San Vicente de la Barquera

San Vicente de la Barquera is one of the most photogenic towns on the Norte — a medieval port on a headland between two estuaries, with the Picos de Europa often visible as a backdrop. The approach across the long bridge, with the old town rising above the marshes, is one of the better arrivals on the entire route.

The old quarter climbs a hillside to the Iglesia de Santa María de los Ángeles, a 13th-century Gothic church containing the tomb of Antonio del Corro — the writer and inquisitor is depicted reclining and reading a book, a posture that has charmed visitors for centuries. Next to the church stands the twin-towered Castillo de San Vicente, whose museum is worth less than the views from its ramparts. Old city walls and a Pilgrim Gate surround the old town.

On the far side of town, across the second bridge, the Santuario de la Barquera is set in gardens that make for a peaceful detour.

Note: this is where the Camino del Norte meets the Camino Lebaniego, which heads south into the Picos de Europa to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana. You'll start seeing red cross waymarks for the Lebaniego — don't follow them unless that's your plan.

The camino bypasses the old town by going straight through the roundabout at the bridge. To see the town, turn right at the roundabout and retrace your steps to continue.