Free walking tours in Reinosa and what to see

Must-sees

Reinosa is the capital of the Campoo district, in southern Cantabria, on the banks of the Ebro. Highlights in the centre are the Baroque church of San Sebastián, several mansions with coats of arms and the bridge over the river. It's a quiet town, good as a base for exploring a mountain area rich in heritage. In September it holds its San Mateo fiestas, the most popular in the area.

Very close is Fontibre, where the source of the Ebro lies, with an easy walk by the spring. To the south are the Roman ruins of Julióbriga, in Retortillo, and the Romanesque collegiate church of San Pedro de Cervatos, known for its carved corbels. In winter, the Alto Campoo ski resort draws skiers, and the Ebro reservoir offers walks and birdwatching.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-like free walking tours are rare in Reinosa. Guided visits to the area's heritage, such as Julióbriga or the collegiate church of Cervatos, which often have guides in season, are the norm. Tours along the Romanesque route of Campoo and Valderredible, with churches carved into the rock, also work well. For nature, there are guided hikes to the Tres Mares peak and outings around the reservoir.

How long to spend

You can see Reinosa's centre in two or three hours. With a full day you can add Fontibre and Julióbriga. If you have two or three days, spend one on the Romanesque of Cervatos and Valderredible and another in the mountains, whether skiing at Alto Campoo in winter or hiking in summer.

Where to stay

The most practical option is to stay in central Reinosa, near Calle Mayor and the train station, with restaurants and shops to hand. If you want countryside and are driving, the villages near the reservoir or in the Campoo valley have rural houses. For skiing, there's accommodation closer to Alto Campoo, in Brañavieja.