Excellent base to explore the Picos de Europa
by breughel
The small town (1.500 inhabitants) of Potes is in the centre of the Liebana region, an area that is surrounded by the spectacular mountains of the Picos de Europa, with peaks up to 2.648m at Torre Cerredo, running streams and rivers forming a national park of about 65.000 ha. Potes is the meeting point of four valleys and an excellent base to explore this mountain area of 40 by 20 km. Potes is at about 40 km from the coast but the road through the La Hermida canyon is difficult.
The main excursions from Potes are the river Deva stream upwards to Fuente Dé and the belvedere El Cable at 1.900 m and the N621 southwest wards to Puerto de San Glorio (1.600 m) to reach the belvedere Mirador de Llesba.
Parking at Potes is easy on the place near the church (occupied by the market on Mondays!).
Potes - Take the teleferico at Fuente De.
by pfsmalo
Fuente De is just 23 kms up into the Picos from Potes. There is a Parador hotel for those looking for a luxury stay, but the main reason is the cable-car that takes you up from 1070 metres to 1823 metres in 3 mins 40 secs. Once on top there is a superb vista and quite a few hiking trails start from here. I even saw a couple of mountain bikers who were going to make the descent. At the top, called El Cable there is a restaurant with a panoramic view.
Price is 14euros for a return ticket per person.
Potes - Desfiladero de la Hermida.
by pfsmalo
On your way out from Potes towards Santander or the other way round, the road follows the Deva river and cuts through another sublime canyon. About 15 kms from Potes is a small turn-out where you can park (it's the only spot so don't miss it. On the right of the lot are some steps that take you down to the river level. Apparently the river is heavy with salmon and trout and you may catch sight of the fish (we didn't). But it's a nice spot to take a breather.
SANTO TORIBIO DE LIEBANA- Monastery
by Hosell
Another very interesting option,when you are visiting the area,is see this beautiful monastery.It is located just 3 Km, south of the town of Potes, the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana,it was founded in the 8th-c during the reign of King Alfonso I, although it is thought to have existed several centuries before, and its creation, under the name of San Martin de Turieno, is said to have been by Santo Toribio, the Bishop of Astorga. This very saint transferred the "Lignum Crucis" -the largest existing relic of the Cross- to the monastery.
COASTLINE
by Hosell
Potes,it is located very close to the coastline.When you visit the area and have time enough,don't hesitate to visit some nice places along all the coastline.One of most beautiful villages is SAN VICENTE DE LA BARQUERA.Also another good idea is go to see the capital SANTANDER,and other nice places around.You'll find some beautiful landscapes exploring the coastline.In next province of Asturias some nice places to see are: CUDILLERO,LUARCA,LLANES,AVILES.
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Potes. Summer 1988.
Detail of one of the entrance doors.
The inside cloister.
Fine view of the monastery.
