Ermita de la Guía
A historic Renaissance chapel offering unparalleled 360-degree views of Ribadesella, the Sella River, and the Cantabrian Sea.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Ermita de la Guía
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Renaissance chapel offering unparalleled 360-degree views of Ribadesella, the Sella River, and the Cantabrian Sea.
"Probably the best lookout of this charming town, the climb is fairly easy and is at the end of the waterfront walk."
🎯 Best Views are the Goal
The church is usually closed, but the real prize is the incredible 360° view!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Summer weekends are busy; explore town parking options before heading up.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Ribadesella Views
From the Ermita grounds
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Ribadesella, the Sella River, and the Cantabrian Sea.

Coastal Clifftop Scenery
Along the path to the Ermita
Dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea, offering a unique landscape often compared to Northern Europe.

Historic Renaissance Chapel
The Ermita building
A 16th-century Renaissance chapel, though often closed, it stands as a picturesque landmark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Access and Parking Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Views are the Goal
The church is usually closed, but the real prize is the incredible 360° view!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Summer weekends are busy; explore town parking options before heading up.
🚶♀️ Easy Walk, Big Reward
The climb is manageable and ends at a fantastic lookout point.
📸 Capture the Coastline
The landscape here is stunning, offering unique photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Views are the Goal
The church is usually closed, but the real prize is the incredible 360° view!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Summer weekends are busy; explore town parking options before heading up.
🚶♀️ Easy Walk, Big Reward
The climb is manageable and ends at a fantastic lookout point.
📸 Capture the Coastline
The landscape here is stunning, offering unique photo opportunities.
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catching the sunrise from here is an unforgettable experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ermita de la Guía for its absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of Ribadesella, the river, and the sea, often calling it the best lookout in town. The easy climb and scenic walk are also highlighted as positives, making it a worthwhile experience even though the church itself is usually closed.
"Probably the best lookout of this charming town, the climb is fairly easy and is at the end of the waterfront walk, views during and after the climb are breathtaking giving you lanscames more common of Northern Europe then Spain.
The church itself was closed (I’m not sure if they ever open) what is clear is that you can’t go wrong with this, make it a spot to visit during your stay"
Marcos O. Diogo
"Incredible 360 degrees view of the town . You can see where the river sella flows into the Cantabrian Sea"
Deborah Laks
"It's a long walk along the top road or a steep climb up steps to get here. You only really go here for the views. The church is not open for viewings."
Motorhome Quest
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ermita de la Guía is located on a hill overlooking Ribadesella. You can reach it by walking along the waterfront promenade and then taking a path or steps up the hill. Some visitors mention it's at the end of the waterfront walk.
Driving directly to the Ermita can be difficult due to limited parking, especially in peak season.Parking directly at the Ermita is very limited and can be challenging, particularly during summer and weekends.
It's recommended to park in one of the available parking lots in Ribadesella town and then walk to the Ermita. The walk from town is part of the experience and offers scenic views.Many visitors enjoy a pleasant walk along the waterfront of Ribadesella, which leads towards the base of the hill where the Ermita is situated. From there, you can take a steep climb up steps or a path to reach the top.
While it might be possible to drive closer, parking is extremely scarce. Most visitors opt to park in Ribadesella and enjoy the walk up. The climb itself is considered fairly easy and rewarding.
Public transport typically gets you to Ribadesella town. From there, it's a walk to the Ermita. There isn't direct public transport to the Ermita itself, so be prepared for a walk or a short taxi ride from the town center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the grounds of the Ermita de la Guía. Access to the viewpoint and the exterior of the chapel is free for everyone.
The church itself is often closed to visitors, and it's unclear if it's ever open for viewings.
However, the surrounding area and the viewpoint are always accessible, which is the main attraction for most visitors.Since the church interior is typically closed, there are no set opening hours for visiting the grounds. You can visit the viewpoint at any time, though daylight hours are best for the views. Sunrise visits are also highly recommended.
There is no entrance fee to access the viewpoint at the Ermita de la Guía. It's a public space offering spectacular scenery of Ribadesella and the coast.
While the grounds are technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended for safety and visibility reasons. The stunning views are best appreciated during daylight hours or at sunrise/sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours: sunrise and sunset. Sunrise offers a magical light over the town,
while sunset provides warm hues. Midday can be harsh, but the panoramic views are still impressive.You can capture stunning panoramic shots of Ribadesella, the Sella River estuary, and the Cantabrian Sea. Drone footage also reveals unique perspectives of the chapel and the dramatic coastline.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for general photography. However, drone usage might be subject to local regulations, so it's always wise to check current rules before flying. Some aerial shots showcase the chapel's unique position.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive panoramic views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the town or distant coastline. A tripod can help with low-light conditions during sunrise or sunset.
While the church is often closed, its exterior is picturesque, especially when framed by the sea and sky. Aerial shots provide a great perspective of its location.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary activity is enjoying the spectacular 360-degree views of Ribadesella, the river, and the sea.
While the church itself is usually closed, the walk up and the panoramic lookout are the main attractions.The visit itself, including the walk up and enjoying the views, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and how long you spend admiring the scenery. The climb is described as fairly easy.
The walk is generally considered easy to moderate. There are steps and paths, and while it's a climb, it's not overly strenuous for most visitors.
The views along the way are also a pleasant part of the experience.The views are described as incredible and breathtaking, offering a full panorama of Ribadesella, the Sella River as it meets the Cantabrian Sea, and the surrounding coastline and mountains.
There are no facilities at the Ermita itself. You can bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy while taking in the views, but remember to take any trash with you.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Ermita de la Guía
The chapel's architecture reflects Renaissance influences, though it has undergone renovations over the years. Its enduring presence on the clifftop serves as a reminder of Ribadesella's maritime past and its strategic importance. The views from this vantage point have been appreciated for centuries, offering a commanding perspective of the natural beauty and the town below.
Capturing the Iconic Views
The best times for photography are undoubtedly during the golden hours. Sunrise offers a serene and magical light that bathes the town and sea in warm tones. Sunset provides a similar, albeit different, kind of beauty. Even during midday, the clarity of the views is impressive. Drone photography can offer particularly striking perspectives, showcasing the chapel's dramatic placement and the sweeping vistas.
Key photographic subjects include:
- The full panorama of Ribadesella and its harbor.
- The confluence of the Sella River and the Cantabrian Sea.
- The dramatic coastal cliffs and rock formations.
- The picturesque Renaissance chapel itself, framed by the landscape.
- Sunrise and sunset over the ocean.
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