We had stayed at Limpias and the Parador once before and we arrived in pouring rain then! But we knew it would be comfortable and we anticipated two very good dinners!
Read more: Limpias and the ParadorThe Parador of Limpias
The Parador of Limpias is in two parts: the original 19th century mansion, and the new extension. The original mansion was the Eguilior Palace on the estate where King Alfonso XIII spent his summers.
The parador is surrounded by 5 acres of grounds which have some very important trees and so have been listed as a World Heritage Site, and include 100-year old laurels. This beautiful tree stands near the entrance gate.
It was really too wet to walk round the grounds, as we had done on a previous occasion and so we went into the town instead, armed with umbrellas.
Limpias
Limpias seems to be quite a small town, strung out along the river, but on both visits our explorations have been somewhat cursory and we have probably not done it justice.
The River Ason is 39 kms long and ends in the bay at Colindres, just down the road from Limpias. It looks very marshy, with lots of channels – I imagine it is tricky to boat here. It rises in the mountains and apparently has a spectacular source – more exploring needed.
Carlos V stopped here on his last journey in Spain, from Laredo on the coast, to the Monastery of Yuste. This tower and plaque in the town mark the event.
Mansions in the town
We noticed several large mansions in the town and wondered if these were examples of Los Indianos, as we had found in Ribadeo.
Walk along the river
The walk along the river is paved and a pleasant stroll from the parador.
Naval open air ‘museum’
This was rather an extraordinary sight at the far end of the town. I don’t know what I am looking at but I am sure naval readers will be able to enlighten me!
You can spend a pleasant hour or so wandering in Limpias before returning to the parador, and, as always there are many things we didn’t find or understand.