Boal offers different ways to experience culture and landscapes: its Indiano architecture is considered an important part of the town’s cultural heritage, alongside archaeological sites, routes and the Embalse de Doiras. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between their different characteristics: some routes lead to archaeological sites, others have an ethnographic focus, and some combine sections that require different modes of transport.

Cultural heritage from beekeeping to archaeology

At the Casa de la Apicultura, an exhibition shows how beekeeping techniques used in the region have developed over the past century. The collection includes around one hundred historical and modern objects. This brings the development of the craft and the tools used for it together. The Casa is also the starting point for the Ruta de Los Castros PR.AS-249: from there, the route leads to Castro de Pendia and the tumuli of Penácaros, then returns to the Casa de la Apicultura.

Another craft takes centre stage at the Centro de Interpretación de la Artesanía del Hierro. It documents the history and marketing of ironworking in the municipality of Boal. The craft developed particularly strongly there in the 18th and 19th centuries. Together with the Indiano architecture, this shows the variety of cultural themes the destination offers, from architectural heritage and beekeeping to regional ironworking.

At Castro de Pendia, the journey continues into archaeology. The settlement was founded during the Iron Age, between the 4th and 1st centuries BC, and remained inhabited under Roman rule until the 1st century AD. Since 2014, the Castro and its protected surroundings have been recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Cova del Demo takes visitors much further back in time: its schematic depictions of animals and people date to around 1500–1100 BC, the second half of the Bronze Age. The cave on Monte Llanteirou lies within the municipalities of Boal and Illano and is also recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural.

Routes and access conditions

Access routes to the archaeological sites vary. The turn-off to Castro de Pendia is signposted from the AS-12 at Pendia, at kilometre marker 19; from there, the route continues for 2 kilometres along a local road and 1 kilometre along an unpaved track. To reach Cova del Demo, a steep, well-signposted footpath of around 2,000 metres climbs from Froseira. The inside of the cave is locked and can only be visited with special permission from the Ministry of Culture of the Principality of Asturias. If you plan to visit the interior, arrange the required permission in advance. It is also advisable to check local road and path conditions before visiting.

The routes also offer different formats. The Paseo Indiano, also known as the Ruta Real, covers a total of 5.10 kilometres: 0.50 kilometres on foot along the Kings’ Path and a further 4.60 kilometres by vehicle. The Ruta de Penouta, by contrast, is a circular route of around 23 kilometres. It starts in the centre of Boal/Bual, opposite the church. The stated distances and routes make the two trails easy to distinguish, without assuming that they involve the same mode of transport.

The Ruta molíos, cortíos y calieiros has an ethnographic focus and runs mostly through native woodland. It complements the two routes described above with a glimpse of the cultural landscape. Weather, signposting and trail conditions can affect all routes, so take these factors into account when planning your visit.

The Embalse de Doiras

The reservoir also offers a distinctive perspective on the landscape and outdoor activities. The dam of the Embalse de Doiras is in the municipality of Boal, while the reservoir extends into the municipality of Illano. It is part of the characteristic landscape of western Asturias. Boating, swimming and fishing are possible on the Embalse. Boat moorings are located at Puente del Estado and beside the dam. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check local conditions and access to the moorings mentioned before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Carbes, Miñagón, Rozagás, Otur, Muñón Cimero, Pedroveya, Avilés, Buelles.

For the regional travel overview: Asturias.