Arboreto de Liendo

Arboreto de Liendo is a public botanical garden in the Mollaneda district of the municipality of Liendo, in eastern Cantabria — a unique spot in the region where trees from five continents grow side by side within a compact stretch of land.

What can you see in the arboretum?

More than one hundred fifty tree species have been planted across the park, so native Cantabrian trees such as rowan, oak and chestnut stand right next to visitors from far-off regions of the world: giant sequoias, ginkgos, Atlas cedars and mimosas among them. Every tree carries an identification plaque, and additional information panels explain which biogeographic region each species comes from and how it differs from the surrounding native vegetation. Walking through the arboretum feels like a short trip across several of the world's climate zones, even though the whole route fits within one small valley.

Where did this place come from?

The arboretum opened in March 2002 together with the adjoining Forest Interpretation Center, set up inside the restored 16th-century hermitage of San Roque. The site itself has a much older history: the park extends in part over the ruins of a former pilgrims' hospital that once served travelers walking the Camino de Santiago. The hermitage building itself served that same purpose before becoming home to the education center. The location, right along the old N-624 road, is no coincidence — the arboretum's paths lie directly on the pilgrim route, so today's visitors follow the same track that pilgrims walked centuries ago.

What does the Forest Interpretation Center show?

Housed inside the former hermitage, the center presents an exhibition dedicated to the forests of Cantabria — their tree composition, their role in the region's landscape, and how they are protected. It works as a natural complement to the walk through the arboretum: first you see trees from around the world growing together, then you learn more about the native forest ecosystems of the surrounding area.

Who manages the arboretum and how can you visit?

Since 2013, the Bosques de Cantabria cultural association has managed the site and organized visits, in cooperation with the Liendo municipal council. During summer, in July and August, free guided tours are offered both of the arboretum itself and of the Forest Interpretation Center — a good way to hear more about the site's history and the origin of individual tree species than the plaques alone can offer.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, entry to the arboretum is free, and the summer guided tours are free as well.

How much time do you need to visit? The park is small; a relaxed walk along the paths while reading the tree labels usually takes about an hour, while a guided visit or one combined with the interpretation center can take longer.

Is it suitable for children? Yes — the short paths, species labels and the educational nature of the interpretation center make it a popular destination for school trips.

Is it worth combining with the Camino de Santiago? Absolutely — the arboretum sits directly on the pilgrim route and was itself built on the site of a former pilgrims' hospital, so it has a historical connection to the Camino built into its very location.