Free walking tours in Limpias and what to see

Must-sees

Limpias is a town in eastern Cantabria, on the banks of the Asón estuary, a few kilometres from Laredo. Its name is linked to the Santo Cristo de la Agonía, the image presiding over the main altarpiece of the church of San Pedro. It is a late 17th-century carving in the Seville style that arrived from Cádiz in the 18th century. In 1919 several worshippers claimed to have seen it move its eyes and mouth, and since then the church has been a sanctuary receiving pilgrims from Spain and abroad. The altarpiece itself, a Rococo work, is also worth a look.

The rest of the town is easily explored on foot. In its streets you will see mansions and small palaces built by locals who made their fortune in the Americas. The best known is the Eguilior palace, surrounded by gardens, where Alfonso XIII spent summers and which is now a parador.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free tours or regular guided visits in Limpias. The sanctuary and the streets of the centre are easy to explore on your own. If you want organised activities, nearby there are trips to the prehistoric caves of Covalanas and El Mirón in the Asón valley, routes through the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel marshes, and boat trips or visits around Laredo and Santoña.

How long to spend

Two or three hours are enough to see the sanctuary, the palace from outside and walk down to the estuary. Most people combine it on the same day with Laredo or Santoña. To get to know the area at a relaxed pace, allow two days: one for the coast and another for the Asón valley, with the caves and the Collados del Asón.

Where to stay

Limpias has little accommodation, although the former palace turned parador is a special choice if you want to stay in the town, surrounded by gardens. You will also find the odd rural house nearby. For more choice, Laredo is right next door, with hotels and apartments by La Salvé beach or in the Puebla Vieja. Ampuero, next door, is another quiet alternative.