Are you thinking of touring the north of Spain this summer? Well, there is a place that you cannot miss. We are referring to San Vicente de la Barquera, an old fishermen's refuge that represents one of the most picturesque prints of Cantabria. And it is that here you can find from wonderful beaches to an exceptional background of snow-capped peaks, passing through Puebla Vieja, which was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in Cantabria in 1987.
Today at Hard Hobbit To Break we want to move to this municipality in the western coastal region of Cantabria in order for you to get to know him more thoroughly. Would you like to join us?
Beaches
Without a doubt, one of the main attractions of San Vicente de la Barquera is its beaches, which are characterized by their transparent waters and by their almost virgin appearance. In addition, we are talking about sandy areas surrounded by meadows, farms and mountains, which makes them even more special. They emphasize the beach of Merón, which has the Blue flag, and that of Oyambre, which served as a landing strip for one of the first transoceanic flights. Of course, the protected beaches of Tostadero and La Maza are also worthwhile, in addition to the small coves.
Oyambre Natural Park
It is important to bear in mind that 80% of the municipal area of San Vicente de la Barquera belongs to the Oyambre Natural Park, a landscape It combines coastline, valleys and mountains, formed by beaches, estuaries, cliffs, dunes and wide meadows, as well as exceptional valleys and forests full of flora and fauna. In addition to San Vicente de la Barquera, the park is home to other small rural towns, which bring a deep agricultural and livestock character to the area.
The Old Puebla
Taking into account that San Vicente de la Barquera was an important step on the Camino de Santiago, it will not surprise you that, as a result of that past, both the town and its towns have preserved an outstanding heritage monumental. The Old Puebla deserves a special mention, which is located on the crest of a limestone rock, surrounded by a crenellated wall and several doors.
In the Old Puebla we can find two important buildings: the 13th century church-fortress of Our Lady of the Angels; and the Castle, which was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Unfortunately, this castle has recently been restored with poor criteria.
Monumental complex
In addition to the two buildings that we have just mentioned, the municipality has other monuments of interest such as, for example, the house of the inquisitor Corro, which is currently the seat of the City Council; or the Hospital de la Concepción, which is in ruins. We must also highlight the bridges, which are another of the identity signs of the town.
We cannot forget the ruins of the convent and church of San Luis, which was built in the late fifteenth century next to the estuary; and the hermitage of the Virgen de la Barquera, which is located in the neighborhood of the same name, next to the slice and the fishing port. Other assets of interest are the Torre del Proboste, the Lazareto de Abaño, the Fort of Santa Cruz de Suaz and the Lighthouse "Punta de la Silla".
Gastronomy
We cannot say goodbye without first talking about the gastronomy of this municipality. If you have the possibility to visit it, you should not miss trying its excellent fish and seafood and, especially, the sorropotún or marmita barqueña, a stew prepared with potatoes and bonito. Then we leave you with our Gallery, where you will find more images of San Vicente de la Barquera. Do not miss it!
Recommended article: The most beautiful coastal towns in Spain
- Cantabria, towns
- 1,230
