San Vicente de la Barquera – Coast, Cultural Heritage and Trails

San Vicente de la Barquera is kilometre 0 of the Camino Lebaniego. The Camino del Norte de Santiago passes through San Vicente de la Barquera on the stage between Santander and Comillas.

When comparing holiday apartments in San Vicente de la Barquera, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the respective offer pages. The thematic selection ranges from cultural heritage and pilgrimage routes to the coast and water sports.

Culture

The Iglesia de Santa María de los Ángeles is an example of Montañesque Gothic architecture. Castillo del Rey was built between the 13th and 14th centuries; today, its rooms house a small museum about the history of San Vicente de la Barquera.

The battlements of Castillo del Rey offer views of the Puente de la Maza, the harbour and the marshes. The Puente de la Maza is approximately 500 metres long and is supported by 28 semicircular arches; it also offers views across the estuary.

The Santuario de la Barquera was built of stone in the 15th century. It is always open and can be reached on foot from the town centre. In 1987, the Puebla Vieja of San Vicente de la Barquera was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in Cantabria.

Trails and Nature

The Acantilados de San Vicente route runs under the protection of the Oyambre Natural Park and the Special Conservation Area (ZEC) Rías Occidentales y la Duna de Oyambre. It provides a habitat for peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), red-billed choughs (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), as well as numerous species of reptiles and insects.

El Pájaro Amarillo begins at the San Vicente de la Barquera bus station. It is a coastal route connecting the main estuaries of the Oyambre Natural Park, from the Ría de San Vicente towards the Ría Capitán. The Ruta de los Callejones is an urban walking route through the medieval streets of the Puebla Vieja of San Vicente de la Barquera.

The different types of trails can be compared for your own planning based on landscape, townscape and connections with pilgrimage.

Coast and Water

Strong surf and consistent waves prevail at Sable de Merón; the beach is suitable for both beginner and experienced surfers.

Playa del Tostadero lies on the right bank of the Ría and is protected by the estuary. It is suitable for swimming and stand-up paddling.

Traditions

La Folía is a maritime ritual in San Vicente de la Barquera and takes place every year on the second Sunday after Easter. La Folía includes a procession that advances across the water to the Santuario, guided by the tide and the rhythm of the songs.

During the annual La Barquera and El Mozucu celebrations, the municipality of San Vicente de la Barquera distributes up to 5,000 portions to residents and visitors.

Other Places

Cabuérniga, Santa Cruz De Bezana, Mazcuerras, Vernejo, Puente Viesgo, Ampuero, San Roque De Riomiera, Argomilla

To the main travel overview: Cantabria.