San Vicente Travel Guide

The panoramic town of San Vicente De La Barquera is located in the western part of Cantabria. Although allocated with just a small parcel of land, at around 40 square kilometers, the town is proud of its attractions and jovial festivals all year long. The lush green surrounding is endowed with magnificent sunrises, as if to enlighten the town’s immaculate beauty. The beautiful mornings by the harbor of San Vicente are a delight in itself.

San Vicente of Baquera is seated right in the heart of the beautiful Oyambre Natural Park. The grandeur of Mother Nature is manifested in the town’s warm beaches, lofty cliffs, dainty dunes, grasslands and pristine forests. The diversity of the flora and fauna of the place does not only attract tourists but are of economic importance as well.

Just like most towns in Cantabria, San Vicente of Baquera is a place where fishermen abound. The greeneries give a beautiful background to this historical place. Festivals and gastronomic pleasures are a common treat to the tourists. Artistry and cultural patrimony is a common sight around town.

At present, the economy of the town largely depends on its tourism. More and more communities of the town are converted into tourist attractions, without any effort at all especially since San Vicente of Baquera is a natural beauty. 

Places of Interest 

One of the most important establishments in San Vicente of Barquera is the famous church of Santa Maria of the Angels. It is believed to be built sometime between the 13th and 14th century. This religious abode is crafted as an intermingled character of a gothic dweller. A mighty tower proudly stands just outside of the church and well-crafted Romanica doors guard the interior of the tower. The various altars and chapels’ embellishments are generally that of gothic and baroque origin and were open to funeral rites during its early days. You can also find inside the tower great altar pieces that are of incalculable value. The most significant piece that is buried in this church is the tomb of Inquisitor Antonio. To date, the tomb is considered as one of the most stunning funeral sculptures all throughout Spain.

The Sanctuary of Barquera is also a celebrated monument. The first reference to the town’s famous sanctuary was on the 15th century. The Image of the Virgin of Barquera is a regal piece adorning the church. According to legend, the image was said to have arrived in San Vicente of Barquera aboard an undersized boat without any sailors, crewmen or even rowers. Then on, the tradition began and a celebration of the Folia is held every Sunday, after Tuesday of Passover where locales and visitors commemorate the gift of the beautiful image of the Virgin Lady of Barquera.

An equally important establishment in the town is the Hospital of the Conception. It does not only provide medical assistance to the locales but is also an establishment of historical value. Sometime during the 14th century, this hospital was built and then on gave assistance to travelers on the Way to Chicago, especially when they pass the coastal route.

The Palace of the Group of People stands in its complete grandeur right in the heart of the town. The renaissance place serves as a seat and an abode to the town’s city council. It was instructed to be built by Inquisidor Antonio during the 16th century. Antoniois, a known leader of the Group of People made the palace open to the poor and sick local people. The façade of the palace is an exquisite blend of plateresca and clasicista decorations. Inside the palace is an exceptional pair of shields which are associated with its founder, Antonio.

Another grand place, the Castle of the King, is a symbol of great valor. This castle stands as a strong defense, with its walled enclosure and stalwart pillars. The palace was constructed under the instructions of Alfonso VIII. In the 15th century, with the help of its solicitor general, the possession of the great castle was granted to the locales. Presently, the castle is open to public viewing, a good tourist destination, especially with its remarkable exhibitions of historical and artistic interest.

Festivals 

The National Tourist Interest Celebration is held every Sunday after Easter. The colorful marine parade graces the coastline of the town and numerous boats join in the feast. This has been an old and enjoyable tradition for the people of San Vicente Barquera.

The National Contest of Marine Song is yet another display of the locale’s inherent talent and artistic prowess. The competition is held every first week of July. Aside from the good people of San Vicente de Barquera, participants from all over the world also join the event to display their own brand of rhythm and beat.

The Feast of Saint Carmen is commemorated every July 16 in the port of the town. Displays of fantastic dance presentations highlight the event. Lovely dancers flow with beautiful and colorful costumes, with their liquid-like bodies moving to the upbeat and lively music.

All year long, small festivals in most of the town’s villas are also celebrated. The months of June, July and August are loaded with programs and small carnivals for the event.