Nansa Valley. A Hidden Treasure

Approximate distance: 50 km

Setting off from La Casona de los Güelitos towards Puente San Miguel, take the A-8 towards Oviedo until you reach Pesués, where this beautiful route begins. From here, the journey will take you through Cades, Rábago, Celis, Puentenansa, Tudanca, and Cruz de Cabezuela.

This route follows the stunning landscapes of the Nansa River Valley, immortalized by the Cantabrian writer José María de Pereda in his novel Peñas Arriba. Along the way, you’ll also find excellent places to enjoy local cuisine, including game meats and the traditional cocido montañés.

The Nansa River, fed by streams from the slopes of Peña Labra and Peña Sagra, winds through breathtaking scenery before reaching its mouth in Pesués, at the Tina Menor Estuary.

The route begins in Pesués, offering impressive views of the estuary, especially from the Alto de Pechón viewpoint. Following the river inland, you’ll arrive at Cades, where an 18th-century ironworks (Ferrería de Cades) has been restored as a museum, showcasing traditional ironworking.

Continuing south, you’ll pass through Rábago and Celis, gateway to the spectacular El Soplao Cave, a geological wonder filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and rare formations. The cave offers both an accessible walkway and a more adventurous caving experience.

The route then crosses Puentenansa, a crossroads between the valleys of Carmona, Cabuérniga, and Lamasón, and continues through Rionansa, Cosío, and San Sebastián de Garabandal, known for its Marian apparitions.

Next, discover Tudanca, a charming village with traditional architecture and a rich cultural heritage, home to a historic library linked to figures such as José María de Pereda, Camilo José Cela, and Manuel Azaña.

The road climbs through winding mountain passes to the upper Nansa Valley, where you’ll find the impressive Cohílla Reservoir, nestled in the Polaciones Valley, a land of strong identity shaped by its nature, history, and traditions.

Finally, near Salceda, on the slopes of Peña Labra, you’ll reach the La Cruz de Cabezuela viewpoint, surrounded by beech and oak forests. From here, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Picos de Europa, the Liébana valleys, and the Cantabrian peaks.

A route full of nature, culture, and authenticity—perfect for discovering one of Cantabria’s best-kept secrets.