Ampuero: Holiday Apartment Amid Cultural Heritage, Festivals and Nature

The Torre Mágica de Espina was recognised in 1994 in the Monuments category as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural). Together with the entrance gateway and the restored Molino de Mizcardón, also known as Santiago, it forms a historic and artistic complex.

Culture and Tradition

The present-day La Bien Aparecida Sanctuary was built in the Baroque style at the beginning of the 18th century. It is located in Somahoz, within the municipality of Ampuero; the Virgen Bien Aparecida is the patron saint of the Diocese of Santander and the Autonomous Community of Cantabria. Every year on 15 September, the festival of the Autonomous Community of Cantabria is celebrated, which is also the religious feast day of the Virgen Bien Aparecida.

The Encierros de Ampuero hold the title Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional, the Spanish designation for a festival of national tourist interest. The encierros have been held continuously since 1941. Today, they comprise three runs in which young people run in front of a herd of young bulls and draught oxen.

During the Descenso Internacional del Río Asón, paddlers from various places take on the river’s current in Ampuero. Throughout the day of the Descenso Internacional del Río Asón, cultural activities, guided tours and exhibitions take place in Ampuero.

Routes and Landscapes

The Valle de Udalla route follows the riverbank through meadows and past hamlets to the Tocornedo oak grove. The same route passes through the very well-preserved native beech forest of Rugrande.

The route through the Sierra de Breñas to Pico Fuentes passes by the Pico Negro area and through a beech forest, reaching the 548-metre-high Pico Fuentes. It begins at the road beside the centuries-old oak grove of the La Bien Aparecida Sanctuary and continues across meadows and through a former dense pine forest; along the way, it offers views of Ampuero, Marrón and Limpias.

The different route options can be considered separately when planning a trip and organised by landscape, forest sections and elevation objective.

Natural Environment

A cave lies in a Cantabrian holm oak forest in the Solamaza district of Ampuero. Because of its high natural and landscape value, the forest is classified as a Site of Community Importance.

The Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel Nature Reserve encompasses neighbouring municipalities that, according to the municipal authority, are only a few minutes from Ampuero. The natural surroundings of Ampuero are suitable for connecting with nature and for activities such as fishing. Canoeing is designated as a sporting activity in Ampuero’s natural surroundings.

Other Destinations

Other destinations: Los Corrales De Buelna, Liendo, Cartes, Tresabuela, Voto, Peñarrubia, Castro-Urdiales, Santibáñez

Visit and Accommodation

When searching for a holiday apartment in Ampuero, you can compare travel dates, room category and cancellation policies side by side on the offers page. You decide for yourself which of these details matter for your trip, according to your own preferences.

The Ampuero Tourist Office is located in the Casa de Cultura, C/ Melchor Torío s/n. The Torre Mágica de Espina Museum is open seasonally; a reservation through the Ampuero Tourist Office is required for a visit.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cantabria.