The municipality of Tresviso is situated at the foot of the Western Massif of the Picos de Europa and is one of the smallest in Cantabria, in terms of both its size and population. It is made up of only one village which, according to figures from 2014, has only 69 inhabitants (National Institute of Statistics). It is 907 m above sea level and 91 km from Santander, the capital city of Cantabria.
Its official name, Tresviso, comes from “tres-visu”, the Cantabrian derivation of the Latin expression trans visum, meaning “behind the hill from which a place begins to be seen”, or trans abyssum, “behind the abyss”. The area has beautiful scenery and is a favourite destination of mountaineers and hikers.
If you plan on getting to Tresviso by car, you’ll need to come from the Asturias region to the north. Head towards Potes until you reach Panes, then follow the signs to Arenas de Cabrales. Once you get there, take the Tielve – Sotres – Tresviso turn-off. The road is being widened and offers spectacular views.
You can also arrive on foot by walking up the spectacular Peña path. From the town of Urdón on the Hermida gorge, follow the 6km trail and climb around 825m until you reach the village. (see the Mountain Routes)