San Vicente de la Barquera

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Coastal village in Cantabria, San Vicente de la Barquera; Shutterstock ID 184874918; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 56100; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Cantabria homepage

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Overview

The fishing port of San Vicente de la Barquera, the final town on the western Cantabrian coast before you enter Asturias, sits handsomely on a point of land between two long inlets, backed by dramatic Picos de Europa mountainscapes. Together with Santander, Laredo and Castro Urdiales, it was one of the Cuatro Villas de la Costa, a federation of four dominant medieval ports that was converted into the province of Cantabria in 1779. The long sandy beaches east of town make it a busy summer spot.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

El Soplao

San Vicente de la Barquera

This extensive 20km cave system, exploited as a lead and zinc mine before 1979, makes for a popular outing inland from San Vicente. The one-hour visit…

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles

San Vicente de la Barquera

San Vicente’s outstanding monument is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, commissioned by Alfonso VIII in 1210. Though mostly Gothic, it sports…

Castillo del Rey

San Vicente de la Barquera

San Vicente’s 13th-century castle, one of Cantabria’s best preserved, rises near the top of the old part of town. Sights inside are limited, and exhibits…

Playas del Rosal & de Merón

San Vicente de la Barquera

Along the coast east of town, these two beautiful beaches are basically one broad, 4km-long golden strand. Merón gets surf, while El Rosal (the western…