San Vicente de la Barquera Tourist Office

The San Vicente de la Barquera Tourist Office is on the ground floor of the Cantón mansion, in Plaza del Cantón, in the centre of the town. It is one of the few offices on the coast that open 365 days a year, so it is useful on a winter Sunday or a public holiday too. It is the first stop for picking up a map, the monuments' opening times and information on routes and beaches.

Opening times by season

• Low season (January, February, November and December): Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 16:30, with no midday closure; Sundays, 10:30 to 14:00.
• Mid season (March to June and October): Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 19:00; Sundays, 10:30 to 14:00.
• High season (July, August and September): every day, 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00.

Phone 942 710 797 or email [email protected].

What to ask

First, the opening times of the Castillo del Rey, which are published at the office, and of the church of Santa María de los Ángeles, at the top of the Puebla Vieja. The two visits link up well with the walk around the Puebla Vieja, through the Puerta del Mar, the walls and Calle Alta.

If you like walking, ask about the Yellow Bird trail, along the coast of the Oyambre Natural Park, which is done at low tide, and about the Rubín marsh, for watching birds. For both of these, the day's tide table is what matters.

San Vicente is also on the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago and the starting point of the Camino Lebaniego, which climbs towards Santo Toribio de Liébana. If you plan to do it, ask at the office about the pilgrim credential, the stages and the hostels.

Beach and water

In summer, Merón beach, with more than three kilometres of sand facing the Oyambre Natural Park, is the one that draws the most people. If you want to try something on the water, look at the surf lesson at Merón or paddle surfing on the estuary.

Getting there

The office is a few minutes' walk from the bus station, on Avenida Miramar. If you come by car, leave it outside the old town, because the streets of the Puebla Vieja are narrow and steep.

For a meal afterwards, in the centre you have Sotavento, with seafaring cooking, and Las Redes, beside the old quay, with a terrace under the arcades.