San Martín De Elines combines a Romanesque church with hiking trails that highlight the Ebro and the rocky landscape. The collegiate church, a route across a bridge over the Ebro, and the climb to Páramo de la Lora offer different focal points. When choosing a destination, you can weigh whether architectural history, river scenery, or a hike should shape your stay.

Romanesque Architecture at the Collegiate Church

The Colegiata de San Martín de Elines is one of Cantabria’s four Romanesque collegiate churches. It stands on the remains of a 10th-century Mozarabic church. The square cloister displays pieces from the collegiate church and from surrounding churches. The architecture and collection therefore form a shared focus for a visit. If you have enough time, you can visit the collegiate church in the village square.

The “Lanchahincada” menhir on La Lora also points to human presence dating back to the Bronze Age. The collegiate church and the menhir represent different historical reference points: medieval church architecture on the one hand, and prehistoric traces on the other.

Hiking Routes with Different Courses

The hiking route to Páramo de la Lora begins in Barrio de Arriba, in a square beside the Romanesque collegiate church. From there, it climbs below the cliffs of the Páramo and reaches El Tez at an elevation of about 955 meters. The starting point and elevation provide clear reference points for planning the route.

The Cañones del Ebro y El Tobazo route follows a different course: it passes through San Martín de Elines, crosses the Ebro over a bridge, and continues toward Arroyuelos. The Tobazo Waterfall, a tufa formation, lies along the route. During the rainy season, the water falls into shimmering blue pools. The route also passes through a riverside forest dominated by alders and poplars; further on, it is followed by holm oaks and subrupicolous beeches.

The difference can be summed up briefly: the Páramo de la Lora route starts in Barrio de Arriba and climbs to El Tez. By contrast, the Cañones route passes through the village, crosses the Ebro, and continues toward Arroyuelos. This lets you choose a hike based on its described starting point and course.

The Ebro Valley and Its Landscape

The Camino Natural del Ebro approaches the Ebro Gorge, whose narrowness is apparent from the enclosing rock walls. San Martín de Elines also lies along one stage of this long-distance trail: Stage 4 runs from Polientes via Arenillas de Ebro to San Martín de Elines, then continues to Orbaneja del Castillo. This places the village on a longer route without implying any particular length of stay.

Another landmark in the landscape is Peña Camesía. On the side facing the Ebro Valley, the mountain has a sheer rock face almost 150 meters high, which serves as a nesting site for vultures. The landscape connection is specific: the cliff, valley, and nesting area belong together.

Farm Life and Cultural Events

La Granja del Abuelo focuses on learning through hands-on experience on a working farm, including learning about animal care. In the courtyard, a tour of the cellar or barn, bread oven, and forge illustrates traditional crafts. As individual facilities or the program may change, check visitor arrangements before you travel.

Cine y Zona is also connected with rural life and culture. From August 25 to 29, 2026, the festival in San Martín de Elines showed short films about rural life, its people, its quiet, its beauty, and its challenges. The 2026 edition’s program also included gatherings, workshops, gastronomy, and discussions. For a future edition, check the dates and program again.

Discover more destinations: Polientes.

View the broader travel guide: Valderredible.