Salas: Camino, Nature and Medieval Heritage
Accommodation in Salas
The Camino Primitivo passes through Salas, giving the destination a historical connection: it is considered the first Way of St. James and the oldest route to Compostela. The town also has medieval buildings, marked trails to Pico Aguión and a riverside route to the Nonaya Waterfall. You can plan your stay around pilgrim history, landscapes and architecture.
The Camino Primitivo and Medieval Salas
Along the Camino through Salas, churches, chapels, wayside crosses and pilgrim hostels line the route. Pilgrims can stay at the Albergue de peregrinos de Salas, which has 16 places, is 200 metres from the Camino and welcomes pilgrims year-round. Check the information again before your trip. The town of Salas is one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in Asturias.
A notable building is the Palacio de Valdés-Salas, a complex comprising a palace and a medieval tower dating from the 14th to the 16th centuries. An arch decorated with coats of arms connects the two parts. The square tower dates from the 14th century and is also known as the Torre de los Valdés. The Palacio is currently home to the Fundación Valdés-Salas and the Aula Universitaria Valdés-Salas, which organises cultural and academic activities.
Trails, Rivers and Viewpoints
Pico Aguión is a natural viewpoint offering panoramic views over the valleys of the Narcea and Nonaya, the town of Salas and the mountains of western Asturias. Marked trails from the town lead to Pico Aguión. As access may change depending on maintenance, check the current trail conditions before setting out.
The Senda de la Cascada de Nonaya follows the river through a natural corridor where trout and eels can be found. Before reaching the waterfall, the route crosses the historic stone bridges of Puente de Borra and Puente de Carcabón.
Another short, officially waymarked hiking route is the P.R. AS-128 Sendero del Salmón. It runs alongside the River Narcea, following the track of a former railway line. The “Salas desde la Trinchera†route leads to former Spanish Civil War positions in the hills around Salas. Trail conditions on this route may change, so check them in advance.
The chapel of Nuestra Señora del Viso offers a different perspective on the landscape. It is 5 km from the town of Salas, near the summit of Monte Viso at an altitude of about 600 m, and offers views across varied landscapes. The Tejo de Salas stands beside the parish church of San MartÃn. The yew is 16 metres tall, is a natural monument and is one of the tallest yews in Asturias.
Culture and Local Specialities
The Museo Prerrománico San MartÃn de Salas preserves valuable artefacts and inscribed stone slabs from the nearby church of San MartÃn. Check visiting arrangements before you go. The Monastery of San Salvador de Cornellana also has historical significance: it has been a Bien de Interés Cultural since 1994, and in 2015 it was added to the World Heritage List as a site associated with the Camino de Santiago Primitivo.
Malleza and Mallecina are home to a well-preserved group of houses in the Indianos architectural style. Those interested in architecture will find a different focus here from the tower and palace in the town of Salas.
A local speciality is Carajitos, a typical sweet from Salas. The Carajitos del Profesor shop is a landmark for this treat, making it by hand every day using a centuries-old recipe. The Concurso de Sidra Casera de Salas brings local producers together every year. If you would like to plan your trip around this competition, check the dates for your travel year.
Discover more destinations: Malleza, Salas, Cornellana, Santiago De La Barca, La Granja.
Go to the main travel overview: Asturias.
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