nearby worth exploring. Many Camino de Santiago routes pass through this historical city, so you can even reach the town on foot.
Potes is found in the autonomous community of Cantabria and is the gateway to this incredible region of the Picos de Europa National Park.
This detailed guide to Potes includes how to get to Potes, how much time to spend there, what to see and do, nearby attractions that make great day trips, and more.
Here’s my complete guide to Potes, one of the most beautiful pueblos in Spain.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Potes
- How Much Time to Spend in Potes?
- Is Potes Worth Visiting?
- The Best Things to Do in Potes
- What to See Near Potes
- Where to Sleep in Potes & Liébaña Valley
- Conclusion | Visiting Potes the Gateway to the Cantabria Region of the Picos de Europa
How to Get to Potes
Potes is a beautiful medieval pueblo found in the autonomous region of Cantabria in Spain. It is a popular place to explore the incredible Cantabrian region of the Picos de Europa National Park. Remember, the Picos de Europa National Park is spread across three autonomous communities: Cantabria, Asturias, and León (Castile & León).
Each region offers limited information about the other. Those looking to get a well-rounded taste of the Picos de Europa National Park can follow along with my general road trip itinerary that spans across each region.
The easiest way to get to Potes which offers the most flexibility is by renting a car.
As the National Park is not far from the Bay of Biscay, two popular destinations to reach Potes are the coastal cities of Gijón and Santander. I picked up my car in Santander and headed straight for Potes.
Another option is to first explore the incredible Basque Region of Spain. The best city to pick up a car would be Bilbao, which is around 3 hours from Potes.
Potes Bus Station
The Potes Bus Station is located steps away from the center of the village and the Tourist Information Center.
The buses to Potes can be challenging, but this Cantabria bus website is quite useful for finding up-to-date bus timetables. It’s best to check the official timetables at the bus station you’ll be departing from.
A limited bus runs between Santander and Potes. This bus can also be picked up in San Vicente de la Barquera.
On Foot via the Camino
Potes is a pilgrim destination along the Camino de Santiago. The lesser-known route of the Camino Lebaniego ends at the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana just outside the village.
This is one of the most important religious sites in Spain, as it is said to contain the largest piece of “true cross” or Lignum Crucis.
This relic supposedly arrived from Jerusalem to Spain during the 5th century and was moved to the monastery for safekeeping during the 8th century.
This is a detour route option from the Camino del Norte route. The trail officially splits at the village of Muñorrodero where pilgrims can continue on the North Way or detour to Potes.
The Camino Lebaniego is officially marked from San Vicente de la Barquera to Potes as being 71.9 KM (44.7 miles) and taking an average of 3 – 5 days to complete.
👣 The Camino de Santiago is a life-changing journey. One of the best tips for first-time pilgrims is to listen to your body, pack only what you need, and walk with an open mind. The Camino Lebaniego is a little more challenging due to the terrain and limited services.
Once in Potes, pilgrims can return to the Camino del Norte or choose an alternative route like the Camino Vadiniense, Camino de Sahagun, Camin de los Sanctuarios, or the Camino Castellano.
Either way, all roads lead pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
Potes Tours
Those who don’t have a lot of time to experience the Picos de Europa may wish to book an organized tour. This is the best way to see all the highlights and attractions in one day without worrying about driving and travel logistics.
Most tours will be a full day and depart from Santander or Bilbao.
➤This highly-rated tour starts from Santander and includes options to ride the cable car in Fuente de with stops at the Monasterio de Santo Toribio de Liebana and time to enjoy Potes village.
➤ Juan is a nature and food enthusiast and offers a Full Day Private 4WD Tour from Santander to the Picos de Europa with options to stop in Potes. This tour is also offered with a starting point of Bilbao.
How Much Time to Spend in Potes?
The main highlights of Potes could be visited in one full day. This would allow ample time to see the monastery, walk along the river, enjoy a delicious meal, and visit the Torre del Infantado.
However, there are plenty of things to see around Potes, so it makes for an ideal place to base for a few days. Depending on what you want to see and if you want to hike, spend at least two nights in Potes.
In the mountains, the weather can be hit or miss, so the more cushion days, the better.
On my first visit, I breezed through Potes and truly regretted it. On my next visit, I walked slowly through the comarca of Liébana and was able to see all of these main attractions.
In Potes, it’s easy to visit the nearby cable car in Fuente dé and see the treasures of the Liébana areas.
Alternatively, you could sleep in Fuente de or nearby villages like Espinama, Cosgaya, or Mogrovejo. You won’t find a lot of nightlife, and these stays will be extra quiet.
Is Potes Worth Visiting?
Potes is definitely worth visiting. The small village is recognized as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages. It also acts as an incredible base to see the eastern region of the Picos de Europa National Park. This includes the overlooked areas of the entire Liébana Valley.
