Santander: Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour

If you’re planning to visit Santander and want a way to see some of the most spectacular sights in Cantabria without the hassle of renting a car, this tour could be a solid option. It promises a peek into breathtaking mountain landscapes, a visit to a historic pilgrimage site, and a charming Spanish village—all packed into a 9-hour day.

What immediately draws us to this experience are two key points: the scenic drive through Hermida Gorge and the chance to visit the Santo Toribio Monastery, home to the Lignum Crucis, one of Christianity’s most revered relics. Plus, the optional cable car ride up to Picos de Europa offers some of the best panoramic views you’ll find in the region.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that much of the day is spent on the road, which might be tiring if you’re sensitive to long bus trips. Also, if the weather isn’t clear, some of the most talked-about highlights (like the mountain views) could be less impressive.

This tour is best suited to travelers who want a guided, hassle-free way to explore Cantabria’s highlights, especially those who enjoy natural scenery, historical sites, and charming towns without the stress of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Comfortable, organized transportation makes the day smooth, even for those unfamiliar with the region.
• Well-structured stops give you enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
• The cable car at Fuente Dé offers unforgettable panoramic views, a highlight for many.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights into local history, culture, and geography.
• The visit to Santo Toribio Monastery provides a meaningful cultural and spiritual experience.
• Potes, with its cobbled streets and medieval bridges, is a picturesque ending point.
• The tour’s reviews show consistent praise for the scenery, guides, and overall value.
• Optional activities like horseback riding or the cable car are available, though at additional costs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting Out from Santander

The tour begins with a hotel pickup or a designated meeting point, depending on your booking option. The van ride to Liébana takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving you your first peek at the lush Cantabrian scenery. The journey itself is part of the experience, with many reviews highlighting the comfortable, clean transport and the scenic drive.

Visiting Santo Toribio Monastery

Your first major stop is the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, a significant pilgrimage site. Here, you’ll see the Lignum Crucis, the largest surviving fragment of the Cross of Jesus. The visit lasts about 45 minutes, offering enough time to marvel at the historic relic and learn about its significance, especially appreciated by those interested in religious history or spirituality.

One reviewer noted, “The stop at the monastery was brilliant,” emphasizing that even a short visit can be meaningful. The monastery’s simple beauty and spiritual atmosphere are often singled out as highlights.

Cross the Hermida Gorge & Fuente Dé

Next, you’ll cross the Hermida Gorge, considered one of the longest and most impressive in Spain. The scenery here is often described as breathtaking, with towering cliffs and rushing rivers creating a dramatic backdrop.

At Fuente Dé, you get about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy the surroundings. The famous cable car ride is the star attraction, ascending in just four minutes to 1,823 meters. Multiple reviews mention the stunning vistas—some even say the views are “something to experience in a lifetime.” If you opt for the ride, you’ll see the peaks from a perspective few get to experience.

For those interested, during the high season (July-September), horseback riding is available for an extra €25, which many travelers find adds a fun, authentic touch to the mountain experience. Remember that tickets for the cable car are purchased in advance, and the activity provider will confirm whether you want to include it.

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Exploring Potes

The tour then heads to Potes, a picturesque town renowned for its medieval charm. You’re given around two hours here for free exploration, a perfect window for lunch. Many reviews highlight the village’s cobbled streets, historic bridges, and the Torre del Infantado as must-see sights.

One traveler remarked, “Potes is beautiful, and the lunch was fantastic,” emphasizing that this part of the trip feels authentic and relaxed. The town is ideal for browsing local shops, trying regional cuisine, and soaking in the historic atmosphere.

Optional Walks & Final Return

After some free time, a guided walk through Potes offers insights into its history. Then, the return journey lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving you a comfortable ride back to Santander.

What We Loved About This Tour

This experience is packed with highlights that many travelers, including those who have left detailed reviews, praise. The guides are noted for their knowledge and ability to communicate in both Spanish and English, making sure everyone feels included. The scenery throughout is consistently described as stunning, with the mountains, gorge, and village scenery leaving lasting impressions.

