Santander: Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour

If you’re looking to combine natural beauty, historical significance, and authentic Spanish village charm in one day, this tour from Santander hits the mark. For around $102 per person, you get a nine-hour journey that takes you through spectacular mountain scenery, a sacred monastery, and the picturesque town of Potes. Led by friendly guides (with many reviewers praising their knowledge and enthusiasm), this trip promises a memorable escape into the heart of Spain’s northern landscapes.

What we love about this tour is how it balances nature and culture. First, the visit to Santo Toribio Monastery is deeply meaningful—it’s home to the Lignum Crucis, a relic believed to be part of Jesus’s cross, making it a highlight for history and faith enthusiasts. Second, the opportunity to ascend the Fuente Dé cable car to over 1,800 meters provides jaw-dropping views of the Picos de Europa, which are nothing short of spectacular on a clear day. However, a potential consideration is that the trip involves long drives—about 100 km each way—which could feel slow or tiring if you’re eager to explore more at each stop.

This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive day out that combines sightseeing, nature, and a touch of spirituality—all within a manageable group size. If you’re someone who appreciates guided stories, easy logistics, and flexible options like horse riding or taking in panoramic vistas, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Spectacular scenery: Experience breathtaking views from the Fuente Dé cable car and scenic drives through the Hermida Gorge.
• Historical interest: Visit the Santo Toribio Monastery, housing a significant Christian relic, ideal for history buffs.
• Charming village: Explore Potes, with its cobbled streets, medieval towers, and authentic local atmosphere.
• Flexible options: Enjoy optional activities like horseback riding or riding the cable car to enhance your day.
• Comfortable transportation: Small-group tours in a cozy minivan make the long drive more pleasant.
• Authentic experience: Guides provide insightful commentary in both English and Spanish, enhancing your understanding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day: Leaving Santander for Liébana

The day kicks off with a hotel pickup, which means less fuss and more time enjoying the scenery. As we leave Santander behind, the landscape begins to change from urban to lush, mountainous terrain. The drive through Cantabria is a highlight in itself, with many reviewers remarking on the comfort of the minivan and the wealth of information shared by guides like Jairo or Pepe.

One of the first remarkable sights is the Hermida Gorge, a natural marvel and one of Spain’s longest gorges. Crossing it is a visually stunning experience, as steep cliffs and rushing rivers create an almost cinematic backdrop. Reviewers often mention how this drive sets the tone for a day of awe-inspiring scenery.

The Monastery of Santo Toribio

The highlight for many is a visit to Santo Toribio de Liébana, a place of deep religious significance. The monastery houses the Lignum Crucis, a large piece of the cross believed to be part of Jesus’s crucifixion. This stop offers a chance not only to admire the architecture but also to connect with centuries of faith and tradition. Many visitors comment that this stop feels especially meaningful, and guides do a good job of explaining its importance in both Spanish and English.

The monastery itself is quite old, and its quiet, contemplative atmosphere provides a contrast to the mountain vistas ahead. For those interested in history and spirituality, this is a true highlight.

Fuente Dé and the Cable Car Experience

Next up is Fuente Dé, home to the cable car station that whisks you up to 1,823 meters above sea level in just four minutes. Sitting comfortably in the cable car with panoramic windows, you’ll marvel at the vast mountain landscape stretching below. Many reviews highlight the breathtaking views and the sense of standing on top of the world.

In the off-season, tickets for the cable car cost around €17, but during high season, they rise to about €20. The activity provider recommends purchasing these tickets in advance, especially if you want to guarantee a ride—something many reviewers appreciated. Keep in mind, if the weather is cloudy or foggy, the views might be limited, which is worth considering if clear vistas are a priority.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, there’s also the option to go horseback riding around Fuente Dé, which many reviewers say adds a fun, authentic touch to the trip. The horses are available in summer months, and if you love animals or want a more active experience, it’s well worth considering.

