How to get to Desfiladero de La Hermida by car?
Desfiladero de La Hermida is a gorge spanning the Cantabria and Asturias autonomous regions on Spain’s north coast. It’s one of the most scenic canyon roads of Spain.
Why is Desfiladero de La Hermida famous?
gorge stands out due to the verticality of its walls and the narrowing of the valley caused by the erosion of the Deva River. Significant aspects of this landscape include the upper valley of the River Deva and the rock erosion from the river's action. This creates a gorge with steep walls lining the river. Before or after passing through the gorges, which are named after the small town of Hermida, consider stopping at Nuestra Señora de Lebeña to see the Mozarabic church and Potes, a village set against the sharp ridges of the Cordillera centrale.
How long is the road through Desfiladero de La Hermida?
The winding route through Hermida Gorge is the N-621 road. This drive is 27.7 km (17.21 miles) long and runs south-north from Potes (in Cantabria) to Panes (in Asturias). The road is fully paved and features about 175 turns, making it a challenging route for those prone to car sickness.
When was the road through Desfiladero de La Hermida built?
Historically, the gorges were used to transport goods like wood and food. The first road through the gorge was constructed in 1863. Funded by Belgian and French money, it was established to create an access route for mineral transport.