While the village of Potes can be touristy, it at least warrants at least one night. Those looking to explore the lower valleys of Liébana and Camaleño could spend at least three days in Potes and barely scratch the surface.
From the medieval village to the sacred site of Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, Potes is a must-visit village on a visit to the Picos de Europa National Park.
The Best Things to Do in Potes
Here is what to see and do when visiting Potes.
1 | Get Lost on the Medieval Streets
The cobblestone streets of Potes are delightful. Follow the narrow streets that lead to hidden nooks and crannies. Find numerous bridges that cross over both the Quiviesa and Deva Rivers.
The whole historical Old Town is bliss to explore. I became quite fond of the area around the Puente Viejo de Potes (old bridge) and the Molino (mill). This area is especially photogenic.
In fact, Potes is included on the list of the Most Beautiful Pueblos in Spain.
The historic center of Potes is rather small, but do take the time to enjoy the picturesque streets and historical buildings.
2 | Discover Hidden Barrios
One of the best things to do in Potes is visit the small barrios, or neighborhoods found in the Old Town. The old neighborhoods look like they haven’t changed over centuries.
On Calle del Sol find the old arches that are in the heart of the Barrio del Sol. This is one of the oldest streets in Potes. This also leads to the “hanging homes” of Potes. The neighborhood is officially known as Barrio Colgante and the homes were built during the 1950’s.
Perhaps the most picturesque neighborhood would be the Barrio de la Solana. The narrow streets and small portals open to little plazas lined with terraces homes.
3 | Take at Least One Iconic Bridge Photo
Many bridges cross the two rivers that flow through Potes. The most iconic photo can be taken from The Puente de la Cárcel. There are also nice views from the Plaza del Capitán Palacios, the main road that allows cars to pass over the Quiviesa River.
4 | Wander Along the Paseo Fluvial de Potes
While the views above on the bridges in Potes are spectacular, don’t miss the opportunity to walk along the rivers of Quiviesa and Deva. The Paseo Fluvial de Potes offers a tranquil escape right in the heart of the pueblo.
There are many benches along to savor views. Towards the end of the Old Water Mill of Potes, there is a nice little selfie-stand to snag a photo.
5 | Visit the Torre del Infantado
This Torre del Infantado is the large tower found in the center of Potes. The tower once belonged to the Duke and Duchess of Infantado. The tower is now a museum hosting the examination of “Beatus of Liébana and his Beatos.”
During the middle of the 8th century, Beato was a monk who wrote the “Commentary on the Apocalypse” which examined the Book of Revelations. The museum’s main focus is on interpreting the importance of these writings.
On top of the Beatos, the museum has temporary rotating exhibits on the main floor.
The real highlight of visiting the Torre del Infantado is the viewpoint from the top of the tower. On a clear day, the viewpoint is worth the entrance fee alone.
The entire exhibition is in Spanish but a pamphlet explains each section of the museum in English.
Pilgrims who walked the Camino Lebaniego can show their credencial to have free access to the Torre del Infantado.
Torre del Infantado | Find it here: Calle de Sta. Olaja, 12, 39570 Potes, Cantabria | Admission: 3€ / free for pilgrims | Hours: Daily, 9:30 – 17:00 | Official Website
6 | Take the Pilgrimage to the Monasterio Santo Toribio de Liebana
Just outside of Potes, find the Santo Toribio Monastery. This monastery tucked into the mountains is famous for holding one of the largest pieces of the “Lignum Crucis,” or a piece of the true cross that Jesus was crucified on.
This is one of the most significant monasteries on the Camino. Even if you opt not to walk the Camino Lebaniego, the pilgrimage to the Monastery is worth it. It follows a well-marked path that offers mountain views.
During the 5th century, the priest Turibius of Astorga traveled to Jerusalem where he was appointed a position at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the Lignum Crucis was housed. He had been granted permission to return to Spain with a piece of the cross. The cross stayed in Astorga until the eighth century when it was moved to the Monasterio Santo Toribio de Liebana for safekeeping.
Besides visiting the small chapel where the Lignum Crucis is housed, it’s possible to see the cloiser and outside the Puerta del Perdón (Door of Forgiveness). Most people try to attend the daily noon mass in the chapel. The priest remove the cross and it’s possible to touch the sacred relic.
The noon mass is extremely powerful, and people take the pilgrimage by foot or car to have the opportunity to be in the presence of this holy artifact.
