Free walking tours in Selaya and what to see

Must-sees

Selaya is the main village of the Carriedo valley, in Cantabria's Pasiego Valleys, and the name many people associate with sobaos, buttery sponge cakes, and quesadas, a local cheesecake. The centre can be seen in a short stroll. The 17th-century church of San Juan Bautista holds several Baroque altarpieces, and on the Plaza de la Colina stands the Palacio de Donadío, which wraps around a defensive tower of medieval origin. Close by is the heraldic column, covered in coats of arms of local families.

On the outskirts is the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Valvanuz, patron saint of the valley, with a small medieval figure of the Virgin. The Museum of the Pasiega Wet Nurses tells a curious story: that of the valley's women who went to the city to nurse the children of wealthy families. The landscape of meadows, stone huts and low hills invites walks in the surroundings.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Selaya. The best-known activity is a visit to a museum devoted to the Pasiego sobao, where they explain how it's made and you finish with a tasting. The rest you can see on your own, as the village is small and well signposted. If you're staying in Santander, Selaya makes a good day trip combined with Vega de Pas or other villages in the valley.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the centre, the sanctuary and the wet nurses museum. If you add the sobao visit, a relaxed lunch and a short walk in the valley, allow the whole day. With two days you can also explore the Pasiego Valleys at leisure, drive up to Vega de Pas and return over the mountain passes, stopping at the viewpoints.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to stay in Selaya itself or in the nearby hamlets of the Carriedo valley, where there are rural houses and inns in stone mansions. From there the bakeries and the Pasiego Valleys trails are close at hand. Accommodation is limited in summer and on long weekends, so it's best to book. If you can't find a room, Villacarriedo, a step away, or the Sarón area have more alternatives.