Ballota offers several distinct reasons to stay: a route historically documented as part of the Camino de Santiago, hiking trails with specific details on length and terrain, a church with a remarkable altar and works of art, and Playa de Riocabo. You can therefore consider hiking, cultural heritage and the coast as separate highlights.
Hike along a variety of trails
The signposted Las Ballotas route passes through Ballota and is historically documented as part of the Camino de Santiago. For hikers interested in historical connections between routes, it combines a specific course with this context. Check the trail markers locally.
Another option is the Ballota–Santa Marina–Ballota circular route: it is 6.38 km long and rated as an easy route. Along the way, you can see sculptures, canvases and paintings by artists from the region. If you would like to discover art while hiking, this route brings both together.
The linear hiking trail to Pico Paradiella is 6.5 km long. The stated duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the elevation change is around 360 m. Compared with the circular route to Santa Marina, both the type of trail and the planning information available differ: the Santa Marina route is described as easy and circular, while the Pico trail has an approximate duration and elevation change listed.
Access to the hiking trail is via exit 455 on the A-8, signposted “Ballota–Tablizo”. Then follow the signs to the Ermita de San Roque for 1.5 km. The trail is marked with the signage typical of the Camino de Santiago, including a waymarker and a scallop shell. Along the entire route, there are views of Ballota and Tablizo, as well as an almost complete panorama of the protected landscape area on the western coast of Asturias.
The Church of Santa María and art
The parish church of Santa María in Ballota dates from the 18th century. It houses works by Dionisio Fierros and has a remarkable main altar. Other works of art to see in the church include the canvases “La Purísima Concepción” and “San Juan Bautista”. The church’s construction date, altar and paintings each provide a distinct cultural point of interest.
Playa de Riocabo and the coastal landscape
Playa de Riocabo is in Ballota and forms part of the protected landscape area on the western coast of Asturias. From a point less than 1 km from the village, a shaded path of about 1 km leads downhill to the beach in around 20 minutes on foot. Trail conditions may vary; check the condition of the path before heading down. Swimming is possible at Playa de Riocabo, but there is no lifeguard service.
At Riocabo, both the landscape and access on foot are key features. The approximate distance and duration provide a guide for planning, while the absence of lifeguard supervision is a specific condition to bear in mind when visiting the beach.
Pilgrimage in August
A traditional pilgrimage in honour of Saint Roch takes place every August at the Ermita de San Roque. If you would like to plan your travel dates around it, check the exact event date in advance. The pilgrimage is another cultural point of interest in Ballota, alongside its hiking trails and church, but should not be confused with a specific route.
You can give each theme a different priority when planning your trip: hiking trails with details on distance and elevation change, art at Santa María, the coastal landscape at Riocabo, or the August pilgrimage. This lets you choose Ballota based on the highlights that matter most for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Novellana, Millara, Villarín, San Justo de la Dóriga, Oneta, Cotariello, Valdredo, Muñalén.
For the broader travel overview: Comarca Vaqueira.
