Grado brings together medieval market history and a museum dedicated to regional culture, as well as trails that vary considerably in length. A seven-kilometre circular trail runs around the parish of Castañéu; the first stage of the Camino Primitivo between Oviedo/Uviéu and Grau/Grado is 25.62 kilometres long. This allows you to explore local history and enjoy outdoor activities as different focuses for a trip to the municipality.
Market History, Cultural Heritage and Asturian Specialities
The market in Grau/Grado is the oldest in Asturias and dates back to the Middle Ages. Alfonso X the Wise granted the town the privilege of holding a weekly market through its Carta Puebla. Today, the market takes place on Wednesdays and Sundays. Its tradition is linked to the Camín Real de la Mesa and the Camino de Santiago. If you would like to plan your visit around a market day, check the dates in advance.
The historic centre also provides an architectural setting for the market’s history: it is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural and preserves remains of the medieval town walls as well as Indianos houses. Tocinillo de cielo is one of the gastronomic specialities of the municipality of Grado. During a stay in Grau/Grado, you can also try Afuega’l Pitu, an Asturian cheese with a protected designation of origin.
Primera Flor de Grado is a festival and competition celebrating Faba Asturiana, a product with a protected geographical indication, and related products. The festival takes place on the weekend after Easter and is recognised as an event of tourist interest in Asturias. If you would like to plan your trip around this period, check the specific event dates.
Museum and Cultural Sites
The Museo Etnográfico de Grado was founded in 1982 and its collections are spread across three exhibition venues. At the Palacio Fontela, Villa ya Mercáu includes a collection on the history of Grado, covering topics such as the market, industry, commercial traditions and civic life. La Cardosa has a different focus: its displays on bread, domestic life, agriculture and livestock farming, as well as traditional crafts, showcase traditional culture.
The Capilla de los Dolores is part of the Palacio de Miranda-Valdecarzana. This 18th-century building is considered to be church-sized and is used as a venue for cultural activities. The Palacio also houses Grado’s Casa de Cultura, with a library specialising in poetry. If you are planning a specific visit to the Casa de Cultura, check the latest visitor information.
Circular Trails, Long-Distance Routes and Countryside
The circular hiking trail around the parish of Castañéu starts in the town of Grau/Grado. Over seven kilometres, the route passes through mountain meadows, forests and small villages, as well as traditional Asturian architecture. Along the way, there are views of the Nalón and Cubia valleys and the Sierra del Aramo. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
The first stage of the Camino Primitivo connects Oviedo/Uviéu with Grau/Grado and is 25.62 kilometres long. It is therefore considerably longer than the circular trail in Castañéu and follows a different route: it runs between two towns, whereas the Castañéu route is described as a circular hike starting from the town. Historical routes converge and branch out again within the municipality of Grado. In addition to the Camino de Santiago Primitivo, these include the Camín Real de la Mesa, a former Roman road. Its original route connects Torrestío in León with Grado and can be walked in four or five stages.
Nearby, on the border between Grado and Salas, the Santuario de la Virgen del Fresno stands on a hill. On a clear day, the view stretches from there to Monte Naranco, Monte Sueve and the highest peaks of the Picos de Europa. Also nearby is a historic bridge over the Nalón, associated with the Carlist Wars, the Napoleonic invasion and the Spanish Civil War. The Jardín de las Mariposas can be reached via bridges over the Cubia; it is home to numerous plant and butterfly species.
If you are looking for a hotel in Grado, you can plan your stay around your interests: the market and cultural heritage, the ethnographic museum or a trail through the countryside. The information about the different route lengths can help you distinguish a local circular walk from a longer stage.
Discover more destinations: Sorribas, Baselgas.
Return to the main travel overview: Grado.
