Discover Liendo: Coast, Monte Candina and culture

In Liendo, Playa de San Julián is suitable for surfing. Above the coast, the Monte Candina massif culminates in the 472-metre-high rocky peak of Solpico. The cliffs of Solpico are home to the only colony of Egyptian vultures on the coast of northern Spain.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Liendo, you can compare offers based on travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions. You can use your preferred mix of coast, nature, culture and festivals as your own planning criteria for your stay.

Nature and geology

The Diapiro de Liendo is listed in the National Inventory of Geological Sites of Interest. Around Peña Solpico, loose fossils and fossils embedded in the rock of marine shells are visible. On the northern side of Monte Candina lie the Ojos del Demonio: two arches carved into the rock offering a view of the Cantabrian Sea.

Trails and coast

Playa de San Julián can be reached from Barrio Villanueva via a footpath to the coast; the vehicle can be parked in an open area or car park.

The circular hike to the Ojos del Diablo in Monte Candina is 7.3 kilometres long, starts in Sonabia and leads through karst terrain. The ascent on this route is steep and leads over rocky terrain; hiking boots and a good level of physical fitness are required.

Culture and history

The Ermita de San Andrés in Barrio Villaviad dates from the 16th century and was restored in 1990. Its connection with the Way of Saint James is shown by a corbel sculpture on the portal.

The late-Romanesque Ermita de San Julián, now in ruins, dates from the late 12th or early 13th century. The Camino de Santiago de la Costa passes through Liendo via Iseca Nueva and Sopeña to the parish church in Barrio Hazas. Liendo’s parish church was completed in the 18th century.

The 16th-century Ermita de San Roque was formerly a pilgrims’ hospital and now houses the Centro de Interpretación del Bosque. With an exhibition of information panels, it presents various aspects of forests.

The stately Casona de Albo in Iseca Vieja is considered an example of Liendo’s artistic heritage. The Cueva de los Tornillos in Villaviad contains evidence of earlier human habitation and traces of old excavations and is also considered an example of this artistic heritage. The Cueva Serán above Mollaneda contains evidence of earlier human habitation and traces of old excavations.

Forest and knowledge

The main entrance to the Arboreto de Liendo is next to the N-634 national road, after leaving Liendo in the direction of Bilbao. A guided interpretive tour is available when visiting the Arboreto de Liendo, introducing significant tree species and explaining their origins, characteristics, traditional uses and distinctive features.

The arboretum of the Centro de Interpretación del Bosque is divided into gardens, each representing a continent and displaying typical trees from different parts of the world.

Guided tours of the Arboreto and the Centro de Interpretación del Bosque are intended for individuals, families, schools and other groups. The Arboreto near the Ermita de San Roque de Liendo also has a self-guided tour; fixed opening hours are not provided.

Getting there and festivals

Liendo can be reached via the A-8: from Laredo, take exit 169 and follow the N-634; from Castro Urdiales, take exit 162 and then also follow the N-634.

The districts of Liendo host festivals throughout the year, especially in August, with religious celebrations honouring patron saints or the local Virgin, as well as secular festivities. A festival is held in Barrio Hazas on 14 and 15 August.

Other places: Reinosa, Comillas, Castañeda, Herada, Las Ilces, Los Tojos, Val De San Vicente, Trasvia

To the higher-level travel overview: Cantabria.