Limpias can be read through its waterway: the Asón flows through the town as the Ría de Limpias and reaches the Cantabrian Sea near Colindres. The river, estuary and coastal landscape provide the setting for a stay that combines waterside trails with heritage and protected natural areas. The Marismas de Limpias lie in the southern part of the Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel Natural Park. The Asón in Limpias is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its river habitat.
Experience the Estuary and Marshes
On the banks of the estuary lies the Jardín de Costamar, a place to relax with views of the estuary and the Marismas de Santoña. It complements the waterside trails with a place where the landscape itself takes centre stage. The area is also of interest for water sports: the Asón flows through the estuary and, before reaching the Cantabrian Sea, forms calm, water-rich stretches among green mountains. The area is considered suitable for stand-up paddleboarding; water conditions may vary.
Architectural History and Cultural Attractions
The ensemble comprising the Puerto Fluvial del Rivero and Casa Lonja was recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2009. The Iglesia de San Pedro in the Rucoba neighbourhood is also protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Its construction in the early 15th century, around a small earlier monastery, is documented. The church later acquired three naves with late Gothic rib vaulting.
San Pedro remains a destination for visitors and pilgrims; every year, visitors come from other parts of Spain and from other countries. If you wish to visit the church, check current visiting arrangements in advance. For a different perspective, the Parque Museo Militar Armada Española offers a 200-metre visitor route past numerous military objects.
The Acueducto de Espina is part of Limpias’s industrial and hydraulic heritage. Built around 1809 in masonry with several arches, it is considered a remarkable example of this heritage in Limpias. Together with the religious and military attractions, it shows how the town’s history can be explored through a variety of named buildings and collections.
Trails and Excursions
For a waterside walk, the Paseo de la Ría del Asón is an approximately three-kilometre return route along the Asón. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility and to pushchairs. Trail conditions may change following maintenance work; check them before your visit. The Paseo also forms part of a section of the Ruta de Carlos V. The route’s historical connection is the journey of Charles V, who landed in Laredo and began his journey to the Monastery of Yuste.
Other destinations offer a different focus: the Camino del Yelso de Hayas starts at the Iglesia de San Pedro in Rucoba and leads to the Yelso de Hayas menhir. The Senda a la Torre del Reloj is a semi-urban cultural walking route suitable for most visitors. Conditions on these trails may also change following maintenance work; check the latest status before setting out.
If you are in Limpias in August, you can also include the Travesía a Nado de Limpias “Ascenso al Asón” in your plans. The swimming event takes place every year in August, with competition distances of 5,000, 800 and 400 metres. Check the dates for the relevant edition if you would like to plan your trip around it.
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 signage at the junction may change, follow the directions as you approach. Limpias is also accessible from Santander by FEVE train and an ALSA bus; Laredo and Colindres are intermediate stops on the bus route. Check timetables, stops and connections before departure.
The Restaurante Palacio de Eguilior at the Parador de Limpias serves Cantabrian cuisine with regional specialities, including Cocido Montañés and fish and seafood from the Cantabrian Sea. As the menu may change, check it before your visit if you are interested. You can then combine cultural attractions, time by the water and a meal featuring regional dishes according to your own preferences.
Discover more destinations: Helguera, Santa María De Cayón, Mazcuerras, Villamoñico, Hermandad De Campoo De Suso, Arenas De Iguña, Tezanos, Terán.
For the regional travel overview: Cantabria.
