Prepare your trip to Liébana
Essential questions to enjoy Liébana
How to get there?
Liébana is a mountain valley framed by mountains and is only accessible by three spectacular scenic roads. It is like an island that can only be reached by three accesses, each one more beautiful.
The main access from the north is the national road N-621 that runs through the gorge of La Hermida, which with its 21 km is one of the longest and deepest in Spain. From La Hermida you can access Bejes entering the National Park of Picos de Europa, and the high area of Peñarrubia to enjoy the ravines of Cicera or the mythological route of Monte Hozanco and the viewpoint of Santa Catalina elevated above the gorge of La Hermida.
From the south, Liébana has a spectacular entrance by the local road CA 184 from the neighboring natural park of Montaña Palentina. From the Piedras Luengas viewpoint, a tapestry of forests unfolds, interrupted only by some brañas with their wintering grounds, and by the limestone teeth that anticipate the wall of Picos de Europa.
From the west, the national road N-621 connects Riaño with Potes through the Puerto de San Glorio, with one of the most outstanding panoramic views of the Cantabrian mountain range, especially in winter, to contemplate all the Picos de Europa, and the highest snow-capped peaks of the Cantabrian mountain range.
When to travel to Liébana?
- In spring to feel the awakening of nature
Liébana becomes a canvas full of life and color. Its rivers and streams roar with force, the meadows recover their bright tone and its forests are dressed in their different shades of green. It is an ideal time to walk through the valleys, stroll through the sunny villages and enjoy the viewpoints. It is an ideal time to enjoy the trails through the sunniest Mediterranean forests and get to know their flora and fauna. Also to enjoy the cultural and religious heritage of Liébana on its most important dates.
- Summer, an invitation to walk the high peaks.
It is the best time to enter Picos de Europa to reach its summits, cross the massif and enjoy its spectacular karstic geomorphology of sinkholes, caves, cliffs, small lakes. The warm and sunny days invite you to get lost in its mountains, to climb imposing peaks, to practice its via ferratas and to cycle routes that cross breathtaking landscapes. Hire the services of active tourism and ecotourism companies to enjoy the experiences they offer and make your hiking, climbing and canyoning safe.
- Autumn, melting pot of colors
It is a must to admire the splendor of its forests. The variety of orientations of its slopes is responsible for the alternating colors of autumn. A range of reds, oranges, browns, ochers, yellows and greens, combines with the gray peaks, blue skies and the border of forest shrubs with their autumnal fruits. It is a paradise for nature photography, and to discover its avifauna. It is also the time for harvesting vines, apple trees, hazelnut trees and walnut trees; and to enjoy the gastronomic fairs, where local traditions come to life. Strolling through the colorful forests and tasting typical products such as pomace, honey or artisan cheeses makes autumn an unforgettable experience that delights the palate and the soul.
- Winter, snowy landscapes and rural warmth.
The gray slopes and peaks are covered in white. Although some mountain routes may be closed, others can be snowshoed and cross-country skied. It is a good time to enjoy the rural lodgings, visit the villages with their smoking fireplaces and savor the local gastronomy. Potes offers events to enjoy its cultural life.
- Accommodations with a rural flavor.
Whether in cozy rural houses, small mountain hotels or under the stars in the park's campsites, accommodation in the Liébana region complements the connection with nature. Enjoy the silence at night while the majesty of the Picos de Europa surrounds you.
- The gastronomy of Liébana:
A region of gastronomic excellence, which has three protected designations of origin: Quesucos de Liébana, Picón Bejes- Tresviso and Miel de Liébana; as well as a protected geographical indication, Vinos de la Tierra de Liébana, all of them products with European quality seals that mark the culinary differentiation of this region.
Among the recipes you must try the cocido lebaniego, the quesucos, the borono (a type of black pudding) with apple, the veal of Liébana, the kid, the corn cakes, the mountain tea with orujo and honey, the cream of orujo, the cheese cakes, the tomatoes, the red fruits, the onions of Bedoya and the breads made in a wood oven. There is no lack of cider, and the wines are getting better and better and they have even dared to make gin.
What can't I forget?
- Tips for Visitors: live Nature with Respect.
Before entering this paradise, be prepared for the most demanding routes and always wear warm clothes and sun protection. Always respect the environment, follow the marked trails and keep this place as magical as you found it. If you are going to make mountain routes, check the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothing. It is recommended to carry a backpack with water and some food, as well as warm clothes.
Can I travel on my own or better with a guide?
In Liébana there is a great variety of trails, viewpoints, routes and places that can be visited on your own. But to enjoy and get to know Liébana better, we recommend at least some essential guided tours to have unforgettable experiences. With professional guides you will be able to go through the high mountain and enjoy the via ferrata safely. The active tourism companies offer you from a tandem paragliding flight, to a canyoning descent or a horseback riding route.
With ecotourism companies you can observe and photograph wildlife through photographic hides, learn about the geology and flora of high mountains with off-road vehicle routes. Get to know the living rural heritage through experiences to taste honey, cheeses and wines, learn about wool craftsmanship or the work of the shepherds of the high mountain.
How many days do I need to visit Liébana?
It is a quite extensive and mountainous region. To know the cultural and natural heritage is recommended at least a week. Weekend visits are only enough to get to know Potes and make the popular visit to Fuente Dé.