We help you get from Santander to Potes and the Picos de Europa (Spain)
I’m in Santander, and I’ve heard about going to Potes and the Picos de Europa, but what can I expect exactly?
In the west of Cantabria lies one of the main mountain ranges in northern Spain, the Picos de Europa. The Picos de Europa are shared by the regions of Cantabria, Asturias, and Castilla y León. It is an impressive area with a variety of mountain landscapes that amaze even the most experienced. From lunar-like high mountain landscapes to lush forests, beautiful lakes, and picturesque villages. To all of this, you can add delicious gastronomy and endless outdoor activities.
From Cantabria’s perspective, the main town is Potes, and it’s a perfect place to organize your visit to the Cantabrian side of the Picos de Europa. There, you will find excellent restaurants, typical architecture, and nearby places to visit like the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, Camaleño, or the Hermida Gorge.
It is also highly recommended to visit the Fuente Dé Cable Car to get closer to the wildest side of the mountains with hardly any effort.
What is the distance between Santander and Potes/Picos de Europa?
The distance between Santander and Potes is 74 kilometers in a straight line, which translates to 105 kilometers by road. The first 66 kilometers are on a highway, followed by a national road, and then a mountain road that crosses the Hermida Gorge, which can pose some difficulty for inexperienced drivers.
How to get from Santander to Potes or the Picos de Europa?
The best option for time and flexibility to travel from Santander to the Picos de Europa is by car, although this is not always possible. You can also travel from Santander to Potes (and to Fuente Dé as the final stop) by bus; this trip takes 2.5 hours (one trip in the morning and another in the afternoon). It is operated by Autobuses Palomera (click for more info).
Our recommendation is to consider a private tour, as it is the most economical, simple, and comfortable way to explore Potes and the Picos de Europa. We will provide more information in the following section.
Other options include going by private transport. We recommend checking the following link:
Tours and excursions from Santander to Potes and the Picos de Europa
HiCantabria collaborates with Spain’s leading tour and excursion operator, Civitatis. It’s the safest and easiest way to book excursions in your own language while being operated locally and at the same price.
Here are some of the available options (click for more info):
Do you need more information about Santander or Cantabria?
At HiCantabria blog, you will find all the information you need, such as:
Important Information!
Our new community is live! Click the button below to join, share tips, or ask questions with other members.
