Polientes lies at an altitude of 716 metres on the left bank of the Ebro. For a stay, the village combines buildings from several centuries with riverside scenery and trails that can be explored on foot or by bike. Culture and nature therefore offer distinct points of interest.
Architecture and history in the valley
On Plaza de la Olmeda, the square and its buildings date from the late 19th century to the 1920s. The Casona del General José Casado was built as early as 1856 and stands opposite the parish church. The church dates from the 18th century and is dedicated to Saint San Cristóbal. These dates offer different perspectives on Polientes’ architectural history. At the edge of the village on the road towards Ruijas, you’ll also find the humilladero de las ánimas.
The Museo Etnografico Valderredible also focuses on the history of the valley. It is housed in a renovated three-storey building. The self-guided tour combines explanatory panels with objects to discover along the way; the information is also translated into English. Visits are arranged by prior request. Confirm the date before you arrive.
Riverside scenery and trails
In the Ebro area around Polientes, the landscape is shaped by riverside forests of poplars and alders, meadows and cultivated fields. North of Polientes, by contrast, the landscape is defined by stands of Quercus pyrenaica and planted pine forests. This contrast reveals two distinct aspects of the surroundings: the riverside area with its bankside forests and open farmland, and the wooded landscape north of the village.
There are several specific reference points to help you choose a route. The Paseo Polientes Arroyo Troncos (PR-S 37) starts at Plaza de Valderredible, in front of the town hall, and can be explored on foot or by bike. Los Pueblos Matorrizos is a circular route for which Polientes is recommended as both the start and end point. Stage 3, Villanueva de la NĂa–Polientes, takes a different course: it reaches Polientes after crossing the Ebro at the Rocamundo bridge. Check the conditions for the circular route locally.
Environmental education and planning your visit
The Centro de Educación Ambiental in Polientes develops educational, research, participation and nature-based recreation projects. Its 100,000 m² grounds include a botanical park, classrooms, workshops and a laboratory. Its offerings include environmental education programmes for school students and summer camps. If you’re planning a programme or visit that includes particular facilities, check their availability in advance.
San Isidro, on 15 May, is one of the annual festivals. It includes a procession, a food and handicrafts market, and a decorated tractor competition. DĂa de Valderredible takes place on the first weekend of August and is accompanied by a week of cultural and leisure events. Check the programme for the relevant year when planning your travel dates.
Getting there and finding your way around
On the route towards Santander, the CA-272 from Puerto de Pozazal and the CA-274 from Puerto de Carrales are considered natural exits from the valley. Check road conditions before setting out. The Oficina de turismo provides information at municipal and regional level about accommodation, food, activities and sights. This can also be useful if you’d like to explore options elsewhere in Valderredible as well as in Polientes.
Discover more destinations: San MartĂn De Elines.
Return to the main travel guide: Valderredible.
