Potes

Potes - Vilches/iStock

Potes: one of the most attractive municipalities in Cantabria

Potes are found in the Liébana region, where the Deva and Quiviesa rivers are located, in Cantabria. It stands out for its geographical features, since it is a flat territory surrounded by mountains. Formerly, in this area medieval struggles took place on the part of the houses of the Mendoza and Manrique.

Most of its territory has slopes, but with a magnificent background, since the Picos de Europa are in the background. The Mediterranean microclimate that it has, allows you to cultivate a landscape with all kinds of orchards and fruit trees. Surrounded by an unusual landscape, it comes together in the four valleys of the region. Potes is also known by the name of the town of bridges and towers.

What to see in Potes? Heritage, monuments, etc.

Among all that can be seen in Potes, you can see the alleys and the large houses that help to imagine the visitor how the old municipality was. Strolling through the streets of Potes, we can find all kinds of vestiges that allude to its history and culture. It has a rich history that documentaryly belongs to the 9th century.

In 1983, the municipality was declared a Historic Artistic Site. The municipality of Potes has a varied religious, civil and popular architectural heritage. One of the most popular areas is the Solana neighborhood, where pilgrims will find such spectacular bridges as that of San Cayetano and La Cárcel.

• Tower of the Infantado. Tower house dating from the fifteenth century and located in the center of the town. Formerly it was the house of the Marquis of Santillana. Not only is there this tower-shaped building, but you can also see other examples such as the Orejón de la Lama, Calseco, Linares and Osorio.
• The church of San Vicente. The 14th century Church of San Vicente stands out as an example of religious architecture, although it did not begin to be built until the 19th century.

Torre del Infantado en Potes - JoseIgnacioSoto/iStock

Potes Festivals: Dates and traditions

In Potes different patron saint festivals are held, such as the festivities of San Vicente Mártir and the festival in honor of the Virgin of Valmayor; but without a doubt the most popular celebrations are those of the Holy Cross.

• Festivities of San Vicente Mártir. January 22.
• Virgin of Valmayor. August 15th.
• Feasts of the Holy Cross. September 14.

How to get to Potes? Main connections

You can access the town of Potes by bus, train and road. The closest bus station to Potes is Penilla de Toranzo, 6.46 kilometers away, which you can get to from Asturias and other main provincial capitals. If you decide to do it by train, the closest station is the Reinosa station, 42.95 kilometers away. Finally, you can get there by road using the A-6 or the A-8.

Potes and the Camino de Santiago

If you already find yourself or are going to take the Lebaniega Route, which connects the French Way with the Camino de Santiago, you will come to this beautiful municipality. Once you access the town you can see the Picos de Europa, one of the most impressive landscapes.