Polientes on the Ebro: Culture, Landscape and Trails

Polientes lies at an altitude of 716 metres on the left bank of the Ebro. The Plaza de la Olmeda and its buildings date from the late 19th century to the 1920s.

Landscape

North of Polientes, stands of the Pyrenean oak species Quercus pyrenaica and planted pine forests shape the landscape. The Ebro area around Polientes is characterised by riverside forests of poplars and alders, meadows and cultivated fields.

Culture

The Casona del General José Casado dates from 1856 and stands opposite the parish church. The parish church of Polientes is an 18th-century building dedicated to Saint Christopher. At the exit of Polientes towards Ruijas stands the humilladero de las ánimas.

The Museo Etnografico Valderredible is designed as a self-guided tour with information panels and objects found along the route; the content is also translated into English. It is housed in a renovated three-storey building and presents the history of the valley. Museum visits are arranged upon prior request.

Trails

The Paseo Polientes Arroyo Troncos (PR-S 37) begins at the Plaza de Valderredible in front of the town hall and can be walked or cycled. Stage 3, Villanueva de la Nía–Polientes, reaches Polientes after crossing the Ebro at the Rocamundo bridge. The Los Pueblos Matorrizos route is a circular trail; Polientes is recommended as its starting and finishing point.

Environment and Events

The Centro de Educación Ambiental in Polientes develops educational, research, participatory and nature-based leisure projects. It is located on a 100,000 m² site with a botanical park, classrooms, workshops and a laboratory. It also offers environmental education programmes for school students and summer camps.

Polientes Foto comprised ten editions; the professional photography gathering was led by Pablo Hojas. Polientes Foto was held in January, after the Christmas holidays, at the Centro de Educación Ambiental of Caja Cantabria in Polientes as a five-day course or gathering from Monday to Friday. San Isidro is celebrated on 15 May with a procession, a food and handicrafts market, and a competition for decorated tractors. Día de Valderredible takes place on the first weekend of August and is associated with a week of cultural and leisure events.

Getting Around

The CA-272 from Puerto de Pozazal and the CA-274 from Puerto de Carrales are considered the valley’s natural exits towards Santander. The Oficina de turismo provides information at municipal and regional level about accommodation, gastronomy, activities and places of interest.

When searching for a holiday apartment in Polientes, you can compare the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions side by side on the respective offer pages. This makes it possible to match the three fields with your own travel period and preferred room layout.

More towns to choose from: San Martín De Elines.

The Centro Cultural includes a library, a computer room, a gym and a conference room.

For the higher-level travel overview: Valderredible.