Climbing Monte Castillo

MONTE CASTILLO

This circular route starts at the Plaza Mayor in Santillana del Mar, from where we will walk along Avenida Le Dorat toward Torrelavega until we reach the bus terminal. From there, we will head to El Cotero, located southeast of the town, and on to Pico Vispieres or Castillo.

The route is marked by spectacular panoramic views of the central coast of Cantabria, as well as the town of Santillana del Mar and the interior of the Besaya Valley. At the summit, which reaches an altitude of 229 meters, there is an archaeological site of great interest: the remains of an ancient medieval fortress, the Castle of Vispieres. The earliest mention of this site comes from Gaius Plinius Secundus (23–79 AD), who refers to a Cantabrian hill fort.

To reach the starting point, head toward Vispieres, where the 17th-century San Jorge Chapel is located. Next, head toward Herrán, where the 14th-century San Sebastián Chapel stands out.

Once you have passed through Herrán and followed the signs, you will reach the starting point.