San Vicente de la Barquera: Coast, Culture and Nature

Nature

The Oyambre Nature Park near San Vicente de la Barquera encompasses the town estuary with the Marisma de Pombo and the Marisma de Rubín, as well as the Oyambre Delta with the Rías Capitán and de la Rabia. The nature park has special protection status to safeguard its geology, fauna, flora, waters and atmosphere.

The Oyambre Nature Park has viewpoints, hiking trails, birdwatching areas and an interpretation centre. The Oyambre Interpretation Centre is located in the former home of the lighthouse keeper at the Faro de Punta de la Silla in San Vicente de la Barquera.

The Acantilados de San Vicente route provides a refuge for the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), the chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) and numerous reptile and insect species. At the same time, the route is protected by the Oyambre Nature Park and the ZEC Rías Occidentales y la Duna de Oyambre.

Sable de Merón is more than 3 kilometres long and easily accessible. Its strong waves and consistent conditions are suitable for beginners and surfers looking for new challenges.

Other selected places: Serdio, Abanillas, Pesués, Estrada, Unquera, Pechón and Prellezo.

Routes

El Pájaro Amarillo begins at the bus station in San Vicente de la Barquera and crosses the Puente de la Maza. Along the coast, the route runs from the Ría de San Vicente towards the Ría Capitán.

The Puente de la Maza is 500 metres long and has 28 semicircular arches. The Camino de Santiago de la Costa leads to the medieval Puebla Vieja of San Vicente de la Barquera and leaves the town towards La Acebosa.

Kilometre 0 of the Camino Lebaniego is located at the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in San Vicente de la Barquera. The Iglesia de Santa María de los Ángeles contains a depiction of Saint James the Pilgrim; the same church also houses the 16th-century tomb of the inquisitor Antonio del Corro.

Culture and History

The medieval Puebla Vieja of San Vicente de la Barquera was recognised as a Site of Cultural Interest in Cantabria in 1987. The Castillo del Rey was built between the 13th and 14th centuries as part of the defence system protecting the town; following its restoration, its rooms now serve as a small museum.

The battlements of the Castillo del Rey offer panoramic views of the Puente de la Maza, the harbour and the marshlands. With its gently curving course across the Ría, the Puente de la Maza offers views of the estuary.

La Folía takes place in San Vicente de la Barquera on the second Sunday after Easter as a maritime seafarers’ ritual. La Folía includes a maritime procession involving the Cofradía de Mareantes and traditional songs by the Picayas.

During the Fiestas de la Barquera y el Mozucu, Sorropotún is prepared and offered to participants for tasting.

To the main travel overview: Val De San Vicente.