Santo Adriano: Nature Trails and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Santo Adriano
Santo Adriano combines striking natural landscapes with traces of different eras. The Las Xanas Gorge, the Senda del Oso trails and places with medieval or prehistoric history give your trip specific points of interest. If you enjoy spending time outdoors while also getting to know the local culture, you can include both in your plans.
Gorge and trails
The Desfiladero de las Xanas lies almost entirely in Santo Adriano; only a small section inside the gorge belongs to Proaza. At some points, it reaches a depth of up to 100 metres. Its diverse mixed forest includes hazels, hawthorns, ash trees, lime trees, maples, whitebeams and elms. Golden eagles and griffon vultures can also be spotted in the gorge. The Ruta de Las Xanas (PR-AS 186) is designated a natural monument.
The first section of the Senda del Oso begins in Tuñón in Santo Adriano and ends in Caranga Baxu in Proaza. The Tuñón–Caranga section is easy and suitable for families.
To reach the Senda del Oso in Tuñón, take the A-63 to Trubia and then the AS-228 to the Área Recreativa de Tuñón. Check local road conditions before setting off. The Centro de BTT Valles del Oso is located at the start of the Senda del Oso Greenway.
Buildings and local history
In Villanueva, the Puente Romano de Villanueva crosses the River Trubia. Despite its typology as a Roman bridge, it is actually of medieval origin. The Romanesque church of San Romano is dated to between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Its rounded apse preserves 16th-century wall paintings in a Gothic style. The bridge and church thus offer glimpses into different chapters of Santo Adriano’s architectural history.
The mines of La Parva in Castañeo del Monte are also part of the region’s history: they are among the oldest industrial iron-mining sites in Asturias. Exploring these places brings both medieval buildings and industrial heritage into view.
Traces of prehistory
The Abrigo de Santo Adriano contains up to 30 Upper Palaeolithic engravings. They mainly depict bison, hinds and goats. Visits are free and require advance booking. Before your trip, check the seasonal visiting information and available dates.
The Cueva del Conde offers another glimpse into prehistory: extensive stone tools attributed to Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons have been discovered there. The cave also contains non-figurative engravings from the Aurignacian period, dated to around 30,000 years ago. The finds and engravings point to different forms of human traces at this site.
Cultural activities at La Ponte
La Ponte is an ecomuseum and research centre for history, culture and heritage. Its offerings include free guided tours of five cultural heritage sites in Santo Adriano, as well as ethnographic workshops and workshops on traditional Asturian crafts. This gives you the opportunity to include the area’s culture and history in your trip, alongside its visible buildings and landscapes. As the programme may change, check which tours and workshops are available before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Castañedo del Monte, Allande, Grado, Campiellos, Ribadesella, Cangas Del Narcea, Quirós, Cabo Peñas.
For the main travel overview: Asturias.
