
Discovering Selaya: The Heart of the Pasiegos Valleys in Cantabria, Spain
Introduction
Selaya is a charming municipality located in the region of the Pasiegos Valleys, in the autonomous community of Cantabria, in the north of Spain. This picturesque place, surrounded by green mountains and meandering rivers, is famous for its rich history, its traditional architecture and its delicious cuisine, especially the Pasiegos sobaos and quesadas.
Historical and Cultural Heritage
The historical heritage of Selaya is vast and varied. The Church of San Sebastian stands out, a late Gothic style building with an impressive Baroque altarpiece. Other places of interest are the Mercadillo Tower, a medieval fortress, and the House of the Hombrones, an 18th century mountain house.
Nature and Landscapes
Selaya is surrounded by a natural environment of great beauty. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking routes through the Pasiegos mountains, such as the Selaya Brañas Route or the Asón Route. They can also visit the Liencres Dunes Natural Park, a short drive away.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of Selaya is famous throughout Cantabria, especially for its Pasiegos sobaos and quesadas. Visitors can taste these delicious products in the numerous bakeries and restaurants in the municipality, or even visit some of the local factories to see how they are made.
Festivals and Events
Selaya celebrates several festivals and events throughout the year. The Sobaos and Quesada Festival, which is celebrated in August and attracts visitors from all over the region, stands out. The patron saint festivals of San Sebastian in January and Holy Week, with its traditional processions, are also popular.
Surroundings
The surroundings of Selaya offer numerous options for tourism. A short distance away are other picturesque Pasiegos municipalities such as Vega de Pas and San Roque de Riomiera. You can also visit the city of Santander, with its beaches, its old town and its lively nightlife.
Gastronomic Products of Selaya
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Quesadas Pasiegas
Selaya is famous for its Quesadas Pasiegas, a traditional dessert from the Cantabria region. This sweet is made with fresh cow's cheese, sugar, butter, flour, and eggs. The mixture is baked until it achieves a soft and creamy texture. Quesadas are a very popular dessert in Selaya and can be found in almost all restaurants and shops in the area.
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Sobaos Pasiegos
Another emblematic gastronomic product of Selaya are the Sobaos Pasiegos. These are fluffy and sweet cakes made with butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. The sobaos are baked until they reach a golden color and are typically served for breakfast or snack. They are so popular that annual competitions are even held to determine who makes the best sobaos in Selaya.
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Dairy Products
Given its livestock tradition, Selaya is also known for the quality of its dairy products. The milk from the local cows is used to make a variety of cheeses, including the fresh cheese used in the quesadas. In addition, the butter produced in Selaya is a key ingredient in many of its traditional dishes, including the sobaos.
Notable Gastronomic Places in Selaya
Selaya, in Cantabria, is a place with a rich culinary tradition. From high-end restaurants to traditional taverns, here we present some of the most notable places to enjoy the gastronomy of Selaya:
Casa Cayo Restaurant
Located in the heart of Selaya, Casa Cayo Restaurant is famous for its traditional Cantabrian cuisine. Here you can enjoy dishes such as the mountain stew, the Pasiego sobaos and the cheesecake. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make this place a perfect option for an unforgettable meal.
El Pasiego Tavern
El Pasiego Tavern is a charming place with good prices. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical dishes of the area, such as the Pasiego sobaos and the mountain stew. In addition, its wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of wines from the region.
El Macho Restaurant
El Macho Restaurant is another of the notable places in Selaya. Known for its excellent Cantabrian cuisine, here you can taste dishes such as roasted lamb, stuffed peppers and Pasiego cheesecake. In addition, the rustic atmosphere and friendly service make this place a perfect option to enjoy an unforgettable meal.
La Pradera Tavern
If you are looking for a charming place with good prices, La Pradera Tavern is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical dishes of the area, such as the Pasiego sobaos and the mountain stew. In addition, its extensive wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of wines from the region.
Sports Activities in Selaya
Hiking
Selaya is an ideal place for hiking enthusiasts. You can explore routes like the Pas, which will take you through beautiful landscapes of mountains and valleys.


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Mountain Biking
The geography of Selaya is perfect for mountain biking. There are numerous routes you can follow, some of which will take you through the impressive Picos de Europa.


Descubre el camino menos transitado con la JANSNO Bicicleta Eléctrica 20" x 4.0 Fat Tire, tu pasaporte a la aventura sin límites. Equipada con Shimano 7 velocidades y frenos de disco mecánicos delanteros y traseros, esta bicicleta te ofrece control total y una experiencia de conducción suave en cualquier terreno. Ideal para adultos, su batería extraíble de 48V 14Ah promete una autonomía extendida para que explores más lejos sin preocupaciones. Atrévete a ir más allá; hazte con tu JANSNO hoy y transforma cada salida en una aventura épica.
Climbing
For the more adventurous, Selaya offers opportunities for climbing. The mountains in the area are a challenge for climbers of all levels.


Mejora tu equipo de aventura con el set de 10 Bomstar Mosquetones con cierre de resorte, tu aliado esencial para el camping, la pesca, el senderismo o cualquier viaje. Fabricados en aluminio duradero, estos ganchos ligeros pero resistentes son perfectos para asegurar tu equipo, organizar tus pertenencias o incluso colgar objetos rápidamente. Fáciles de usar y versátiles, los mosquetones Bomstar son una necesidad para cualquier entusiasta del aire libre. No esperes más para simplificar tu vida al aire libre; adquiere tu set de mosquetones Bomstar hoy y prepárate para cualquier aventura con confianza.
Spelunking
Selaya is famous for its caves, making it a popular destination for spelunking. You can explore caves like El Soplao, which is known for its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.


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Places near Selaya
If you are in Selaya and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences: