Limpias: Estuary, Nature and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Limpias
Limpias brings together the Asón estuary landscape and protected historic buildings and trails of various kinds. Nature and cultural heritage can be seen in specific places, from the marshes and riverside garden to the Church of San Pedro, an aqueduct and a museum. Circular routes and a section of the Route of Charles V are also among the things you can take into account when planning your trip.
The Estuary, the Asón and the Marshes
The Asón River flows through Limpias as the RÃa de Limpias and reaches the Cantabrian Sea near Colindres. The Limpias Marshes lie in the southern part of the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel Marshes Nature Park. In Limpias, the Asón is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its river environment.
On the banks of the estuary, JardÃn de Costamar is a place to relax with views of the estuary and the Santoña Marshes. Before reaching the Cantabrian Sea, the Asón forms calm, water-rich stretches amid green mountains; the surrounding area is considered suitable for water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding. Water conditions may vary. If you are planning such an activity, check the conditions on the day.
Buildings and History
The Puerto Fluvial del Rivero and Casa Lonja complex was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2009. The Church of San Pedro in the Rucoba district is also protected as a Site of Cultural Interest. It was built in the early 15th century on the site of a small earlier monastery. The church was later given three naves and a Late Gothic ribbed vault.
The Church of San Pedro remains a destination for visits and pilgrimages. Every year, visitors come from other parts of Spain and from other countries. If you are planning a visit, check the visiting arrangements beforehand. Another example of industrial and hydraulic heritage is the Acueducto de Espina, built around 1809 from masonry with several arches.
The Torre del Reloj is considered a viewpoint overlooking the marshes and is also associated with panoramic views and sunsets in the area. The Parque Museo Militar Armada Española offers visitors a 200-metre circular route featuring numerous military objects. The cultural attractions therefore vary considerably, from religious architecture and historic water engineering to viewpoints and a collection of military artefacts.
Trails and Activities
The Paseo de la RÃa del Asón is an approximately three-kilometre out-and-back route along the river. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility and to pushchairs. The Camino del Yelso de Hayas starts at the Church of San Pedro in the Rucoba district and leads to the Yelso de Hayas menhir. The Senda a la Torre del Reloj is a semi-urban cultural circular route and is considered suitable for most visitors.
The trails offer different points of reference: the Paseo focuses on the route along the estuary, the Camino on a named destination, and the Senda on its circular layout. The Paseo de la RÃa is also part of a section of the Route of Charles V. Its historical connection is the journey of Charles V, who landed at Laredo and began his journey to the Monastery of Yuste. Trail conditions may change following maintenance work. Check the condition of the relevant route before setting out.
The TravesÃa a Nado de Limpias “Ascenso al Asón†swimming event takes place every year in August. Competition distances include 5,000 metres, 800 metres and 400 metres. For specific travel plans, it is advisable to check the dates for the relevant edition.
Getting There and Regional Cuisine
You can reach Limpias by car via the A-8. Take exit 173 towards Burgos-Logroño and follow the road for about one kilometre to the turn-off for Limpias. As road signs may change, check the directions before travelling.
The Restaurante Palacio de Eguilior at the Parador de Limpias serves Cantabrian cuisine with regional specialities. These include Cocido Montañés, as well as fish and seafood from the Cantabrian Sea. The menu may change; if you plan to eat there, check the current menu before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Puente San Miguel, Marina De Cudeyo, Proaño, La Lastra, Camaleño, Escalante, Torrelavega, La Concha
For the regional travel overview: Cantabria.