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Lunch and Free Time in Potes

After descending from the mountains, the tour concludes with a visit to Potes, often described as one of Spain’s most charming towns. Cobblestone streets, medieval towers like the Torre del Infantado, and quaint shops make it a delight to explore. Many visitors mention that Potes feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved architecture and lively local atmosphere.

You’ll have ample free time here for a lunch, whether at a cozy café or a tapas bar, and for shopping. Many reviews praise the town’s delicious local food and friendly shops, making it a perfect spot to relax before heading back.

Long Drive and Overall Pacing

The drive to the mountains and back is about 100 km each way, which can seem long, but the comfortable minibuses and engaging guides help pass the time. Reviewers often mention that the drivers are skilled and cautious, even on narrow mountain roads, and that the journey is part of the overall experience.

Some travelers note that the timing at Fuente Dé can feel a bit rushed—only about 1.5 hours to enjoy the cable car and the views—which might not be enough for some. If you’re eager to spend more time in Potes or want to explore other nearby villages, this could be a slight drawback. Still, most feel the itinerary is well-paced for a single day.

Engagement and Guides

Guide quality receives high praise in reviews. Names like Maria, Jairo, or Mika are associated with friendly, knowledgeable commentary that enhances the trip—whether explaining the religious significance of Santo Toribio or pointing out hidden natural gems. Many reviews mention how guides go above and beyond, responding to questions in both Spanish and English, and making the entire experience more personal and memorable.

The Value Proposition

At $102, this tour offers excellent value considering the variety of experiences packed into one day. The inclusion of hotel transfers, transport in a small group, and guided commentary means you’re not left to navigate alone or worry about logistics. Optional activities like horseback riding or cable car rides add more fun and memorable moments—though they come at an extra cost.

What stands out most is that this trip isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about experiencing Spain’s natural grandeur and cultural depth in a relaxed, friendly setting. With many travelers commenting on the stunning landscapes and insightful guides, it’s clear that this tour delivers a well-rounded, enriching day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you want a comprehensive day of sightseeing with minimal hassle. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy nature and history, but perhaps don’t want to spend days hiking or driving themselves. The mix of scenic vistas, cultural highlights, and charming villages makes it suitable for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those simply looking for a memorable day out. If you appreciate small groups and personalized attention, you’ll find this tour more intimate and engaging—many reviews mention the friendly guides and the manageable group sizes.

However, if you’re looking to spend more time at each stop or prefer very flexible itineraries, this may feel somewhat rushed, especially at Fuente Dé. Also, those with mobility issues should note that the tour involves some walking on cobbled streets and possibly limited accessibility at certain sites.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most age groups, but keep in mind the walking involved in exploring Potes and the cable car ride, which might be less suitable for very young children or those with mobility concerns.

Are the cable car tickets included in the price?
No, the cable car tickets are paid separately—€17 in low season, €20 in high season—and need to be purchased in advance. The activity provider will contact you to confirm if you want to book this.

Can I do horseback riding during this tour?
Horseback riding is available in summer months as an optional activity during your free time at Fuente Dé, costing around €30 for an hour. It needs to be booked in advance through the tour provider.

How long is the drive from Santander?
The drive to Liébana is about 100 km each way. While it’s a long journey, most travelers find the comfortable minivans and engaging guides make it enjoyable.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, especially if you plan to take the cable car or walk around Potes. Weather can be variable in the mountains.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there’s ample time in Potes for lunch, and many reviewers recommend trying local tapas and mountain foods.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Santander offers a well-balanced mix of spectacular scenery, cultural sights, and charming villages, all with the convenience of guided logistics. Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, breathtaking views, and good value for money, making it a solid choice for those who want to pack a lot into one day without the stress of self-driving.

If you’re eager to see the majestic Picos de Europa and experience a spiritual highlight at Santo Toribio, this trip delivers. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate small-group tours with a personal touch, and if you’re comfortable with a full day of travel that’s well-paced and thoughtfully organized.

For those who want a taste of mountain adventure, cultural discovery, and local charm, this tour hits all the right notes—and leaves you with plenty of stories and photos to cherish afterward.

You can check availability for your dates here: