Cecos can be explored from three distinct perspectives: the Church of Santa Maria, the river landscape along the Ibias, and routes that take in vineyards, woodland and traces of gold mining. When planning, it helps to distinguish between local history, a riverside walk, and trekking and cycling routes. The Senda del Oro Interpretation Centre is located on one floor of the Centro Turístico de Cecos.

Church, palace and rural architecture

The present-day Church of Santa Maria de Cecos stands in the centre of the village and dates from 1681. A historical account passed down through the years mentions a monastery of the same name as early as around the year 900. The family associated with the Palacio de Ron can be traced back at least to the 11th century. Despite numerous alterations, the palace retains its structure of two towers linked by a central section.

Traditional structures in the area around Cecos also contribute to its cultural character. In the woods and along the paths are low stone circles known as corripas. Chestnuts gathered between September and October were stored inside them, still in their prickly husks, to ripen. Very old stone cortinales were used to protect beehives from bears. These structures offer insight into traditional practices connected with chestnut cultivation and beekeeping.

Walking routes along the Ibias

The Cecos–San Antolín walking route follows the Ibias River, passes a small wine-growing area and offers views of the remains of Roman gold-mining excavations. The path also reaches the gorge of the Cavo River through dense vegetation of alder, maple and ash, near its confluence with the Ibias. This route brings together river scenery, vineyards and a wooded gorge.

The Senda del Oro comprises the PR-AS 306, PR-AS 24 and GR 203 routes and connects villages such as Cecos and Villamayor. It passes through terraced vineyards, chestnut woods and river landscapes. Mills, cortines and terraces are also among the traditional features along the route. The views therefore extend beyond individual buildings to a cultural landscape where paths and traditional land uses come together.

Trekking, cycling and choosing a route

There are trekking routes around Cecos with significant changes in elevation. They follow rivers and pass through woodland crossed by streams. Mountain biking and road cycling routes also offer a range of options for outings or training. The Chao d'Arqueira mountain biking route passes through San Antolín and Cecos, then continues via Pena de Tuña, Chao da Serra, Penas de Cuantas and Chao d'Arqueira to Caldevilla, before returning to San Antolín.

The Ruta de los Puertos offers another route option: it runs from San Antolín towards Cecos, then follows the AS-348 to the climb up El Coniu. This second section is 19 km long and has considerably more moderate elevation changes; El Coniu is at an altitude of 1,315 m. The specific details about the route, distance and elevation changes make it possible to distinguish this route from the walking and trekking paths without treating the different types of route as equivalent.

Cecos in the natural park

Cecos is part of the 567 km² Narcea, Degaña e Ibias Natural Park. The park belongs to the Natura 2000 network and is recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Another named landscape feature is El Castelo: this wooded spur lies northwest of Cecos, 326 m above the Ibias River. To the southeast, the village is bounded by the El Castelo stream. Together, these local and landscape features offer guidance when choosing between cultural history, riverside paths and routes through the natural environment.

Discover more destinations: San Antolin De Ibias.

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