Toñanes is a small coastal settlement with rugged stretches of coastline and cliffs. Two distinct focal points help you get your bearings: the landscape by the sea and the village’s architectural history. The Acantilados de Bolao feature striking natural formations, while the church, houses and bridge add specific architectural details to the picture.

Coastal Landscape and Viewpoints

The La Presa stream forms a waterfall at the Acantilados de Bolao. The cliff landscape also contains the ruins of two grain mills. The stream and mill ruins offer contrasting points of interest: a natural feature alongside traces of earlier human use.

The Pico de la Molina offers views of the Acantilados de Bolao. There is also a wooden bench on the peak with a view of the Cantabrian Sea. The viewpoints can be distinguished as follows: views of the cliffs from the peak, and a sea view from the bench.

The Church and Historic Building Periods

The parish church of San Tirso stands in the village center. It was probably built over a monastery or church mentioned as far back as the 12th century. The portal of the Iglesia de San Tirso is Neoclassical and dates from the 16th century. Thus, the possible 12th-century history predates the 16th-century portal; the dates refer to different parts of the building’s history.

Inside the church is also an altarpiece from the late 17th or early 18th century, with Solomonic columns. Solomonic columns have twisted shafts, so the term refers to a specific feature of the altarpiece’s design.

Historic Houses and Village Life

The Casa solariega de los Gómez de Carandia was built in 1700. Its features include side arcades and a large balcony between windbreak walls. By contrast, the Casa solariega de los Cossio has a gabled roof and a solana—a sun gallery enclosed by ashlar windbreak walls. The architectural comparison is clear: arcades and a balcony define the Gómez house, while the gabled roof and solana define the Cossio house.

The Casa solariega de los Cossio is cautiously associated with the Cossio family in Toñanes, whose presence in the village is said to date back to the 16th century.

Two cobbled paths, partly overgrown with vegetation, lead to the upper part of Toñanes. Walls belonging to neighboring properties border the paths. As their condition may change, check it before planning a specific walk. The Puente de Toñanes is a narrow stone bridge with a single ashlar arch; it allows only one vehicle to pass.

The San Tirso festival is celebrated on January 28. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the date for your chosen travel year. You can also see algae drying in the sun on the meadows in Toñanes.

Discover more destinations: Cobreces, Caborredondo, Oreña

For the broader travel overview: Alfoz De Lloredo.