Santa Trega, was declared a National Cultural Heritage Monument in 1939 and is also a Property of Cultural Interest.

From the top of the mountain, you have some marvellous views of, for example, the Río Miño (the natural border between Spain and Portugal), Caminha (a Portuguese village) or of the Atlantic Ocean.

At the mouth of the Río Miño, you can see the island of A Ilha Ínsua, which belongs to Portugal. It houses a building that dates from the XVth century. It was a convent until it became a military fort a century later.

If you look north, you have a beautiful panoramic view over the coast of A Guarda and of Monte Torroso which shelters the fishing village.

Once you have taken in all these views, go back down the route you came up on and stop to explore the Castro de Santa Tecla, one of the most well-known and emblematic ‘castros’ (iron age fortified settlements) of Galicia.

Thanks to the good state of conservation of this fortified village, you have a rough idea of what they were originally like and how the houses were distributed in these settlements.

The Castro de Santa Trega is a rather large, fortified village, where you can easily identify the streets and houses. Although they are no longer intact, you can clearly see where they once stood. Actually, there are two that have been restored, which really helps to imagine how life was in these settlements.

If you have the chance to visit Santa Tecla… don’t think twice about it! It is a magical place where history, culture and nature exist all together.

Keep in mind that, at least when I went there, it isn’t free of charge to go up the mountain. In any case, the price was practically symbolic and possibly helps towards preserving it so more of us can discover and enjoy it. I only wish more places like this were in such good condition!

Sources:

Galiciamaxica.

Wikipedia.

Cabrales is perfect for rural tourism, active tourism and natural tourism. You can walk through its lush forests or hike along the desert-like limestone rock of the Picos de Europa, all in the same day. You can do very easy and pleasant routes in this municipality, for example, the famous Senda del Cares, also known as the Garganta Divina (divine gourge), which is a ravine that was formed by a glacier. You can climb the emblematic Picu Arriellu (Naranjo de Bulnes), climb up the renown Torrecerrado, or fish and simply enjoy the gurgling rivers Cares and Casaño…

But Cabrales is not just countryside and amazing natural spots… Cabrales is also history, culture, gastronomy and a perfect combination of all three.

The caves of La Covaciella, El Bosque and Los Canes, with their prehistoric cave paintings, are the first signs of inhabitants of these lands.

There are also traces of the Roman settlement that there was in Cabrales, and you can still see part of the Roman road that led up to the top of Caoro, leading on to Sotres and Aliva, there it divides and leads to Liébana and Valdeón. The Way of Caoro, (“La Senda del Caoro”), was built by the Romans to transport the precious minerals mined in Cabrales.

Of course, we can’t end without mentioning the famous Queso Cabrales – the local gastronomic product par excellence of the municipality. This cheese is a clear example of the combination of history, culture and tradition, given that it still maintains to this day its original essence and artisan production. When it first appeared is not exactly known, but it is mentioned in documents dating from the 17^th century.

If you want to learn more about this municipality, its inhabitants and try the Queso Cabrales, go and visit it at any time of the year. But if you like food fairs and shows, the last Sunday of August might be the best time to enjoy a great day out in the country amongst the kind people of Arenas de Cabrales, and where the Certamen de Queso Cabrales (the Cabrales cheese show) takes place.

The route is 15km long and starts at the Escuela Asturiana de Piragüismo (Asturian Canoeing School), and ends in Llovio (Ribadesella) under the bridge of FEVE.

The first part of the route of 10km, which is not part of the race, serves as a warm-up and which participants can enjoy this wonderful river. After they regroup and rest, the canoeists have to race the last 5km, each fighting to reach the goal they have set themselves before they set off from home; after all, it’s all about having fun and finishing the route whenever they do, but definitely reaching the finish line. The slogan says it all: GANA QUIEN BAJA (you’re the winner if you descend the river).

All along the River Sella, family and friends cheer on the sportsmen and women from the river banks during the descent. The gurgling sound of the water made by rapids and gullies, the vegetation that runs alongside the riverbanks, the songs of birds, will all lend to a wonderful day out in the middle of the countryside.

The River Sella is a salmon river par excellence and you might be able to see salmon, trout, brown trout, otters and a variety of acuatic birds.

For safety reasons, a physically disabled person will ride in a canoe with a person that does not have any physical disabilities who will simply ride to accompany the participant or else the organization can provide someone to accompany the participant, so long as prior notice is given of this circumstance. Two physically disabled people can ride together so long as their degree of disability permits this.

