Potes

Potes is located at one of the entrances to the Picos de Europa National Park. It is the main town on the southern side of the park; capital of Liébana aerea, an important tourist and cultural centre visited by thousands every year .
Easy to reach, about 100km from Santander.

There are many XVII and XVIII century buildings in the central Potes. Perhaps the most striking among all is theTorre del Infantado from the Middle Ages, which stands out as the main building in Potes. It currently holds the Town Hall.

Monday is market day in Potes. If you have a chance to be around you will be able to buy locally produced fresh products like: sausage and “Picón” cheese.
Years ago the main source of income was livestock and dairy products but nowadays the tourist industry has really taken over, but visitors can still get the feel as if Potes still clings on to its traditional way of living.

A walk around the narrow streets of the old part of the town, which has been declared of historic interest, whilst popping into bars and shops, is a mujst all visitors take part in.

Potes and the surroundings are a good place to set your base to start exploring Picos de Europa. Here you can find all you need regarding food, basic trekking equipment, accommodation and other useful facilities.

In Potes it is possible to arrange activities like: hiring quad bikes or 4×4´s,  horse riding routes, gided walks, canyoning etc.
Santo Toribio de Liébana Monastery is a popular place of worship for pilgrims. It is only 3kms from Potes. Santa Maria de Lebeña church is also well worth a visit, there is a fine example of  Mozarabic Cantabrian art here. It is about 9kms from Potes.

The climate in Potes is quite different from the neighbouring regions. It is much hotter in summer and much colder in winter but less humid. It is an excellent climate for the vine crops which means that the production of orujo (local liquor) is exquisite and there are dozens of places where visitors can try and buy  this typical drink.

If you find yourself in Potes the second week of November you will be able to take part in the Fiesta del Orujo, a local festivity where the destilled liquor is king.

How to get to Potes

From Santander: Take the A-8 road towards Oviedo. When you get to Unquera take the turning towards Panes. Once in Panes take the N-631 via the impressive Hermida gorge and after 27kms you will arrive in Potes.

From Oviedo / Asturias: When you get to Unquera take the turning to Panes and from there the
N-631 road via the Hermida gorge and after 27kms you will be in Potes.

Tourist Information office

c/Independencia, 12 Potes
Tel: +34 942 730 787