Liébana and its natural surroundings
One of Liébana’s greatest charms is that nature still has a voice of its own here. You do not have to go far to feel it: simply set out along a footpath or look across the valley at dawn and you will discover that this corner of Cantabria is full of life. Many travellers tell us that one of the things that strikes them most is the feeling of being somewhere genuine, where countryside, woodland and wildlife exist side by side with complete naturalness. Today, we invite you to see Liébana through different eyes: the eyes of someone who wants to observe local wildlife, learn from it and be quietly amazed by its presence.
A valley full of sound and movement
At daybreak, the meadows come alive. Sparrows, tits and finches provide the day’s first chorus as cows and sheep head out to pasture. Along the edges of the paths, if you walk quietly, you may spot a red squirrel darting by or a hedgehog making its way towards the woods. In the more open fields, roe deer graze at dawn and dusk, moving elegantly through the long grass. They are one of the symbols of Liébana’s wildlife: discreet, swift and perfectly adapted to their surroundings. If you are lucky, you may hear their distinctive bark on summer days, when males mark their territory. And although harder to spot, foxes, wildcats and even the European badger also live here, leaving their tracks near the streams.
In the air: the kingdom of birds
Liébana’s skies are a delight for bird lovers. Mountains, forests and rocky crags create a rich variety of habitats that attract many species. The most imposing of all is the griffon vulture, circling high above the valleys on rising warm air. Its slow, majestic flight can be admired on almost any day, particularly in open areas such as La Hermida Gorge or around Fuente Dé. But it is far from the only star of the skies. The golden eagle, undisputed queen of the peaks, also lives here. With a little patience and a good pair of binoculars, you may see it patrolling the highest slopes. In spring, Egyptian vultures return from Africa to nest on the rocky cliffs, while kestrels swoop down over the meadows in search of small rodents.
Closer to the woodland, woodpeckers, jays and blackbirds provide the soundtrack to every walk, while white wagtails and kingfishers trace the course of the rivers.
Rivers full of life
The Rivers Deva and Quiviesa, together with their tributaries, are true biodiversity corridors. Brown trout live in their crystal-clear waters and, if the surroundings are calm, the elusive European otter may sometimes appear. Spotting one is not easy, but simply knowing it is there is exciting, a sign of the excellent health of our rivers. Grey herons and mallards are also commonly seen, especially in the broader parts of the valley where the rivers widen and the vegetation offers shelter. Look closely at the stones in the riverbed and you may notice dipterans, dragonflies and other insects that form the basis of this delicate ecological balance. A walk by the river, especially early in the morning or at dusk, is a wonderfully relaxing experience and, with a little luck, may reward you with one of these encounters with the wild. Los ríos Deva, Quiviesa y sus afluentes son auténticos corredores de biodiversidad.
On the peaks: the realm of the chamois
Those who venture into the higher reaches of the Picos de Europa, especially around Fuente Dé or on the routes that climb towards Áliva, may be lucky enough to spot one of the most emblematic animals of the Cantabrian mountains: the chamois. Agile and hardy, it moves across the rocks with astonishing ease. In summer it can be seen grazing in the high mountain meadows; in winter it descends to lower levels in search of food. Watching them through binoculars from the viewpoints is one of the most memorable experiences the national park can offer.
Tips for enjoying and protecting local wildlife
- Set out early or wait until dusk: animals are most active during the coolest hours of the day.
- Move quietly: the best way to see wildlife is not to draw attention to yourself.
- Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens: you will be able to observe without getting too close.
- Respect signs and footpaths: protecting their habitat is essential if this balance is to be maintained.
- Avoid leaving litter or scraps of food behind: even the smallest traces can disturb wildlife.
A place where nature is still alive
In Liébana, wildlife is not something you see only in brochures: it is present everywhere, in the sounds, in tracks left in the mud and in the attentive gaze of the traveller. If you love nature, we encourage you to spend a day observing it at a gentle pace. We can help you choose easy routes for birdwatching, mountain areas where chamois can be spotted, or riverside walks where you can listen to the murmur of the water and discover its more discreet inhabitants. Above all, Liébana is an encounter with life. Come with open eyes, respect and curiosity, and you will take away far more than a photograph: the feeling of having shared a genuine moment with nature