Every year, the companions that ride with the participants are often well-known canoeists.

The Federación de Deportes de Minusválidos Físicos del Principado de Asturias (FEDEMA), (Principality of Asturias Sports Federation of the Physically Disabled), has organised this event since 1994, and has long been involved in the social inclusion of the physically disabled through adapted sports.

The entire route runs through the National Park of the Picos de Europa, where you’ll find rocky paths, forests and meadows.

We begin our adventure in Moferos, 4km from Covagadonga on the road that will take us to the Lakes of Covadonga.
The first stretch is a uphill to the Sierra de Porciles along easy and rocky paths, which at certain points run through forests, where you’ll find cabins used by shepherds and from where you’ll have spectacular views over the Picos de Europa.

Once you have reached the top of the hill to the sierra, you will then start the walk downhill until you reach the signpost which indicates the way to various routes; take the path to the right, indicated as “Orandi” until you reach the Río Las Mestas, where you can take a break to take in the beautiful countryside and bubbling river.

Set off again and follow the stream until Vega de Orandi, a beautiful meadow where you might like to rest and eat while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the surroundings and gurgling river.
This meadow is made up of two fields; I recommend you stop on the last one, at the end of it and right next to the river. That’s what we did, and we had the surprise of seeing a fabulous natural phenomenon: the water of the Río Las Mestas is swallowed up by a gigantic limestone rock.

Once we had something to eat and had a rest, we set off again but not before having explored the rocky cavern where the water had flowed into and disappeared. We found there was light at the other end and then realised that at the other end is the Cave of Covadonga. Of course, we also realised that the water that was swallowed up by the rocks in the Vega de Orandi here ended up as the waterfall that flows under the Cave of Covadonga.

After this surprise, we set off on the last stretch of the route. We walked through the forest, surrounded by indigenous trees and dreamy spots, until we reached our final destination: Covadonga.

Asturias hides an infinite number of new places for visitors, and all which are interesting for tourists to discover. For example, there is the Municipality of Cabranes, which is rich in nature, culture, arts and crafts, gastronomy…

The capital of Cabranes is Santa Eulalia (Santolaya), set in central-eastern Asturias, in the Cider Region, and shares its borders with the municipalities of: Piloña, Villaviciosa and Nava; the latter two also belong to the Cider Region.

This place has many virtues, but the most emblematic is its natural surroundings. Meadows, valleys and indigenous forests in particular, all which make up a beautiful natural environment that captivates the tourist with its spectacular views.

Cabranes is, almost in its entirety, countryside, which means you can enjoy many sign-posted routes that run through the municipality. From high points, you can see plenty of indigenous forests and mountains that make up this municipality and you can also enjoy amazing panoramic views of the Sierra del Sueve and of the Picos de Europa.

The countryside of this municipality is in perfect harmony with other tourist attractions, such as its history. The buildings blend in with its natural surroundings and create a beautiful and attractive sight. A perfect example is San Julián de Viñón, a temple dating from the transition of the pre-Romanesque to the Romanesque, and which has been declared of Cultural Interest; as well as the many ‘horreos’ (raised granaries) found in the hamlets of Cabranes.

Talking of hamlets, we have to mention one of the most important ones in Cabranes… Torazo, which received the Premio al Pueblo Ejemplar de Asturias en el año 2008 (Prince of Asturias Award for the Exemplary Village of Asturias, 2008).

Finally, after visiting this municipality of the Cider Region, what better way to end our visit but to enjoy its wonderful gastronomy: beans, free-range chicken, smoked hams… but its star products are: Boroña (cured sausage wrapped in corn flour pastry) and Rice Pudding. In fact, each of these products has its own annual contest:

Rice Pudding Festival (a festival of cultural interest): in Santa Eulalia, which takes place on the second Sunday of May.

Boroña Festival: in Torazo, on the first Saturday of June.

There are many ways you can enjoy the country-side of this region: hill walking, rock climbing, mountian biking…

This time, we shall enjoy this acclaimed tourist attraction by mountain bike as we ride a 60km route that runs through the municipalities of: Ribadesella, Parres and Caravia. You can also walk it, but in which case you will have to split it into two days, at least.

This route was designed by the Bike Maratón Montes del Sella mountain bike group, who celebrated their second marathon on 10 April 2011 with approximately 600 participants.

