Modern mountain hotel (3*)
The Parador de Fuente Dé, a comfortable modern mountain refuge some 90 km southwest of Santander, is stunningly situated in the heart of the Picos de Europa, in the spectacular Cirque of Fuente Dé, the source of the River Deva – hence the name of the hotel: Río Deva.
The Parador is surrounded by meadows, wooded slopes and soaring, rocky peaks, and is located at the foot of the cable car leading up to the magnificent Áliva viewpoint, at the end of the road. A return trip up the cable car is recommended to enjoy the highest views of the Picos and trails can be followed to walk down if you fancy building up your appetite. The interior design of the hotel is modern and the extensive use of wood together with the leather furniture combine to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is complemented by the spacious and comfortable bedrooms, decorated in a warm colour palette with lots of light. The majority of the Parador’s bedrooms have excellent views of the surrounding balconies and some even have a small enclosed balcony.
Fuente Dé’s Parador is the perfect place for a tranquil retreat away from the stresses of everyday life where guests can relax and enjoy the stunning views. Or for those who enjoy the more energetic activities associated with the mountains – hiking, mountain biking, parapenting are all at your disposal. Visitors to the Parador de Fuente Dé will also find it an ideal base for exploring the picturesque villages and ancient monasteries of the region.
One of the area's key activities is the cable car, known as the teleférico, and it is a fantastic way to explore the Picos de Europa as it only takes 3 ½ minutes to access the foothills from near to the Parador. Depending on the weather and time of day, as you travel up through the mountains, you can rise up through the clouds below into the bright sunshine above- admiring the beautiful landscape at the peak. Once you are on top of the mountain, there are various walking routes whether you fancy a leisurely stroll or a longer hike. Guests should note that during the high season, the cable car is incredibly popular and there may be long queues. At both the start of the cable car and the finish there is a café for guests to have a break and enjoy a beverage. The cable car is timetable is subject to change but it is normally open from 8.00 to 19:00 during the summer months and you can book both round-trip and one-way tickets.
The Parador de Fuente Dé is located just 23km from Potes, a quiet mountain town in the Liebana valley. Here you will find shops and restaurants selling local produce, a great place to stop before heading further up into the mountains. Another nearby attraction is the Santa María church in Lebeña (26km). This Mozarabic church was built in the 10th century and is known for its distinctive horseshoe arches. It was declared a national monument in 1983 and has since been restored. The local area is also known for its variety of fresh local produce. Meat from the valleys pastures, fresh fish from the nearby Cantabrian Sea, and delicious cheeses made using traditional local methods are among the ingredients used to make up the tasty selection of cuisine here.
Breakfast is served from 8.00 to 11.00.
Lunch is served from 13.30 to 16.00.
Dinner from 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
Cafe/bar is open from 11.00 until 23.30 serving drinks, bar snacks and some lighter dishes.
The Parador is located at the end of the road leading from Potes to Fuente Dé. To reach this road from Santander, follow the A-8 motorway to Unquera. In Unquera, you will exit the A-8 and take the N-621 highway towards 'Potes-Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa', and follow the 'Desfiladero de la Hermida' mountain pass to Potes and Fuente Dé. From Madrid, take the N-1 highway to Burgos, where you will then turn onto the N-623 highway, heading towards Aguilar de Campoo. From Aguilar, take the P-212 road towards Cervera de Pisuerga until you reach Potes and Fuente Dé. The Parador is 135 km from Santander.
Free outdoor parking. Covered parking also available for a daily charge
Part of 'Green Spain', Cantabria has a variety of landscapes to offer from quaint coastal towns, to the peaks of the Picos de Europa and delightful Parador hotels in charming locations.