Monasterio Santo Toribio de Liebana | Find it here: Monasterio de Santo Toribio de Liébana, 39570 Camaleño, Cantabria | Free to Visit | Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 19:00, Winter Hours: 10:00 – 13:00 / 16:00 – 18:00 | Pilgrim Mass: Daily, noon with Lignum Crucis | Official Website
7 | Hike the Grounds of the Santo Toribio Monastery
The grounds around the Santo Toribio Monastery are beautiful and filled with hiking trails, chapels, and hidden hermitages. There is no loop to visit all the sites, but they are mapped on the poster board near the Pilgrim Welcome Center.
Ermita de Cueva Santa which was said to be a place where Saint Toribio spent his time. It’s the oldest hermitage on the grounds.
One of the best viewpoints can be seen from the Ermita de San Miguel, which is one of the closest sites to the main Monastery.
8 | Soak in the Views of the Camaleño Valley
Next to the Ermita de San Miguel, find the incredible observation deck of the Camaleño Valley. There is another one of those newer selfie-stands I saw on this trip to the Picos de Europa.
Pilgrims who choose to walk the Camino Vadiniense will walk into the depths of the Camaleño Valley.
9 | Appreciate the Nightlife & Tapas
Although Potes is a small village, it boasts a rather bustling tapas and nightlife scene compared to the nearby remote mountain communities. At night, the medieval streets fill with visitors who spent the day hiking and exploring and are now eager to explore the nightly tapas scene.
Don’t forget that the Spanish culture eats late, and many restaurants won’t start serving dinner until around 21:00.
You may start to notice multiple signs for “Sidra” bars. These cider bars are a trademark of the Asturias region, like Cangas de Onís, but other mountain villages have started offering these popular watering holes.
At night, the plazas are filled with people enjoying a glass or wine or beer. Potes offers one of the best nightlife experiences in the Picos de Europa National Park.
10 | Try the Typical Cuisine & Visit the Local Tiendas
The mountains in Spain boast different cuisines than most of Spain. The region is known for its cheeses and meats.
Do walk into a local tienda to sample and purchase regional cheeses and delicacies of the mountains.
What to See Near Potes With a Focus of the Cantabria Region of the Picos de Europa
Potes is a fantastic place to see in the Picos de Europa and is also works as an ideal base to explore nearby gems. From the lowland valleys to the high mountains, here are some of the best things to do near Potes.
1 | Lebeña Village
Nestled in the Liebaña valley is the tiny hamlet of Lebeña. This village is famous for its Pre-Romanesque church, the Church of Santa Maria Lebeña. It was said to have been constructed in 925, but like many Christian sites, it was built on top of a sacred monastery that sat here much before that.
The purpose of the Church of Santa Maria Lebeña was to house the remains of Saint Turibius. There is an interesting legend that states the counts and followers who tried to move his remains went blind and did not receive their sight back until they moved his relics back to the Monastery of Saint Toribio.
The beautiful church is designed in the Asturias style of Pre-Romanesque and Mozarabic architectural styles. Visitors who spent time in Oviedo will notice its similarities to the Pre-Romansque churches of Monte del Naranco.
Iglesia de Santa Maria Lebeña | Hours: Tues – Sat, 10:00 – 13:30 / 16:00 – 19:30, Open Sunday morning only, closed Mondays | Entrance Fee: 2€
If looking for a fabulous day hike, the trail that runs between the villages of Lebeña and Cicera is spectacular. It is part of the Camino Lebaniego, and follows the Canal de Francos. This route includes trail sections through forests and more open areas that provide stellar views of the mountains.
If planning this as a day hike, it’s best to start in Cicera, as there are a few hiking trail options. The trail between Cicera and Lebeña would be an out-and-back trail as a day hike, so plan accordingly. Alternatively, there are some limited accommodation options in both Cicera and Lebeña.
🥾 Cicera – Lebeña via Canal de Francos | One-Way Distance: 5 Miles / 8 KM | Duration:+ / – 3 Hours
Lebeña is only a 15-minute drive from Potes. Those looking to hike from Cicera can reach the village in about 45 minutes from Potes.
2 | Iconic Viewpoints
From Potes there are two really lovely viewpoints: San Glorio (Deer Statue) and Oso Parado (Bear viewpoint).
These nice viewpoints are around a half hour from Potes. The San Glorio viewpoint is where the autonomous communities of Cantabria and León meet.
Less than 10 minutes from San Glorio Pass, find the Oso Parado. The views here are absolutely stunning and this is said to be one of the best viewpoints in all Cantabria. If you have time, there are a few hiking trails nearby.
These two viewpoints are best to visit on a clear day, as on a foggy day there will be nearly zero visibility.
3 | Mogrovejo Village
One of the most beautiful villages in the Picos de Europa National Park is Mogrovejo. The small hamlet sits right below the mighty peaks and showcases some of the most well-preserved stone houses that were typical of the Lebaniego region between the 16th and 18th centuries. The stone houses boast wrought iron balconies and haven’t changed much since they were built.
