Calleras combines hiking with themes from natural and cultural history. When planning your trip, it is worth taking a closer look at the routes: PR AS-1 offers a linear option and an option to the high mountain pasture of Adrado; PR AS-2 starts at the church square and runs parallel to the Esva for some stretches. The Church of San Martín and Castiel.lo Veneiro add different historical points of interest to this selection.

Hiking on PR AS-1 and PR AS-2

PR AS-1 offers a 6-kilometre linear option from Calleras to Agüera or San Pedro de Paredes. Its difficulty level is moderate. Another option climbs to the braña (high mountain pasture) of Adrado, where traditional buildings used for high-altitude pastoral farming can be visited. Thus, the route’s buildings associated with high mountain pastures are among its special features, alongside the trail itself.

PR AS-2 starts at Calleras church square and loops back to the village. It runs for about 3 kilometres, following the Esva River and crossing steps and wooden walkways. The two routes therefore have different planning considerations: PR AS-1 has a linear option and a moderate difficulty level, while the course of PR AS-2 is shaped by its proximity to the river, steps and wooden walkways. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Hoces del Esva and their landscape

The route from Calleras to the Hoces del Esva passes through a protected natural area. The route through the Hoces runs through the natural monument of the same name and also forms part of the protected landscape of the Esva Basin. Along the route are riparian forests of alders, ash trees, willows and poplars; oaks and chestnuts also grow there. These different tree species shape the description of the landscape along the way.

In the Hoces area, the Esva River offers opportunities for sport fishing for brown trout, sea trout, eel and salmon. Access and rules may vary, so check the current regional regulations beforehand. The Esva, or Ese, Basin is also important for its wildlife: it is home to the largest otter population in Asturias.

Church and architectural heritage in Calleras

The Church of San Martín de Calleras was completed in 1898. Its central altarpiece depicts Saint Benedict, Saint Bernard, Saint Bartholomew and John the Baptist. It was created by the Baroque sculptor Antonio de Borja. The church was also built to house Baroque altarpieces from the former Cistercian monastery of Santa María de Lapedo in the municipality of Belmonte de Miranda.

You can ask for the key to visit the church at Bar Casa Retumba in the village of Calleras. As this arrangement may change, check locally before your visit. Calleras’s civil architecture also includes Casa de los Giraldo.

Cultural heritage in Calleras and Ese de Calleras

Castiel.lo Veneiro is an ancient fortified settlement in the parish of Calleras, in the municipality of Tineo in Asturias. It has been listed in the Inventory of the Cultural Heritage of Asturias since 23 December 2013. The oval enclosure is approximately 33 metres long and 19 metres wide. Castiel.lo Veneiro is considered an important example of an Iron Age fortified settlement in Asturias.

In nearby Ese de Calleras, the Chapel of San Pedro preserves a monolithic twin window made of sandstone. Its rectangular openings are topped with horseshoe arches. Thus, Calleras and nearby Ese de Calleras offer a view of both the architectural history of a church and specific architectural details of smaller cultural heritage sites.

Discover more destinations: Ballota, Faedo, San Justo de la Dóriga, Villarín, Trevías, Novellana, Oneta, Muñalén.

For the main travel overview: Comarca Vaqueira.