The cable car ride at Fuente Dé is frequently called the “highlight” and offers panoramic views that are hard to match elsewhere in the region. For many, the optional horseback riding adds a memorable, authentic mountain experience, especially during summer months.

Another big plus is the well-structured itinerary, which balances sightseeing, free time, and optional activities. The reviews confirm that the stops are just the right length, preventing the day from feeling rushed.

Notable Downsides to Keep in Mind

While most reviews are glowing, a few travelers mention that the long bus ride can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to hours on a coach. Some also note that the timing at Fuente Dé can be a bit rushed, giving only a short window to enjoy the cable car and mountain views.

Weather can influence the experience—cloudy or overcast days might obscure the peaks, reducing the wow factor of the mountain scenery. Also, if you’re not keen on guided tours, this structure might feel a bit restrictive.

Who Is This Tour Best for?

If you love nature, history, and picturesque towns, this trip offers a great mix in a manageable day. It’s ideal for those who want a guided experience with knowledgeable commentary, especially if you prefer not to drive yourself. It suits travelers who appreciate stunning landscapes, cultural sites, and a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to explore on your own.

Keep in mind that if you’re seeking adventure or extreme hiking, this tour might not deliver enough time at each stop. But for a well-rounded glimpse of Cantabria’s highlights, it hits the mark.

Practical Details

• Duration: 9 hours, with pick-up options and a structured itinerary.
• Transport: Comfortable minibus, suitable for small groups.
• Group Size: Small groups are available, which tends to enhance the overall experience.
• Cost: The activity provider mentions the cable car cost is €30 in high season and €20 in low season, purchased in advance—adding to the value of the trip.
• Cost-Value: Considering the stops, the scenery, and the guides, many travelers feel it’s good value, especially given the detailed organization and the variety of experiences packed into the day.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal.
• Languages: Guides provide commentary in Spanish and English, making it accessible to international visitors.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes a comfortable van with pickup from designated locations or your hotel, making logistics hassle-free.

How long is the drive between stops?
The bus ride from Santander to the monastery is about 1 hour and 45 minutes, with shorter drives between other stops.

Can I do the cable car ride?
Yes, the cable car tickets are purchased in advance, and the provider will confirm your interest. It’s a popular highlight, especially for the panoramic views.

What activities are optional?
You can choose to ride the cable car or go horseback riding in Fuente Dé (extra costs apply). The horseback ride lasts about an hour and is available during July to September.

How much free time do I get at each stop?
You’ll have about 45 minutes at the monastery, 1.5 hours at Fuente Dé (including the cable car), and around 2 hours in Potes for lunch and exploration.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-focused, the activities are generally suitable for most ages, especially those comfortable with walking and mountain scenery.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, as you’ll be on your feet and possibly in cooler mountain areas.

How is the guide?
Reviews consistently praise guides for their helpfulness, knowledge, and bilingual commentary, making the experience engaging and informative.

What if the weather is bad?
Cloudy days may limit mountain views, but the other stops, especially Potes and the monastery, still offer plenty to enjoy. It’s wise to check the forecast beforehand.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Santander offers a well-rounded day exploring some of Cantabria’s most impressive natural and cultural attractions. It balances sightseeing with free time, guided commentary with personal exploration, and offers optional activities that add a special touch.

If you’re after a hassle-free way to see Picos de Europa, experience a historic monastery, and stroll through a charming mountain town, this trip is worth considering. The reviews reflect a consistent appreciation for the scenery, guides, and overall value, making it a popular choice among travelers.

For those who love stunning landscapes, cultural sites, and a comfortable, organized day out, this tour checks many boxes. Just remember that the long drive and weather can influence your experience, so packing accordingly will help ensure you get the most out of your day.

Happy travels, and I hope this helps you decide if this scenic adventure fits your plans!

You can check availability for your dates here: