San Vicente de la Barquera – Cades

San Vicente de la Barquera has many attractions. Its church, castle and the remains of its walls are combined with excellent gastronomy, beautiful beaches and spectacular views of the Picos de Europa. Before setting off, don't hesitate to get to know this seaside town in depth.

Back on the Camino Lebaniego, our route will begin next to the church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, in Gothic style, and will allow us to see the remains of the Hospital de la Concepción, a former pilgrims' hospital. At the Puente de la Maza bridge, an essential part of any picture of San Vicente de la Barquera, we leave the village via the Ronda de la Encrucijada street.

Cross the A-8 motorway over an overpass and head towards Serdio, some 8 km away. There are two options: continue on tarmac or follow the official route, a slightly longer but more beautiful route. The stage continues along a mountain track to Muñorrodero. Here the pilgrims heading to Santiago via the Camino del Norte, who should follow the yellow arrows, coincide with the pilgrims heading to Santo Toribio, who should follow the red arrows.

Right in Muñorrodero begins the 8 km long Senda Fluvial del Nansa, which runs through a riverside forest and wooden footbridges. After crossing the river Nansa we continue our route to Cabanzón.

And, again, the pilgrim must choose between two options: follow the official route along a paved track or take a detour along a river path, only practicable in summer, when the river is low. In Cabanzón we will have time to recover our strength and admire its medieval tower before continuing on to our destination: Cades, barely 5 kilometres away.

Cades is in a rural mountain area, bathed by the waters of the river Nansa. In addition to its landscape, the church of San Juan Bautista and the Cades Ironworks complex are of outstanding heritage value.

This former forge is one of the many places where iron ore was processed in the area. After a process of restoration, this complex consists of an emblazoned house, mills, a chapel and the forge itself, which we recommend your visit.