San Tirso De Abres between the Eo and railway tunnels

The Eo shapes San Tirso De Abres with its riverside forests and fertile valley. At the same time, the area’s history ranges from fishing on the river to its railway and mining past. This gives you different perspectives to explore when planning your trip: riverside landscapes and trails, historical traces, and architecture and food culture.

By the Eo: river, fishing and riverside trails

The Eo is associated with fishing for salmon, trout and sea trout. A fish ladder on the Vía Verde del Ferrocarril del Eo helps salmon overcome dams as they migrate upstream. So, alongside the river scenery, the Eo is also important for its ecological role. The O Chao riverside trail is more than two kilometres long. In the El Piñeiro recreation area, a pedestrian bridge leads to the municipal swimming pool; a riverside trail of more than two kilometres also runs along the Eo there. The river, fishing and trails give you different ways to explore the landscape and how it is used.

Tunnels and the border route on the Ruta del Ferrocarril

The Ruta del Ferrocarril starts in San Tirso De Abres and runs to the O Cairo stream on the border between Asturias and Galicia. It includes six railway tunnels; the Asela tunnel is 173 metres long. The route can be extended as far as A Pontenova by adding another six-kilometre stretch on a paved surface. This means the route description includes both a notable tunnel and a specific border crossing. Tunnel lighting and trail conditions may vary, so check conditions before setting off.

To reach the El Piñeiro recreation area, take the turnoff for Taramundi from the N-640, then follow another access road for one kilometre. Check road conditions before setting out. This route is useful if you want to combine a stay by the river with a visit to the recreation area.

Fishing, mining and architectural heritage

The former fishing shelter at Xesteira can be reached via a suspension bridge. Another historical landmark is the Mina do Salgueiro in San Tirso De Abres, an important iron mine. Its origins may date back to Roman times. Several tunnels carved into the rock remain, bearing traces of old and modern industrial work. The possible Roman dating remains a possibility, not a certainty.

Buildings also tell different stories about the area. The Church of San Salvador has two naves and a central external portico. The Centro de Interpretación de la Pesca en el Eo is housed in a former public school building. In the westernmost part of Asturias, you can also find cabozos, also known as cabazos: grain stores made of wood and stone. They were used to ripen grain and to dry or store slaughtered meat products. As a building type, they combine traditional materials with practical everyday functions.

Pena do Encanto is a waterfall associated with the legend of an enchanted woman who appears on Midsummer’s Eve. This local story adds to the natural setting; the apparition is part of the legend. Between the waterfall, former fishing shelter, mining tunnels and church, you can explore different aspects of the landscape and history.

Seasonal markets and a pastry tradition

The Mercado de Verano takes place every year on weekends in August in the recreation area by the Eo. Local producers and craftspeople gather there. Exact dates may vary from year to year; if the market is important to your trip, check the dates for the relevant year.

Another tradition is the Feria de las Roscas de Semana Santa, centred on the Rosca de Jueves Santo. This sweet homemade pastry is made using a recipe passed down through generations. As the celebration is tied to Easter, its dates follow the Easter calendar. The two events mark different seasonal occasions: the Mercado de Verano takes place on weekends in August, while the rosca tradition is part of the Easter celebrations.

About the area: San Tirso De Abres. Discover more destinations: Carreño, Pravia, Parres, Aller, Ibias, Piloña, Pesoz.

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