San Vicente de la Barquera is a lively fishing port set at the foot of the Picos de Europa mountains. Long sandy beaches fringe the coast and make the town popular with summer sunseekers. An atmospheric Old Town and historic attractions like an abandoned mine and a 13th-century castle are fun ways to break up your time on the beach.
Things to do in San Vicente de la Barquera
Swim, sunbathe and enjoy beautiful views of the town on Playa del Rosal. It’s one of the prettiest local beaches and features soft sand and calm water. Nearby Playa de Meron is popular with surfers. For a quieter scene escape to Playa Oyambre, a pristine beach set in Parque Natural Oyambre. Relax on the gold sand and splash in the fun-sized waves.
Castillo del Rey commands sweeping views over the surrounding beaches and mountains. Spend a few hours exploring the 13th-century castle and soaking in the history. In the Old Town, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles welcomes you with a magnificent Gothic façade. Walk through the Romanesque doorways to see the elaborate interior.
Ride a mine train deep into the El Saplao cave system. It stretches for 20 kilometres and was once used to mine zinc and lead. You’ll be amazed by the unique geological formations, including wave-like “curtains” and gravity-defying “helcite” spikes. Don a helmet, headlamp and waterproof boots for the adrenaline-fuelled adventure tour.
Try authentic Cantabrian cuisine at restaurants in San Vicente de la Barquera. Veal and beef are local specialties, along with wild boar and red deer. Save room for a slice of Cantabrian cheesecake flavoured with cinnamon and lemon zest. Wash everything down with a glass of orujo, a locally distilled fruit brandy.
Getting around San Vicente de la Barquera
San Vicente de la Barquera is compact and easy to get around on foot. Buses run between San Vicente de la Barquera and Santander in around one hour or you can rent a car. Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport is a one-hour drive away.