Fiesta del Orujo

Orujo has been distilled in the mountain valleys of Liébana for generations, using the leftover grape skins, stems and seeds (the pomace) from local winemaking — a way of wasting nothing from the harvest in a region where growing conditions never rivalled the great wine regions further south. What began as a rural household tradition, distilled in small copper stills passed down through families, grew into a defined local industry and eventually a public festival celebrating it. The Fiesta del Orujo was declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 2012, formal recognition of a tradition that had already defined Potes' identity for far longer.

Treat 13–15 November as the confirmed travel window, then build the day around the current council programme when it becomes available. The celebration traditionally focuses on Liébana orujo, local producers, folklore and gastronomy, but specific tastings, workshops, parades and performance times are edition-dependent. Keep meal and return plans flexible until the 2026 timetable is published, and never assume that an activity listed for 2025 will repeat at the same time.

Potes has no airport of its own; the nearest is Santander (Seve Ballesteros), around 1.5 hours away by road. There is no train service to Potes — a car or regional bus from Santander is the practical way in, and a car is genuinely useful for exploring the surrounding Picos de Europa once there.

• Use the Potes Town Council announcement as the date source and check later municipal updates for the detailed programme.
• Book a cancellable stay after checking options across Cantabria; Potes has limited capacity during major weekends.
• Plan a designated driver or confirmed public-transport return before tasting spirits.
• Bring warm, rain-ready layers for outdoor time in Liébana in November.