San Vicente de la Barquera: Things to See, Beaches, Villages and History
San Vicente de la Barquera brings together, within a compact area, some of Cantabria’s most recognisable landscapes: a medieval town perched above two estuaries, a harbour that retains its seafaring character, long beaches open to the Cantabrian Sea and, on clear days, the Picos de Europa rising on the horizon. The municipality lies in the Western Coast district, about 60 kilometres from Santander, and borders Valdáliga (Spanish) ES, Herrerías (Spanish) ES, Val de San Vicente (Spanish) ES.
It is more than a photo stop. The Puebla Vieja, or old town, takes you through centuries of history between the Castle of the King and the Church of Santa María de los Ángeles. The harbour recalls the town’s close ties to fishing, the Camino de Santiago crosses the municipality, and Oyambre Natural Park protects estuaries, marshes, dunes, beaches, cliffs and meadows of exceptional environmental value.
This guide brings together things to see and do across San Vicente de la Barquera, both in the town and its eight rural settlements. It also covers walking routes, beaches, viewpoints, history, festivals, food and ideas for planning a one-, two- or three-day visit.
