Llanera: The Way of St. James, ceramics and landscape

The Way of St. James, historic buildings and hiking trails reveal different sides of Llanera. The Camino de Santiago crosses the concejo from south to north; nearby, the area’s attractions range from black pottery in Villayo to viewpoints overlooking valleys. When planning your stay, you can focus on culture, routes and landscapes separately.

The Camino de Santiago and its buildings

The Camino de Santiago runs through Llanera and is marked with yellow arrows and yellow scallop-shell symbols on tiles. Check the markers on site before setting out. Along the way, the route crosses the medieval Puente de Cayés, where the Camino passes over the Río Nora.

Other buildings also tell stories of different eras. The Molín de La Ponte has been restored; its weir dates from the 12th century. The Capilla de La Ponte is a Baroque chapel from the late 17th century. The Iglesia de Santiago stands in Arlós, and the Palacio de Villanueva in San Cucao. Both are among Llanera’s three cultural assets with Bien de Interés Cultural protected status. These buildings offer two distinct reference points for the architectural history of the concejo.

Another trace of the past is the standing chimney of the former La Sierra brickworks. It is the only surviving structural remnant of the local brick and ceramics factories, whose tradition lasted from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Seeing the chimney adds an industrial perspective to visits to historic religious and residential buildings.

Ceramic traditions in Villayo

Villayo is known for its pottery tradition and local ceramic production. High-quality black pottery is made there, including household items such as pots, casseroles and jugs. The Ruta de la Cerámica, also known as the Ruta del Barro de Villayo, starts at the Iglesia de Santa Cruz and follows rural roads through Villayo. Check trail conditions locally if you plan to follow the route.

In Posada de Llanera, the Escuela Municipal de Cerámica helps revive and preserve this local tradition. If you are particularly interested in black pottery, this work offers another aspect of the subject; check in advance whether visitors can access the school.

Hiking trails, viewpoints and nature

The Rutas Conectadas network offers hiking trails across varied topography, broad valleys and natural viewpoints. Hiking trails also lead to Pico Gorfolí. The Circular El Fresno connects the Circular de Covarones, the Ruta de la Cerámica and the Ruta Ferroñes–Arlós. Along the Ruta Circular Covarones, stone arches, caves and natural karst formations lie beside the river. The Los Covarones recreation area has parking, tables and a children’s area; as visitor facilities can change, check their condition before your visit.

Two viewpoints offer different perspectives. On the Camino section in Llanera, you can reach Alto de la Miranda, from which the sea is visible when conditions allow. Mirador de Monteagudo overlooks the Noval Valley near Ferroñes; on a clear day, the view also extends to Monte Naranco, the Cordillera Cantábrica and the Cantabrian Sea. When choosing a hiking route, you can therefore consider whether a valley view or a broader panorama matters more to you.

The Ruta de Mundín is suitable for both hiking and cycling; check conditions before a bike ride. Along the way, it passes the Palacio de Villabona and colorful murals near the Renfe station in Villabona. Compared with the landscape routes, it shows how varied Llanera’s trails can be: the features noted on the Mundín route also include a building and public art.

More ideas for your stay

For groups of ten or more adults, the Circuito Fernando Alonso offers the chance to go karting with advance reservations. Arrange your reservation in advance. The Campo de Golf La Morgal has more than 50 practice bays on natural grass; check which services are currently available before visiting.

The events calendar can also help with your planning. The Fiesta de los Exconxuraos commemorates a historic event in the Concejo de Llanera. Food events and special occasions offer traditional and more modern dishes throughout the year; check the current calendar for your travel dates. For regional context, Llanera lies halfway between eastern and western Asturias and is equidistant from Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés.

Discover more destinations: Lugo De Llanera, Posada, Allande, Langreo, Campiellos, Grado, Castrillón, Oriente De Asturias.

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