Potes

A picturesque mountain town at the gateway to the Picos de Europa, with medieval bridges, a defensive tower and rivers running through its old quarter. It's the perfect base for exploring the surrounding peaks and the Liébana valley.

Things to do

• Climb the Torre del Infantado — This 15th-century defensive tower dominates the old quarter and now houses the tourist office and small exhibits on local history.
• Cross the medieval bridges — Wander over stone bridges like Puente de San Cayetano where the Deva and Quiviesa rivers meet beneath the old town.
• Visit Monasterio de Santo Toribio de Liébana — This Franciscan monastery a few kilometers outside town holds the Lignum Crucis, said to be the largest surviving fragment of the True Cross.
• Ride the Fuente Dé cable car — A dramatic cable car climbs nearly 800 meters up a sheer rock face to a high plateau with panoramic views of the Picos de Europa.
• Explore the old quarter's arcaded streets — Wander narrow lanes lined with stone houses, artisan shops, and small squares that make up Potes' historic center.
• Day trip to Mogrovejo village — This tiny stone village with its own ruined tower offers classic postcard views of the Picos de Europa foothills.
• Hike into the Liébana valley — Trails from Potes lead into a lush valley of orchards, hamlets, and mountain streams framed by the peaks beyond.

Food to try

• Cocido lebaniego — A hearty chickpea stew with cabbage, chorizo, and morcilla, considered the signature dish of the Liébana region.
• Orujo de Potes — A strong local pomace brandy, often flavored with herbs or coffee and sometimes served flambéed at the end of a meal.
• Queso picón Bejes-Tresviso — A pungent blue cheese aged in nearby limestone caves, best paired with local honey or membrillo.
• Cordero asado — Slow-roasted lamb from the surrounding mountain pastures, a hearty specialty in local restaurants.
• Alubias rojas del Liébana — A rustic red bean stew often cooked with local pork products, typical of the valley's mountain cuisine.

Local customs & good to know

• Monday market day — Potes hosts a lively weekly market where locals and visitors buy cheese, honey, and produce from the Liébana valley.
• Midday closing hours — Many small shops close for a few hours around lunchtime, so plan errands for morning or late afternoon.
• Jubilee Year pilgrimages — When the feast of Santo Toribio falls on a Sunday, thousands of pilgrims visit the monastery to see the Lignum Crucis relic.
• Respect the pace of mountain life — Potes is a gateway town for hikers, so expect an early-to-bed rhythm geared toward outdoor excursions.