Cubillos Del Sil: Trails, History and Festivals
Accommodation in Cubillos Del Sil
If you are considering Cubillos Del Sil as a destination, you will find a range of themed points of interest: signposted circular trails, views of the Bárcena Reservoir, archaeological and religious heritage, and local festivals. When choosing a hotel, it may be helpful to first consider whether nature trails, cultural history or an event date is important for your stay.
Circular Trails and Views
The Senda del Monte Meno is a signposted circular trail with blue direction markers. The Senda del Mirador–Refugio Meno is also a signposted circular trail with direction markers. Both are circular routes; the signs on the Monte Meno trail are blue.
The Senda de los Túneles is a circular trail that passes through a tunnel used by the former mining railway. The route also offers views of the upper part of the Bárcena Reservoir. The distinctive tunnel section and the view of the upper reservoir give this trail a different focus from the two Meno circular routes.
There are two other named viewpoints for panoramic views: From the Peña del Cuervo viewpoint, you can see across a large part of the El Bierzo region. The Mirador del Meno offers a panoramic view of the Bárcena Reservoir. The viewpoints therefore differ in what they overlook: one offers a wide view across the region, while the other looks out over the reservoir.
Rest Areas and Wildlife
There are picnic areas and shady places to rest along the route by the Bárcena Reservoir. Conditions at the rest areas may vary. Otters, wildcats, roe deer and wolves are listed as wildlife in Cubillos Del Sil; sightings are not guaranteed.
Buildings and Historic Routes
The Casa natal de Severo Gómez Núñez is a palatial house. It houses a milestone dating from the time of Nero, found in Almázcara. The site thus connects the history of the house with a Roman artefact.
The parish church of San CristĂłbal has medieval origins and was remodelled from the 16th century onwards. There is a Baroque altarpiece at the altar. The building also has a vaulted ceiling and a bell gable with a cylindrical bell tower dating from the 17th century.
The names of historic routes are also part of the town’s history: an important Roman road passed through old Cubillos. Later, it was called the VĂa Nova and the Camino de Santiago; from the 18th century onwards, it was known as the Carlos III Road or Carretera Vieja. The Camino Olvidado de Santiago, also known as the Camino Viejo or Camino de Montaña, was one of the oldest pilgrimage routes to Santiago.
Castromocho is a catalogued pre-Roman hillfort in Posadina that visitors can explore. Its defensive wall and ditches are clearly visible on the north side. A chapel near the town hall houses a small altarpiece with an unusual depiction of Saint Roch as a pilgrim.
Festivals and Getting There
The festivals in honour of San CristĂłbal take place around 10 July; the festivals in honour of San Roque are celebrated every year on 16 August. The annual programmes may vary, so it is advisable to check the dates for your trip. Cubi-Magia is a recurring street magic event: its sixth edition took place in 2022 and its seventh in 2023. The programme for this event may also change.
You can reach Cubillos Del Sil from Ponferrada or Villablino via the 631 road. Buses to Cubillos Del Sil run several times a day. Check the latest timetable and road conditions before travelling.
Accommodation in the Area
El Bosque de los Sueños is a tourist hostel in Cubillos Del Sil. If you are considering this accommodation, check the details before booking.
Discover more destinations: Berlanga Del Bierzo, Val De San Lorenzo, Valderrueda, Villanueva del Condado, Secarejo, La Cueta, Lago de Carucedo, Villafeliz De La Sobarriba.
For the wider travel overview: LeĂłn.
