Peñamellera Baja: River Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Between El Mazu, Narganes and Buelles, on both banks of the Cares-Deva, lies the Sauceda de Buelles, a woodland area recognised as a natural monument. The woodland consists mainly of white willows, along with shrub willows, alders and oaks. Otters can be spotted in the Sauceda. It is also home to a colony of nesting sand martins and several amphibian species.

River Landscapes and Trails

At the Arboretum de los Picos de Europa, a three-kilometre circular route follows the Cares-Deva river promenade from El Tilo to the Romanesque chapel of San Juan de Ciliergo. The arboretum showcases the vascular flora of Asturias, particularly that of Picos de Europa National Park and its surroundings. The plants are arranged by Atlantic, Mediterranean or sub-Mediterranean ecosystems.

The Alevia–Picu el Paisanu PR AS 191 hiking trail leads to Picu El Paisanu in the Sierra del Cuera, the highest point in Peñamellera Baja within this mountain range. The route passes the former facilities of the El Pilar iron and manganese mine. This trail therefore combines a named summit destination with evidence of past mining activity.

The Panes–Cimiano–Endilaila–Panes circular route offers a different focus: views of Panes, the Deva-Cares, the Sierra del Cuera and large parts of the Peñamellera Baja valley. Near Endilaila, it passes through meadows and mountain landscapes. Roe deer and numerous birds can be spotted there at dawn and dusk; such sightings vary by season. By comparison, the PR AS 191 is defined by its summit destination and former mine, while the circular route near Panes offers valley views and the chance to spot wildlife.

The stage of the Camino Natural de la Cordillera Cantábrica connects Panes and Alles via Peñamellera Baja and Peñamellera Alta. Various mountain hiking routes lead from San Esteban and Cuñaba through Picos de Europa National Park. There are also particularly scenic fishing spots along the Cares-Deva, such as El Tilo, Monejo and El Coyú.

Buildings and History

In Panes, the Palacio de San Román is designated a Site of Cultural Interest. The palace dates mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries and is Baroque in style. The complex is arranged around a courtyard; the main palace is flanked by two former outbuildings that served as a stable and hayloft.

At the Palacio del Collado in Cimiano, an elaborately decorated palace stands opposite a stark-looking stone chapel. Balls adorn its gable and bell gable. The Puente Viejo de Robriguero is one of the oldest structures in Peñamellera Baja. The stone bridge, with a single arch, has a span of 12.5 metres and a width of 3.10 metres; it may date from the late Middle Ages.

The Alevia–Abándames–Alevia circular route leads to Abándames, the former capital of the Peñamellera valley. The village preserves the largest number of palaces and heraldic houses in the valley. Narganes also has a historic connection to traditional crafts: basket weavers once worked there and were known as “donjuanes”.

Cave, Museum and Local Traditions

The Cueva de La Loja and its educational centre are located in El Mazu on the banks of the Cares-Deva. It was the first cave with Palaeolithic art discovered in Asturias. The cave contains an archaeological deposit from the Magdalenian period; animal figures are engraved on its walls, including several bovines and a horse.

The Museo de los Bolos de Asturias is located at Barrio La Bolera 1 in Panes. It showcases how the pins and balls are made, as well as how the playing area is prepared. The upper floor presents fourteen types of bowling played in Asturias. If you plan to visit the museum, check its seasonal opening hours in advance.

Every summer, Panes hosts the Certamen del Queso y la Artesanía de los Picos de Europa; the exact dates and programme vary. The Peñamellera Baja tourist information office is a starting point for exploring the municipality and the region. It is best to check its seasonal opening hours separately.

Discover more destinations: Abándames, Alevia, Panes, Riosa, Santa Eulalia De Oscos, Nava, Onís, Villayón.

For the wider travel overview: Asturias.