El Club · Potes

The La Hermida Hot Springs are a natural site featuring hyperthermal chloride-sodium waters that spring spontaneously from the bed of the Deva River, within the La Hermida Gorge, in the municipality of Potes, Cantabria. The spring, associated with an east-west-trending geological fault that brings Carboniferous limestones into contact with Permian-Triassic terrigenous materials, reaches maximum temperatures of nearly 60 °C at the point of emergence, gradually decreasing until it mixes with the cold river water (approximately 17.6 °C). On the left bank, accessible from the road, there are two small pools lined with river stones to prevent mixing with the cold water; they can accommodate between 6 and 8 people lying down. From the viewing point, one can observe the contrast between the hot water flowing alongside the rock face and the rugged landscape of the gorge, with the bridge leading to the La Hermida Spa located just above. The site is known for being freely accessible to the public and heavily visited, especially in summer, and is cited in nature tourism guides as an example of a free hot spring in the heart of the mountains. The best time to visit is from May to September, avoiding days when the river is in high flood, as the pools may temporarily disappear.

The Torre del Infantado is a medieval castle or defensive tower located in Potes, in the Liébana region of Cantabria. It is situated in the town center, with coordinates near 43.15416, -4.62350, and is one of the most representative monuments of the town’s historic civil architecture. Its construction dates back to the 14th century, although some sources link it to the Linajes de la Lama family and, later, to Don Tello, Lord of Liébana. It later passed to the House of Mendoza, associated with the Marquis of Santillana and the Duchy of Infantado, from which it derives its current name. In the 16th century, an Italianate-style renovation associated with the Dukes of Infantado is documented. Architecturally, it is a square-plan fortification with several sections, a rooftop terrace, and defensive features at the corners. It is constructed primarily of rough ashlar, with ashlar reinforcements at the corners and openings. It retains a distinctive appearance marked by its crenellated walls and the stately tower-house that made it a symbol of noble power in Liébana. It is currently designated a Site of Cultural Interest and houses municipal offices and exhibition spaces. Following its restoration, it was opened to the public with an exhibition dedicated to Beato de Liébana, reinforcing its role as a premier heritage and tourist attraction in Potes.