As I have only done this route once – on the day of the Bike Marathon – I’ll tell you about my experience. But first, I should mention that part of this competition ran through private property, so I shall mark an alternative for you on the map so you don’t pass through there.

At Playa de Ribadesella, a charming fishing village in east Asturias, we set off towards Cuevas del Agua; passing alongside the famous Cave of Tito Bustilloand crossing through the enchanting cavern of La Cuevona de Cuevas del Agua, which was lit all through the cavern with candles, expressly for the II Bike Maratón Montes del Sella and which left us with goose-pimps – such a captivating image it was.

Once at Cuevas, we advanced along a track to the private property I mentioned above – to avoid it you would have to continue along the main road for a while. As we ascended Cuevas to the road, we were privileged to see some spectacular views over the River Sella and the surrounding hillside.

Once on the road we rode down to Tresmonte, Sinariega and Cayarga soon after, where we turned right to go up Pico Moro and continue the Bike Marathon route

Once on our route, we had a lovely and spectacular ride down through an avenue of trees until we reached Bode.

From Bode we continued on to Pendás along a road which, at the end of the village, became a track, known as the Ruta de la Verde. Which meant, of course, that we rode along to Collía in what felt like a picture postcard and with the Picos de Europa in the distance.

We crossed Collía and along the road we went until Andeyes, but before we reached the hamlet, we turned off along a beautiful track that ran under the shade of many trees, but it was stony (you had to pay attention so as not to fall) which also made it fun; and finally we arrived at Bodes.

Now the tough part begins, from Bodes we went up the main road AS-260 along a pretty steep hill.

The first cramps were starting to be felt and many must have thought: “OK, that must be the hardest part over with”. Nothing further from the truth! We still had the acid test to go through, the ascent to Llana del Bustaco. A 3 km climb with an approximately 32% gradient.

We reach the AS-260, we cross the road and hell begins. Although it is tough, even though you are in pain… the effort really is worth it for the views that you will see as you go up and the amazing panoramic views we had from the Llana de Bustaco. The views from the Picos de Europa and part of the Sierra del Sueve are indescribable, given that Bustaco is set in this mountain range.

We continued on from Bustaco towards the Mirador del Fito along a mountain ledge. For this entire section, the views over east Asturias are spectacular: Lastres or La Isla, are some of the coastline we could see.

We’re almost there; from the Mirador del Fito we continue along a track until we reach Berves and then on to the Lighthouse of Ribadesella passing through the lovely Vega Beach, which was declared a Natural Monument, amongst other reasons, for its dunes.

From the lighthouse, we descend to Ribadesella along the sea-side promenade of the town to reach our starting point, the end to our adventure.

You might think this is quite a tough route and I’m not going to tell you otherwise – it is. But it is worth the while; I’ll leave you my opinion below:

Is it tough? Yes, the toughest 6 hours of my life, but it was worth it.

Would I do it again? Definitely, as soon as I can.

Is it worth while? It’s one of the most amazing routes I have ever done. The surroundings you ride through are really breathtaking and ideal for this kind of activity.

To end, I’d like to give my sincerest congratulations to everyone who organised and collaborated with the Bike Marathon Montes del Sella. It was an tough competition, but one which no doubt, will become a reference for future marathons, at least in northern Spain.

It is undoubtedly a very pretty and entertaining route, perhaps a little long… but it is worth the effort.

It runs along the Camino de la Reina, (the Queen’s Way), which by-the-way, is properly indicated and is of a medium-low difficulty which means it is apt for everybody (if you want to walk it, I recommend you split it up into two days, as it’s approximately 40 Km).

At 9.45am on the 13th of February 2011, I met up with some friends at the FEVE train station at Arriondas, with the idea of taking the train to Infiesto (capital of the municipality of Piloña), where we would begin our excursion.

We went aboard, taking up almost an entire waggon. In Sevares, another group of cyclists got on who were heading for the same place. Once in Infiesto, we saw that we were quite a good number of sportsmen and there were still more to arrive.

At 10am, now a group of approximately 50 people, we got on our bikes and set off towards Covadonga; it’s cold and it looks like rain, but we are very keen to do the route.

After passing Cardes, Valle (charming little villages), La Revoria, Lledó and El Perón, we arrived at Villamayor, the first point where we regrouped and took a break.

Setting off again, we past Piñera, and reached Sevares, our second stop of the route. This part of the route runs through impressive trees and fabulous views to enjoy.