One of the main highlights of the village is the tower. However, the tower is privately owned, so you can not climb to the top. It is worth walking on the nearby trail to take in the views above the village.
Those interested in the pueblo history can visit the Rural School Museum (Museo de la Escuela Rural de Mogrovejo). For me, the best thing to do in the village was simply wander the streets and enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes.
Again, Mogrovejo makes the cut on Spain’s Most Beautiful Pueblo register. This may also be due to its cozy location below the high mountains. The area is blessed with large open meadows and forests and is dotted with hiking trails.
A simple, yet lovely route is the Bajo los Picos, or below the Picos hiking trail. This loop trail highlights the prime location of the village below the towering limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa. In addition, those who want to head to the high mountains can head to the viewpoint Peña Oviedo. The PR-PNPE 22 – Ruta Peña Oviedo connects with the top Cable Car in Fuente Dé.
Mogrovejo is only a 15 minute drive from Potes.
4 | Fuente De & the Cable Car
One of the main attractions in the Picos de Europa is the Teleférico Fuente Dé, a cable car that zips travelers up nearly 2,500 feet to the top of the mountain in four minutes. Most travelers visit Fuente Dé to ride up the cable car and savor the views or go for a hike. The official cable car website offers a few hiking routes that are reachable from the top of the cable car.
The cable car allows visitors to savor the impressive Central Massif views, and the top of the cable car is at an elevation of 6,079 feet (1,853 m). There is also a restaurant located inside the top cable car station that offers typical food and refreshments.
The cable car is one of the most popular places to visit in the Picos de Europa National Park, so it’s best to pre-book tickets. During the high season, pre-booking tickets is essential. Online tickets must be purchased at a minimum of 24 hours in advance.
From Potes, the Fuente Dé cable car is less than a 30 minute drive by car.
Teleférico Fuente Dé | High Season: End of June – Mid-September & Holidays / Daily: 8:00 – 18:30 | Last Departure runs 15 minutes before closing | High Season Adult Ticket: Round-Trip €24 / One-Way: €13 | Buy Ticket Online Here
5 | Riaño
Those seeking a longer day trip from Potes may wish to visit Riaño. The newer village of Riaño is part of the Parque Regional Montaña de Riaño y Mampodre and is part of the León region.
Riaño is the effect of the government destroying seven pueblos to create a reservoir. The old villages were evacuated and then demolished between December 1986 – July 1987. The water flooded the lower area where the villages once were and what we see today is the bright blue reservoir.
Riaño offers numerous viewpoints and hiking trails. Don’t miss the viewpoint of Mirador Alto Valcayo or the giant swing near Mirador de Las Hazas. The Tourist Information Center has lots of handy pamphets and maps for hiking trails near Riaño.
Riaño is around an hour from Potes, so it can be a nice place to spend the night. There is a lively restaurant scene at night similar to Potes.
Where to Sleep in Potes Cantabria Spain
Potes offers a wide range of different accommodation options. Be mindful that during the high season in the summer and around holidays, accommodations in the village significantly raise their rates.
These are some of the most popular places to stay in Potes near the center of the village.
➜ Browse All the Best Places to Stay in Potes Cantabria
Seeking More Solitude?
Alternatively, with a car, these are quiet and peaceful places to sleep outside Potes and deeper into the Camaleño and Liébana Valleys. Many of these accommodation options are private apartments and Casa Rurals.
➜ Outside of town, Hotel Valdecoro is only a short distance from Potes
➜ Posada El Corcal de Liebana is a highly rated place to stay in the village of Tama.
➜ Picos de Europa Suites and Rooms is found in the tiny hamlet of Turieno not far from the Monastery of Santo Toribio.
➜ Posada San Pelayo is found in the small barrio of San Pelayo and is extremely high-rated.
➜ Budget hikers will love Albergue Briz in Espinama a local village before the popular Fuente Dé.
➜ Fuente Dé offers two luxurious hotel options steps away from the lower cable car: Parador de Fuente Dé and Hotel Rebeco.
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in the Liébana Region of the Picos de Europa
Conclusion | Visiting Potes in the Cantabria Region of the Picos de Europa
In short, this is an in-depth guide to visiting Potes, the gateway village to the Cantabria region of the Picos de Europa National Park in Spain. This guide includes how to get to Potes, the best things to do in Potes village, and ideas on nearby day trips that are worth exploring.
In addition, I’ve included top places to stay in Potes and recommended places to stay if looking for a more quiet escape to the nearby Liébana Valley.
Potes is a must-visit destination in the incredible National Park of the Picos de Europa.
Have you visited Potes in Cantabria Spain? Is there anything that’s missing from this guide or anything that needs updating? Let me know in the comments below!
Pack This Post for Later! Pin It!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
