Enjoy an unforgettable tour of the national park of Picos de Europa and the amazing village of Potes. Visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio and see the Lignum Crucis, its sacred relic.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details. Learn more
Duration 9 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: Spanish, English, Italian
Pickup included: Your hotel in Santander or specified pickup locations.
Wheelchair accessible
Small group: Limited to 8 participants

Highlights

Step inside the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana
Explore the village of Potes, one of the nicest in Spain
Take the cable car up to Picos de Europa (optional)
Embark on an unforgettable horseback ride in Picos (optional)

Full description

Depart from Santander and head toward Liébana. You will love this region of Cantabria where the landscape is dominated by mountains, forests, and rivers. On the way, prepare to be impressed when crossing the Hermida Gorge, one of the longest gorges in Spain. The first stop will be to visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, a holy place for Christianity that houses the Lignum Crucis, the largest preserved piece of wood from the cross of Jesus. After this very special stop, continue the trip towards Fuente Dé, where there is the cable car station to go up to Picos de Europa. Enjoy at least 1 hour and 30 minutes of free time there to enjoy the place, take the cable car, or embark on a horseback riding experience around the area (optional).

If you take the cable car, the trip will only last 4 minutes and will take you to a height of 1,823 m above sea level. The views from there are just breathtaking. Finally, arrive in Potes, the capital of Liébana and considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, with its cobbled streets, bridges, and medieval tower, Torre del Infantado.

Take a short walking tour of the town and you enjoy free time for lunch and for shopping in one of its many souvenir shops.

Includes

Guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Transport in a minivan with 9 seats
Liability insurance

Tickets for the cable car
Horseback riding
Food and drinks

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask
You will receive a mandatory temperature check

Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Warm clothing

Know before you go

Cable car tickets are purchased in advance so that the whole group can ride at the same time. The activity provider will contact you prior to the date of the tour to confirm if you want to book it (€20 per person in high season; €17 per person in low season to be paid to the guide on the tour date)
During the months of July, August, and September you can also choose to do a horseback riding route during your free time in Fuente Dé (extra cost of €25 for 1 hour of riding per person). Please contact the activity provider in advance if you are interested in this activity

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 58 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.7/5
Transportation
4.6/5
Value for money
4.3/5
Safety
5/5

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This is a great day trip, helped by the fantastic weather (a bit too hot for me, but better than rain and low cloud in the mountains). Jairo was friendly and informative, particularly on nature and ecology. We had an all English-speaking group and there were 6 of us plus Jairo in a 7 seater vehicle. The cable car ride is an extra cost but absolutely worth it and the highlight of the day. Good value for money.

September 14, 2022

It was very enjoyable and informative journey with the lovely knowledgeable driver. If she was not there we would not be able to know certain historical facts though would have enjoyed natural beauty. Thanks to her. I will certainly recommend my friends and will like updates to be sent to me for any such excursions.

January 31, 2022

I enjoyed this trip. I got to see things I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. I am traveling without a car, so it was the best way to see the mountains. It is a little bit expensive considering lunch and the cable car are not included. But, I still enjoyed a full day of sightseeing.

October 11, 2021

Santander: Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour

Santander: Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour

About this activity

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