Potes, a place surrounded by mountains, has several interesting monuments, such as the Church of San Vicente or the Torre del Infantado, located in its historic centre. It has a very picturesque oldtown with colorful streets and mansions with blazons, which take the visitor to times of yesteryear. Potes offers various activities to do in the city such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing and hunting. One of its typical dishes is lebaniego.
Potes is situated in Cantabria and it is one of the most beautiful places of the entire region. Its flat territory is surrounded by mountains where Medieval battles between the powerful houses of Mendoza and Manrique took place. It has 1.441 inhabitants and its climate is warm and temperate with an annual average temperature of 13ºC. Its capital is situated at the point where the Rivers Deva and Quiviesa meet.
Its history is linked to the House of Marquis of Santillana and his descendants. The old part of Potes was declared as Site of Cultural Interest in 1983. Some of the places worth visiting are the Church of Saint Vincent (San Vicente) or the Gothic church which had only one nave, but which, after having been through several extensions up to the Baroque Age, it now has two naves. The Infantado Tower is considered to be one of the most important constructions and is situated at the historic center of Potes. After a long period of restauration, this Tower hosts several exhibitions of whom the most outstanding is the one decidated to Beato of Liebana. The old part of Potes also preserves its historic neighborhoods, where the enchanting narrow streets and traditional houses decorated with heraldic shields allow the visitors to reminisce moments of past history.
Potes and the entire region around offer other alternatives of entertainment, such as sports and natural activities. They faciliate the practice of activities such as trekking, mount-bike-riding, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing and many others.
Its cuisine is varied and that is why in Potes there is a considerable number of restaurants of all styles and categories where a great variety of dishes can be tasted, such as the local stew (cocido) which includes the typical chickpeas of the area (small and tender), cecina-cured meat or meat and collard greens. Potes is predominantly a cattle breeder area. That is why meat is a very important ingredient of the local dishes. The fish of the river, such as trouts, are also ingredients for local recipes. Its home-made desserts, such as the “frisuelos”, the “canónigos” and the typical “sequillos” of Potes are also exquisite.
The festivities of the patron saint Martyr Saint Vincent (San Vicente Mártir) and the ones of the Most Sacred Cross are the most popular ones, with deep roots in the village. They take place in September. The great violinist Jesus de Monasterio is native of Potes.
