San Vicente de la Barquera is a seaside town in the Cantabria province of the Asturias and Cantabria region in northern Spain
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Spain This Way review: On a sunny day the backdrop of snow capped mountains and its position on the estuary of two rivers gives the town a magical quality however the mountains are often shrouded in cloud.
San Vicente de la Barquera sits between the esturies of the Pombo river and the Rubin river on the Cantabrian coast. The town is split into three by the rivers and linked by the Barquera bridge and the Maza bridge.
Behind the town on a clear day you have a magnificent view of the Picos d'Europa mountain, a fabulous view when covered in snow.
The main part of town sits between the two bridges and is home to a castle, the Castillo del Rey or King's Castle, and the church of Our Lady of Los Angeles. Both dominate the skyline of the town.
The castle dates from the 8th to the 18th century and was built in defense against the Normans and the Vikings. It is now open to the public as a museum and cultural centre.
From its walls you get excellent views over the town and the sea and also the wetland marshes at the estuaries of the Pombo and Rubin rivers.
The church was built in the 13 and 14th centuries and enlarged in the 15 and 16th centuries. It is mostly Gothic in style.
The inside is a treasure of high arches and a large ornate Baroque alter. A carving of Christ on a crucifix and of an angel can be seen in another part of the church. There is also the Renaissance tomb of the inquisitor Antonio del Corro, one of Spain's most famous sculpted tombs.
Between the castle and the church you will see the Torre del Preboste, a defensive tower that was once used as a prison.
Also the ruins of the Hospital de la Concepcion which was once an important refuge on the Camino de Santiago northern route, and the Palacio de la Familia Corro which is a 16th century Renaissance palace now home to the town hall.
The two bridges of San-Vicente-de-la-Barquera the town are striking and the Puenta de la Maza in particular as it has 28 arches! It was built in the 15th century. If you cross the bridge you get to a selection of beaches and the Oyambe Natural Park.
The main beach is the Playa el Sable de Meron and is 4 km long.
The lighthouse and Centre of Interpretation for the Oyambe Natural Park are on the other side of the Barquera bridge beyond the fishing port which is one of the most important fishing ports in the region.
Places to visit nearby
San-Vicente-de-La-Barquera is close to the lovely town of Comillas which is home to one of Gaudi's quirky buildings, the Caprice of Gaudi.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Asturias and Cantabria guide.
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Photos of San Vicente de la Barquera
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Map of San Vicente de la Barquera and places to visit
San Vicente de la Barquera places to visit
El-Capricho
El-Capricho is a stunning house designed by Gaudi in the modernist style in the lovely village of Comillas.
El-Capricho guide
Comillas
Comillas is a very good resort which has lots of Modernista buildings including the El Capricho designed by Antoni Gaudi.
Comillas guide
Altamira Caves
Some magnificent pre-historic art is in these UNESCO-listed caves. The wonderful paintings are amongst the best prehistoric paintings in the world.
Altamira Caves guide
Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar is perhaps the highlight of a visit to this part of Spain. It is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.
Santillana del Mar guide
Llanes
Llanes is an excellent seaside town on a rugged stretch of coast and with the Picos de Europa providing a backdrop.
Llanes guide
Barcena Mayor
Barcena Mayor is a picturesque village with lots of the typically balconied houses of the region. Situated in the Cabuerniga Valley.
Barcena Mayor guide