Santander: Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour
Cantabria, Asturias
Experience an unforgettable tour of Picos de Europa National Park and the charming village of Potes. Visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio, home to the Lignum Crucis, a piece of the Cross of Jesus.
Overview
This full-day tour departs from Santander and explores the Liébana region, ideal for visitors interested in history, nature, and mountain landscapes.
Highlights
- Visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana
- Explore the village of Potes
- Optional cable car ride to Picos de Europa
- Optional horseback riding in Picos de Europa
- Mountain scenery of Picos de Europa and Liébana
Description
Travel from Santander through the dramatic Hermida Gorge into the Liébana region, known for its mountains, forests, and rivers. Your first stop is the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, a significant Christian pilgrimage site housing the Lignum Crucis, the largest preserved fragment of the Cross of Jesus.
Next, visit Fuente Dé, the gateway to Picos de Europa National Park. You will have approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of free time. Choose to ride the cable car, enjoy the scenery, or take an optional horseback riding tour.
The cable car ride lasts four minutes, ascending to 1,823 meters with panoramic views of the Picos de Europa. Afterwards, continue to Potes, the capital of Liébana, known for its cobbled streets, historic bridges, and the medieval Torre del Infantado.
Enjoy a guided walk through Potes followed by free time for lunch and shopping for local products and souvenirs.
Includes
- Guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transport by 9-seater minivan or minibus (high season)
- Liability insurance
Excludes
- Cable car tickets (€21 in low season, €31 in high season)
- Horseback riding (summer only, €35 per person for 1 hour)
- Food and drinks
Important Information
- Cable car tickets must be purchased in advance to ensure the group rides together. The provider will contact you before the tour to confirm booking. Payment is made to the guide on the tour day.
- Horseback riding is available in July, August, and September during your free time at Fuente Dé for an additional €35 per person. Contact the provider in advance to book this option.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and book cable car and horseback options early, especially in high season.
