Discover Rasines – Holiday apartment amid nature, caves and history

A first route through Rasines is provided by Route 1 “Minas y caleros en Helguera”: it is easy, 1 km long and has an elevation gain of 50 m. Along the route are various structures associated with mineral processing in the 19th century, including a lime kiln. This route includes a viewpoint above the dolomite kiln; from there, the mountains around the valley can be seen.

Hiking

Another route idea is offered by Route 2 “De La Edilla a Los Ríos”: it follows the course of the Ruhermosa. The Ruta de las Encinas leads through Cantabrian holm oak forest. On one of the other routes, you can view megalithic burial mounds and the Ilso de Lodos menhir. Considering the routes side by side, you can distinguish different focal points for planning your day between the river course, forest and stone monuments. You can consider the themes individually or compare them with one another; the route, river course, forest and cultural sites each represent different focal points.

Nature and prehistory

The Cueva del Valle can be reached from the N-629 via the district of El Cerro. In the direction of La Mies, turn left onto a path before reaching the district of Helguera; the access route is signposted. Its grounds are surrounded by numerous springs, where the Río Silencio rises. Several information panels there provide information about animals, trees and life in the Paleolithic; the display is complemented by a life-size mammoth. The Cueva del Valle in Rasines is also an important archaeological site associated with significant prehistoric finds.

Culture and history

The Iglesia de San Andrés dates from the late 16th century; its present structure from the 17th century features Late Gothic and Renaissance elements. Its main altarpiece was created around 1700 by Jerónimo de Angulo and Diego de Rivero. The Torre de Rasines is now a ruin, but its foundations and defensive moat have been preserved. A tourist information point is located at the site of the Museo de la Cantería. Pasabolo tablón is currently played at the bowling alleys in La Edilla and Ojébar.

The various sites can be compared according to their focal points: paths and forest represent the landscape and earlier work, the cave connects springs, the Paleolithic and archaeology, while the church and tower illustrate architectural history from different periods. Pasabolo tablón adds a form of sport that is still practiced today. Thus, nature, prehistory, buildings and current activity stand side by side.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Rasines, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions can be compared with your own travel plans. The town’s different themes – paths, nature, prehistory and architectural history – provide the framework for your personal priorities.

Other places

Further destinations to discover: Voto, El Astillero, Santillana Del Mar, Otañes, Trasvia, Ampuero, Ruente and Penagos

For the broader travel overview: Cantabria.