San Martín De Oscos: Trails, Mining and Cultural Heritage

Hiking trails, mining history and architectural heritage give San Martín De Oscos a varied character. The routes vary in length and layout: alongside circular trails, there is also an out-and-back route. Architectural landmarks and an insight into rural life are also among the experiences you can include in your travel plans.

Hiking Trails and Landscape

The Senda Verde de San Martín de Oscos is a 7.5-kilometre circular trail with a low level of difficulty. It brings together landscape, cultural heritage and nature, passing through forests and villages and leading to natural viewpoints. The route also runs through the Río Eo, Oscos e Terras do Burón Biosphere Reserve. Check local trail conditions before setting out. The Pena Teixeira iron mine, which can be visited, is near the Senda; check local access conditions before visiting.

The Ruta Mina Carmina is an easy, 9.4-kilometre circular hiking trail that starts in Samartín. From there, it leads to Monte de Marón and Mina Carmina, continues to Vilarín de Tresmonte and returns to Samartín. The mine was worked for silver, zinc and lead in the 1950s and 1960s. The trail thus combines a specific route with the history of mining at Mina Carmina.

At 3.6 kilometres, the Ruta Piorno a Los Fornos is the shortest of the three routes described. It is rated easy and follows an out-and-back route from Piorno. Along the way, you will pass several circular stone cortines. These were once used to protect beehives from animals. The route links Piorno with Los Fornos, where mining was carried out on the slope of Mount A Zarra. Unlike the two longer circular trails, it has a different layout: you return along the same path.

San Martín de Oscos is considered a hiking destination. Its landscape includes rivers and streams, springs, gentle valleys, forests in autumn colours and easily accessible mountains. This variety extends beyond the forests and villages of the Senda Verde and is also useful when choosing a suitable time to travel.

Architectural Heritage and Rural Life

The Palacio de Mon was built in several phases during the 18th century. This Asturian Baroque palace shows Galician influences; its irregular floor plan and central courtyard are among its defining architectural features. An appointment is required in advance for an interior visit. Opening hours and prices may vary by season, so plan your visit with these conditions in mind.

The Casa de los Guzmanes also combines architecture with a precise historical date: it dates from 1756 to 1770, features a handsome coat-of-arms portal and is included in Asturias’s cultural heritage inventory. In Samartín, the Casa de Cabeza da Vila is also listed as protected cultural heritage in the official inventory of Asturias. The Capilla de San Pedro in San Pedro d’Agüeira is likewise among the protected cultural heritage sites listed there.

The Casa del Marco comprises five buildings with traditional living areas and spaces used for agriculture. These include stables, a hayloft, a weaving room and a carpentry workshop. The complex illustrates the way of life of the region’s rural community up to the middle of the 20th century. On the grounds around Casa del Marco, visitors can see animals typical of an Asturian farm, including chickens, cows and a horse; which animals are on view may vary.

Another public facility is the Centro Gastronómico y Cultural Palacio de Mon, which opened on 4 August 2026. Its offering focuses on traditional cuisine, culture and revitalising the area. Its programme and access arrangements may evolve. Together with the historic buildings and trails, it shows how nature, cultural heritage and cultural life can be explored as different aspects of a stay in San Martín De Oscos.

Discover more destinations

San Pedro De Agüeira, Solana, Piloña, Santo Adriano, Montaña Central, Morcín, Oriente De Asturias, Cangas De Onis

For the main travel overview: Asturias.