Peñamellera Alta: Mountain Trails and Historic Sites

The Mirador de Oceño overlooks the Cares Valley from the road that climbs from Mildón to Oceño. In Peñamellera Alta, valley views meet a network of mountain trails. To drive to Oceño, turn off the AS-114 at Mildón. Check road conditions before setting out. Alles is also accessible from the AS-114, which connects Arenas de Cabrales with Panes: the access road branches off near Niserias and passes through Besnes. Road conditions and signage may change; plan your route accordingly.

Mountain scenery and trails

The southern side of the Sierra del Cuera can be reached from Alles and is designated as a protected landscape. At 1,315 metres, Pico Turbina is the highest point in the range. The route to its summit starts at Collado La Cruz, at kilometre 6.5 of the AS-345 between Arangas and Rozagás. This identifies the landscape and the route’s starting point, without implying a hiking time.

Another option is the Ruta Pica Peñamellera: it starts and ends in Mier, and from the summit of Pica Peñamellera the view extends across Peñamellera Alta, the nearby valleys and the eastern and central massifs of the Picos de Europa. One important point for planning is the final section: it crosses exposed rocky terrain and is recommended only for people with mountain experience. The views and this specific requirement should be considered together when assessing the route.

The Camín de los Santuarios is 174 kilometres long for hiking and 175 kilometres for cycling, divided into nine main stages. The stated total distances are similar, but describe two different ways of covering the route. A report by the Asturian regional government dated 28 August 2025 records infrastructure improvements: the route was repaired, signage and safety measures were enhanced, and several sections were restored. The work also covered the municipality of Peñamellera Alta. Check route conditions before setting out.

Churches, cave art and architectural history

In Alles, the Capilla de la Reina de los Ángeles is located in the El Pedrosu neighbourhood. It is part of a 17th-century mansion-style complex in the Montañés style, built on the site of an older manor house that had been inhabited by the family since the late Middle Ages. The Iglesia de San Pedro also stands in the village: construction of the Baroque church was completed in 1787. Other churches offer a contrast in age: the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Ruenes dates from the 16th century, while the Iglesia Parroquial de San Sebastián in Llonín dates from the 15th century.

Outside Alles lie the remains of San Pedro de Plecín. They are from a late Romanesque church dated between the 11th and 13th centuries. The building was erected over an earlier pre-Romanesque church; remains of a large medieval necropolis were also found beneath it. More than a hundred figures are depicted in the Cueva de Llonín. The painted and engraved animal images are attributed to five periods, from the Gravettian to the Magdalenian. The Puente La Vidre in Trescares, meanwhile, is a medieval bridge with a single arch; its origins may date back to Roman times.

Honey and local cuisine

The publicly accessible Aula de la Miel in Alles introduces visitors to the lives of bees, the work of beekeepers, and honey and honey-based cuisine. The guided visit offers insight into honey production. The tasting includes maize tortos with different kinds of honey, water and honey liqueur; confirm the programme details when booking. The municipality also cites borono, honey and cheese as examples of local cuisine. A themed visit about bees and honey and other regional products offer different ways to explore the area during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Naves, Peñamellera Alta, Alles, Peñamellera Baja, Llanera, Cangas Del Narcea, Llanes, Onís

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