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Picos de Europa road trip. Driving from Panes Village via Desfiladero de la Hermida Gorge-The village of La Hermida-Iglesia de Santa Maria de Lebena-Potes-Mogrovejo Village-Fuente De & the Teleferica-and Picos de Europa. Various Where to stay. Spa Therapy at Balneario La Hermida. Cantabria Get your guide. Visits 2007 - 2013 - cancel 2020. All my Photos except. Page latest update 2025

I’m travelling on Autovia del Cantabrico (A-8) (or the road N-634 either from Asturias or from Santander -Cantabria) the exit will be the same, Unquera village. Look for and stay on the N-621 sign posted Panes/Potes. Rio Deva will be our parallel route companion.

Panes village

around 12 Km from Unquera village. A small pleasant village with a population of just under 600. There is some good accommodation here, should you need to stay overnight. Hotel El Tilo, with outside covered terrace and a view of a nice garden down to the river Deva. Restaurant.

Desfiladero de la Hermida Gorge

Desfiladero de La Hermida is a startling gorge located in Cantabria. The gorge is crossed by the twisty N-621 road and is located between the small towns of Pones and La Hermida.

This road is equally exciting and daunting to drive at the same time. Sometimes it's very exposed and unsecured narrow road with many twists and turns.

The impressive Desfiladero de La Hermida gorge/canyon/ravine extends for just over 20km, and it was along this stretch that I got a front wheel puncture. Lucky it was the low season, not too many buses or big lorries, but still a bit scary.

La Hermida Village

The village of La Hermida, not much to do here except to visit and/or stay at Balneario La Hermida (100-150 metres outside the village) and enjoy a special treat where the natural springs being used for classic spa therapy.

Iglesia de Santa Maria de Lebena

Lebena village is signposted at about 7km south from La Hermida village, containing the Iglesia de Santa Maria de Lebena, with a separate bell tower. The church is worth a visit and it gives an opportunity to enjoy the scenic mountainous landscape.

It's approximately 9km from Lebena to Potes.

When you drive through Tama village (just before Potes) there is an opportunity to stop here at the winery Orulisa on one side of the road and opposite is the Picos de Europa visitors center, Sotama Visitor Centre and Administration Office.

Potes

Potes is a small town, population around 1,350, positioned in the center of the Cantabrian region of Liébana.

Potes is surrounded by spectacular scenery, (clear and sunny days) mountain backdrop of the Picos de Europa National Park.

Potes is located where four valleys of the region come together, and also combines the two rivers Deva and Quiviesa that flow from here.

Potes is a pretty, medieval old town and rich in history.

Torre del Infantado,

symbol of Potes, built in the 15th century, is the historical symbol of Potes, a square, of very solid masonary work,

which was the stately residence of the Dukes of El Infantado, and the nearby Bridge of San Cayetano which has overlooked the Rio Quiviesa since the 13th century and these are only two of the many historical sites.

During the Spanish Civil War, Potes was ravaged by a fire caused by the Republican side that destroyed the old town, it was rebuilt afterwards. The old town was classified as a Conjunto Histórico in 1983.

Potes became my base for two nights, staying at the

Hosteria La Antigua Guest House. Good central location with parking. I had a good size room. Friendly service. Wi-fi. In other words, all I needed.

Plenty of restaurants, different styles, where you can taste a variety of local dishes, try the chickpea stew Cocido Lebaniego.

Meats are also top quality in Potes because we are in an important cattle area. Game dishes (wild boar and deer) and from the river, fish such as trout and salmon Deva.

Tasty Cheeses of the area along with homemade desserts to try and enjoy.

Leaving Potes Just under 24km driving along CA-185 from Potes to the cable car station at Fuente De.

There are quite a lot of places to stay with various opportunities. La Isla Picos de Europa Camping Bungalows 3km outside Potes, open from Easter time if weather conditions permit.

Another good camping site Camping San Pelayo located just under 5km in the village of Baro. It’s fair to say there are many other opportunities to stay in the villages along the CA-185.

Cantabria Get your Guide

Mogrovejo Village

Mogrovejo Village close to 11km from Potes, located 460 meters above sea level. Around 50 people live here. One of the more picturesque villages in the Picos.

The village lies at the foot of the 13th-century tower of Pedro Ruiz de Mogrovejo. A couple (2) of bar/restaurants. Mogrovejo is worth a visit

Stay overnight at the Mongrovejo Suites.