Liébana
The Mediterranean entrance to Picos de Europa
The region of Liébana, surrounded by the Picos de Europa to the north, Peña Sagra to the east and the Cantabrian Mountains to the south and west, is one of the best delimited natural regions. Liébana is the Cantabrian entrance to the Picos de Europa National Park. Its well-preserved natural heritage has made it a destination for the practice of active tourism and ecotourism, supported by its wide range of accommodations.
Hidden among the imposing mountains of the Picos de Europa, southwest of Cantabria, lies Liébana, a region that invites nature and tradition lovers to discover its unique essence. This fascinating enclave stands out for the extraordinary beauty of its landscapes, its rich cultural heritage and its commitment to sustainability, consolidating itself as an unparalleled destination for ecotourism. Here, every corner promises an experience that enchants and leaves an indelible mark in the hearts of those who visit.
Biodiversity in Lebania
Liébana is a sanctuary of biodiversity, where nature unfolds in all its splendor. Its orography and geological variety translates into a combination of cliffs and peaks with rocky outcrops and the most important glacial remains of the Cantabrian Mountains, deep gorges and wider valleys with crystal clear rivers dotted with riparian forests, Atlantic forests (beeches and beeches) and Atlantic forests (beeches and beeches).The rivers of crystalline waters are dotted with riparian forests, Atlantic forests (beech, oak, birch) combined with Mediterranean forests (holm oak, cork oak), alpine pastures with ancestral systems of livestock use. Several areas of Liébana are included in the Catalog of Relevant Landscapes of Cantabria, such as the vineyards of Cillorigo.
Liébana is a mosaic of landscapes that leaves no one indifferent. The majestic Picos de Europa, with its snow-capped peaks, deep gorges and crystal clear lakes, make a perfect setting for adventurers. Whether exploring on foot or by mountain bike, the well-marked trails invite you to explore breathtaking landscapes and experience unforgettable encounters with the local wildlife.
Rural architecture and ancestral traditions
Liébana is not only dazzling for its landscapes; its cultural richness is equally captivating. With 96 villages, every corner tells a story. The rural Cantabrian architecture reflects the system of traditional uses, with stone houses adorned with heraldic coats of arms and flowery balconies, and outbuildings that indicate livestock uses.
Villages such as Potes, the regional capital, invite you to lose yourself in time with its cobbled streets, medieval bridges and ancient Romanesque churches that evoke past times. For gastronomy lovers, the cuisine of Lebania is a true celebration of the flavors of the land. Cocido lebaniego, a hearty dish made with local ingredients, captures the essence of the region and is a culinary experience not to be missed.
The historical and monumental heritage is a further incentive to visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana with its plethora of hermitages, Santa María de Piasca and the church of Lebeña, the medieval town of Potes with its Torre del Infantado, its ancestral homes emblazoned with stone coats of arms, and numerous examples of traditional architecture linked to livestock and agriculture such as the horreos, fulling mills and old mills.
The rural culture is alive in the festivities, the Potes livestock fair, the honey fair, the hunting fair, the Piasca carnival and the various pilgrimages to Picos de Europa and Sierra de Peña Sagra.
Tourism, the economic engine of the region
In Liébana, tourism is lived in a conscious and respectful way. The local community is deeply committed to the protection of its natural environment, promoting sustainable practices that ensure the conservation of this paradise for future generations. Here, enjoying nature means not only admiring it, but also caring for and protecting it. Visitors are invited to participate in experiences that minimize environmental impact, support local economies and contribute to the well-being of the region.