The area of Liébana, located in the western limit of Cantabria, is formed by four main valleys which converge on the town of Potes, capital of the region and whose market has been a meeting point for the inhabitants of the region throughout the centuries.

Liébana is completely surrounded by high peaks, almost all of which exceed 2000 metres and reaches the maximum expression of its rugged and beautiful landscape in the National Park of the Picos de Europa. It is not easy to define the natural and cultural heritage it possesses. Above all its mountains covered by beech and oak forests which grow side by side with the more Mediterranean holm oaks and cork oaks. For wildlife the Picos are the last reserve of some of the most endangered species in the Iberian Peninsula such as the brown bear and the capercaillie, along with more abundant species such as chamois, wolves, wild boar, deer, and also various birds of prey.

Just 3 km from Potes we find, hidden in a small valley, the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, home of the “Lignum Crucis”, considered to be the largest fragment of the Cross. Santo Toribio shares with Rome, Jerusalemn and Santiago de Compostela the privilege of celebrating the Año Jubilar (no sé cómo se dice esto). This is celebrated when the festivity of the Saint – 16th April – falls on a Sunday.

Lerones, like all the local villages, is a living museum of popular culture. One only needs to walk around the village and see the traditional farming and working tools  inside the houses and stables.

The Mediterranean microclimate of Liébana gives rise to a great gastronomic variety where the local cocido lebaniego – a chick pea stew – stands out. One can also sample the local game along with salmon and trout from the River Deva. Special mention is to be made of its cheeses, many are only made in this area as is the case with the blue cheese of Bejes and Tresviso.

The local orujo – a strong spirit – is also well known and is made from the produce of the local vineyards which thrive in the local microclimate.

The most typical local festivities are:

2^nd May – Procession of the “Santuca” the patron of Liébana

15^th August - Nuestra Señora de Valmayor en  Potes

14^th September – popular fiestas of the Cruz in Potes

2^nd November – All Saints’ Day Fair in Potes.             

ACTIVIDADES

The smal village of Lerones is located in the heart of the Picos de Europa, 5 minutes from Potes on the way to Piedras Luengas Pass, where all the farming customs of Liébana are kept alive.

 Exceptional enclave for a rest and extraordinary scene for the practice of a wide range of mountain sports.

 For those who prefer quieter routes, there is a network of short and long distance signaled paths which allow us to discover as we go walking the diverse valleys of Liébana,

 Mountain-biking, horse-riding, 4x4, paragliding, etc. are other alternatives we are offered in the area.