Villaescusa brings together protected archaeological sites, a Vía Verde along a former railway line, and the plant life of the Ría de Solía. These offer different ways to plan a trip: cultural history, getting around on foot or by bike, and landscapes. If you are planning a stay, you can first decide which of these aspects you would like to focus on most; this also makes it easier to find a holiday apartment in Villaescusa.

Archaeology in Villaescusa

The archaeological sites of Cueto de Morín in Villanueva de Villaescusa are protected as a Cultural Asset of Special Interest in the archaeological zone category. Their protected status was recorded in the official gazette in 2011. For those interested in cultural history, this classification is a precise starting point for viewing Villaescusa through more than just its routes or landscapes.

The Cueva de Morín yielded the burial of a man from the Aurignacian period, preserved through natural transformation; it is estimated to be about 30,000 years old. The site, period and approximate age make the cave a specific point of interest for travellers interested in prehistory. The hill with Cueva Morín also includes the lower-lying Cueva del Oso.

Vía Verde and Landscape

The Vía Verde de Villaescusa runs between El Astillero and Obregón along the route of the former Astillero–Ontaneda railway line, which no longer exists. It is approximately eight kilometres long and suitable for walkers and cyclists. Its length gives you a concrete sense of scale when planning your day; you can also choose how to get around based on your travel interests. The route of the former railway line also gives the trail a distinct transport-history dimension.

Renfe and Feve railway lines are listed as access to the Vía Verde. If you are considering this option for your journey, check the specific connection before travelling.

The Ría de Solía offers a different focus. Reeds, rushes and cattails shape the landscape in the municipality of Villaescusa. These plants give the landscape a distinct character and set it apart from the linear route and the archaeological sites.

Planning Your Stay and Accommodation

The differences are useful when planning your trip: the Vía Verde is a route of approximate length that can be enjoyed in two different ways; the sites and caves form a cultural-history focus, while the Ría offers a landscape focus. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Villaescusa, first decide which of these aspects you would like your stay to focus on most. This lets you allocate your travel days according to your interests, rather than giving all the topics equal priority. For a short stay, it also makes sense to decide in advance whether cultural history, the Vía Verde or the landscape of the Ría should take centre stage.

Discover more destinations: Penagos, Guarnizo, Ibio, Orzales, Valderredible, Cabuérniga, Tresviso, Ucieda.

For the broader travel overview: Cantabria.