Escalante – Ría, Montehano and Cultural Heritage

Escalante lies on the shore of the Ría named after the town. Its wetlands are protected through their inclusion in the Reserva de las Marismas de Santoña. Rising above this natural setting is Montehano: the 186-metre-high natural viewpoint overlooks the Asón estuary.

For your holiday apartment in Escalante, it is worth looking at travel dates, accommodation type and cancellation policies: these three offer details provide a brief overview before you turn your attention to the town’s natural and cultural attractions and further refine your travel plans.

Nature

The track over Montehano is recommended as an access route to Escalante and offers exceptional views of the natural surroundings. The viewpoint, riverside landscape and protected wetlands each provide a different perspective for exploring the town.

Culture and History

The Ermita de San Román is protected in the municipality of Escalante as a monument in the Bien de Interés Cultural category. From Escalante, it lies directly on the road towards Noja and can be reached along this route.

The ruins of Castillo de Montehano in Escalante, in the province of Cantabria, are protected as a monument in the Bien de Interés Cultural category; the protection was established on 6 November 1981. The fortification of Montehano controlled access to the Marismas de Santoña and was therefore fortified as early as the Middle Ages.

Further destinations: Aja, Luey, Camijanes, Tezanos, Miera, Selaya, Ampuero, Vega De Liébana.

On the Way

The Camino de Santiago de la Costa is officially defined as passing through the municipality of Escalante. Towards the La Cagigoja area, the route leaves Escalante via a side road running parallel to the main road. Towards Escalante, the Camino de Santiago de la Costa follows the cycle and pedestrian path along the CA-148 road.

The direction of travel is therefore decisive for orientation: the description towards La Cagigoja and the one towards Escalante belong to the same official route, but follow different road alignments. This makes it possible to clearly distinguish the two described routes and assign them to the respective directional information when planning your own journey.

Discoveries

The Molino de Cerroja can be visited. Audiovisual explanations convey how the mill works; there is also information about the fauna and flora of the nature park. The Molino de Cerroja currently houses the Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza, la Historia y la Cultura de Escalante.

The present-day building of the Molino de Cerroja dates from the early 17th century, while documentary references to the site go back to 1047. Recurring local festivities in Escalante include Romerías and Verbenas for the Virgen de la Cama on 22 August and for La Santa Cruz on 14 September.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Cantabria.