To explore Campoo de Yuso, nature-related attractions around the Embalse del Ebro wetland sit alongside the architectural and local history of La Población. The highlights are easy to distinguish: at the Centro Ornitológico, the focus is on waterbirds, flora and fauna; the historic sites range from a Roman defensive structure to churches and an air-raid shelter. When planning your time, you can first decide whether nature interpretation, architecture or history is your priority.
Wetland and trails around the Embalse del Ebro
The Centro Ornitológico del Embalse del Ebro explains the importance of the wetland for migratory waterbirds, as well as for flora and fauna. An exhibition area with audiovisual media complements the topic, and the public programme includes guided activities. This gives you different ways to explore the natural environment and focus on your interests: the centre covers not only migratory birds but also the wetland’s plant and animal life.
The area’s history is also linked to the reservoir: in 1947, part of the La Población area was flooded by the reservoir. The Senda peatonal de La Población leads to the shore of the Embalse del Ebro. This brings together two distinct points of interest: a historic change and a walking route to the shore. Before setting out on the route, you can check the latest information about trail conditions.
Roman fortification and church architecture
The Campamento romano de El Cincho in La Población was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category of archaeological site in 2004. The surviving defensive features include enclosure walls and a ditch, rounded corners, and two entrances through clavicula-style gates. These specific structures give the archaeological site a different character from La Población’s religious sites.
The Ermita de San Roque, also known as Nuestra Señora de lo Humano, preserves Romanesque remains in the apse area. Its original Romanesque nave was replaced by a taller one, probably in the 17th or 18th century. The ermita therefore brings together Romanesque elements and a later alteration. By contrast, the parish church of San Andrés in La Población was built in the second half of the 20th century and contains an old baptismal font. If you want to compare architectural history, you will find traces from different periods here: from Romanesque remains and a probably early modern alteration to a more recent parish church with an older baptismal font.
More historical traces and hiking options
The air-raid shelter in La Población adds a wartime chapter to the archaeological and religious sites. Local resident Pio Moreno built it in 1937 to provide protection from bombing by the Nationalist air force. This brings another aspect of local history into view, distinct from the defensive remains and religious buildings.
Two different trail connections are also noted for planning an outing. The Senda peatonal leads to the shore of the Embalse del Ebro; the La Población–Mediajo Frío mountain hike starts at La Población’s sports centre at an altitude of 846 m. For one route, the shore is the destination; for the other, the starting point and its elevation are specified.
Discover more destinations: Lanchares, Hermandad De Campoo De Suso, Otañes, Cillorigo De Liébana, Santillana Del Mar, Valdáliga, Liermo, Torrelavega.
For the regional travel overview: Cantabria.
