A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

San Vicente de la Barquera: A Hidden Treasure on the Cantabrian Coast

Place Description

San Vicente de la Barquera is a picturesque town located on the western coast of Cantabria, Spain. This charming fishing village is famous for its impressive historical heritage, rich cuisine, and stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa. With its breathtaking natural landscape and tranquil atmosphere, San Vicente de la Barquera is a perfect destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy Spain's natural beauty.

Tourist Interests

Historical Heritage

San Vicente de la Barquera boasts a rich historical heritage reflected in its numerous monuments and old buildings. Among them stands out the Castillo del Rey, a 13th-century medieval fortress offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea. Another place of interest is the Church of Santa María de los Ángeles, an impressive Gothic building that houses a valuable Plateresque altarpiece.

Cuisine

Cuisine is one of the major attractions of San Vicente de la Barquera. Fresh seafood is the star of most dishes, highlighting clams, barnacles, and spider crabs. In addition, you cannot miss trying the famous Cocido Montañés, a traditional dish of the region made with beans, pork meat, and cabbage.

Nature and Beaches

San Vicente de la Barquera is surrounded by a stunning natural landscape that includes white sandy beaches, steep cliffs, and green mountains. The beaches of Merón and Oyambre are perfect for sunbathing and water sports such as surfing. In addition, the Oyambre Natural Park, located a few kilometers from the city, is an ideal place for hiking and observing local wildlife.

Cultural Events

Throughout the year, San Vicente de la Barquera hosts numerous cultural events that attract visitors from all over. Among them stands out the Fiesta de la Folía, a traditional celebration that takes place in April and includes maritime processions, folk music, and popular dances.

Surroundings

The surroundings of San Vicente de la Barquera also offer numerous options for tourists. You can visit the nearby Comillas, a town famous for its modernist buildings, or take a trip to the Picos de Europa, an impressive national park that offers opportunities for hiking, climbing, and wildlife observation.

Gastronomic Products of San Vicente de la Barquera

Seafood and Fish from the Cantabrian Sea

San Vicente de la Barquera is famous for its rich offer of seafood and fresh fish from the Cantabrian Sea. Local restaurants offer a variety of dishes made with seafood, such as clams, spider crabs, European spider crabs, sea bass, and hake. These products are caught daily and served fresh, guaranteeing their quality and flavor.
Cantabria Cream Cheese

This cheese is one of the most emblematic products of the region. It is made with cow's milk and has a creamy texture and a mild and slightly acidic flavor. It is perfect to accompany with bread, fruits, or jams. In San Vicente de la Barquera, you can find several shops and markets where to buy this delicious cheese.
Sobaos Pasiegos

The Sobaos Pasiegos are a typical sweet from Cantabria that can be enjoyed in San Vicente de la Barquera. These fluffy cakes are made with butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, and have a sweet flavor and a very soft texture. They are perfect for breakfast or snack, accompanied by a coffee or a glass of milk.

Outstanding Gastronomic Places in San Vicente de la Barquera

San Vicente de la Barquera is a privileged place for food lovers. The quality of its seafood, combined with the culinary tradition of Cantabria, make this town a top-level gastronomic destination. Here we present some of the most outstanding places:

El Retiro Restaurant

This restaurant is one of the most emblematic of San Vicente de la Barquera. Overlooking the sea and the Picos de Europa, El Retiro offers a menu based on Cantabrian Sea products, with specialties such as seafood and grilled fish. Its value for money is excellent and the customer service is unbeatable.

Taberna de Los Infantes

Located in the old town of the city, Taberna de Los Infantes is a charming place where you can enjoy traditional Cantabrian cuisine. Its star dishes are squid rings, baby squid in its ink and Asturian fabada. In addition, it has a wide selection of wines to accompany your dishes.

Annua Restaurant

If you are looking for a high cuisine gastronomic experience, Annua Restaurant is your place. With two Michelin stars, this restaurant offers an innovative and avant-garde culinary proposal, without losing sight of tradition and local products. Its tasting menu is a true experience for the senses.

Casa Vicente Seafood Restaurant

For seafood lovers, Casa Vicente Seafood Restaurant is a must stop. This establishment, with more than 50 years of history, is famous for the quality and freshness of its products. Lobsters, spider crabs, oysters, clams... all freshly brought from the Cantabrian Sea and prepared with the utmost respect for the product.

Sporting Activities in San Vicente de la Barquera

Surfing

San Vicente de la Barquera is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Spain. With several beaches offering excellent surfing conditions, both beginners and experts can enjoy this sport here.

Hiking

The area around San Vicente de la Barquera offers numerous hiking trails. You can explore the beautiful coastline, the green meadows, and the nearby mountains.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity in San Vicente de la Barquera, both in the sea and in the nearby rivers. You can rent a boat and fishing gear, or join a guided fishing tour.

Golf

If you like golf, you can visit the Santa Marina golf course, which offers stunning views of the sea and the Picos de Europa mountains.

Horseback Riding

Explore the beautiful landscape of Cantabria on horseback. There are several companies that offer horseback rides for all levels of experience.

Places near San Vicente de la Barquera

If you are in San Vicente de la Barquera and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Comillas

Comillas, an architectural gem in Cantabria, Spain, is famous for its modernist buildings and its impressive university. Visitors can enjoy the rich local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and traditional Cantabrian dishes.

Santillana del Mar

Santillana del Mar, in Cantabria, is a charming medieval village, famous for its cobblestone streets, historical architecture, and the Altamira Cave. Its local cuisine stands out, with delights such as the mountain stew and the Pasiegos sponge cakes.

Potes

Potes, a charming village in Cantabria, Spain, is famous for its impressive medieval architecture and its delicious cuisine. Don't miss the traditional Lebaniego stew and the local orujo, while you enjoy the stunning views of the Picos de Europa.