The clouds threaten rain and we cycle hard towards our third stop at , Llames de Parres. This part of the route runs through the municipality of Piloña and, after passing Soto de Dueñas, the municipality of Parres as well. Just before our stop we come across the most important monument of this municipality: the Shrine of San Martín de Escoto, declared a Historical-Artistic Monument.

We start to feel tired, so the break is a little longer, but we had to continue and so we set off again and reach La Vega de los Caseros. This part of the route, in my opinion, is the loveliest. We only past one village, Romillo and almost the entire route is along tracks.

At this point, I felt that Covadonga was ever further away and my legs weren’t asking for a rest…they were begging for mercy! But we came here to do what we planned to do so we carried on. We left La Vega de los Caseros towards Villanueva leaving behind the municipality of Parres and entered the municipality of Cangas de Onís upon crossing the River Sella.

Once in Villanueva we faced the last stretch up to Covadonga passing through Cangas de Onís, Celorio, Soto de Cangas and La Riera. Here each one rode up as they could, I never thought that cycling on the road would be harder than on a track, but it’s going up what looks like a flat road, with the wind against you and your legs aching… which makes it insufferable. At least there is always someone that helps by acting like a windbreaker, haha!

At last, we reached Covadonga! Some had their cars there, others in Cangas de Onís and the rest still had to do 18km to get to Arriondas. I can only remember that we rode along the road and I didn’t lift my eyes up from the tarmac so as not to see all that I still had left to cycle.

It was my first long outing and it was very rewarding, especially because I thought it would take me a lot longer to do yet I did the entire route (Infiesto – Covadoga – Arriondas) in approximately four hours and a bit.

The first part we did as a group along the N-625 until we reached Rozas. At this village, we turned left and the group spread out at the first ramp. It’s not hard but it is difficult technically for someone who’s new to this sport, like myself. As an anecdote, I spent more time on the ground than I did on the bike! But the rest of the group went up without much difficulty .

Once we passed this hill and we re-grouped, we rode down to Villanueva and continued along a parallel route to Río Sella until we reached Cangas de Onís.

I had never been on this side of the river to Cangas and to tell you the truth, the sights I saw were really lovely and relaxing, which helped me not think about what I still had to ride ahead…

Once we reached Cangas de Onís, we moved on to the CO-1 road until we passed Llueves, where the base of the track up to Picu Arbolín began. Again, the mini-platoon spread out as it is a long and tough ascent at the beginning; but using the front and back derailleur and armed with patience… we managed to conquer the mountain. Reaching the peak, at 420m, we took a break while enjoying some spectacular views over Cangas de Onís.

Once recovered from the climb, we set off again towards Onao. Here we left the road to ride along a dry stream, as it was quite cold and this way we were sheltered.

When we were soon about to leave this area, one of the cyclists had a problem – his gears broke and he had to do what he could to get home. Once the bike was fixed, we set off along a route towards Cangas de Onís and from there to Villanueva, where we joined the N-625 to Arriondas.

Night was falling and the temperature dropped, it was even sleeting a little; but we continued on along this last and cold route until Arriondas, without much mishap.

Although it seems a hard, I recommend you do this route wholeheartedly; it is great fun and a lovely route.

I’m sure many of you have not visited an infinite number of places, but not because you don’t know how to get there but because you are unaware they exist. This happens to me a lot, so I try to lose myself on purpose, in order to discover new places and sometimes I end up in places like this, The Cuevas del Agua Cavern.

La Cuevona (Cavern) is set in the village of Cuevas del Agua in the municipality of Ribadesella.

There is only one way to reach this village by car: through a naturally-formed tunnel. But you can also get there on foot or by bicycle along various routes, one of which you can do by crossing over the Rio Sella (although you can’t today because the bridge is broken at the moment) or by travelling from Arriondas to Ribadesella along the road of Fuentes (see the map below).

The Arroyo de Cuevas (the river of Cuevas) has shaped the 300m long cavern, known as La Cuevona. It is a beautiful geological formation, where the passing of time is evident thanks to its singular stalactites and stalagmites, their beautiful features highlighted by the cave lighting.

Undoubtedly, this is one of those breathtaking places that we always hope to find to break from visiting the same places of interest and overcrowded with tourists. Of course, there are places that are a must-see, for example, if you come to Asturias, you can’t leave without having visited the Lakes of Covadonga (amongst many other things). But I think it’s a good idea to mix ‘must-sees’ with an adventurous attitude towards tourism to make your trip all that more enjoyable…