Limestone, forests and paths around Peña Mea
At Ojo de Buey on Peña Mea, you can see how karst erosion has shaped the limestone: the natural opening is more than 15 metres in diameter. If you are interested in Laviana's landscapes, this is a striking geological feature. The route to the Foces del Raigosu also passes below Peña Mea, through lush forests and limestone formations. Along the route are forest habitats where you may spot robins, wrens, deer and goats; sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
A circular variant of the climb up Peña Mea can start in Les Campes, Laviana, and return via Doñango and La Boyica. In autumn, the deer rut in Laviana is considered one of the forests' most impressive spectacles. Here, two aspects of nature come together: the sculpted limestone landscape and seasonal wildlife watching. The upper valleys of Laviana are part of the protected landscape area Paisaje Protegido de las Cuencas Mineras.
Free guided routes are also open to the public. They are led by specialist staff from Turismo del Principado de Asturias. As the seasonal schedule may vary, we recommend checking the latest dates before your visit.
Mountain biking and the banks of the NalĂłn
The Senderos del Carbón Flow Trail is a very difficult, 16-kilometre circular mountain bike route that starts and ends at La Chalana. It is recognised as Spain's first flow trail to be certified in accordance with IMBA España guidelines; its downhill section is 3.5 kilometres long. The route follows a forest track before returning to Puente de La Chalana along a tree-lined path parallel to the Nalón.
The Senderos del Carbón are also a sustainable project to restore former paths. After coal was extracted, miners used them to transport coal; the routes are in the Nalón basin within the municipality of Laviana. One route, called Senderos del Carbón–Bajo Nalón, leads to the Bocamina de La Sota. There, people remember the tragic mining accident of 1924. These paths therefore bring nature and cycling experiences together with the memory of the area's mining history.
Puente d'Arcu lies on the banks of the NalĂłn, about two kilometres from Pola de Laviana. Today, the bridge is a place for recreation and leisure. The Descenso FolklĂłrico del NalĂłn offers a different kind of experience: this humorous water parade of homemade boats runs from Puente d'Arcu to Puente de La Chalana, 1.5 kilometres away. As the annual programme may vary, check the event dates in advance.
Architectural history from Romanesque to Baroque
The Iglesia de San Nicolás de Villoria dates from the 12th century and was extensively remodelled in the Renaissance style in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Puente de Villoria offers a different perspective: the single-arch Romanesque bridge was built between the 12th and 13th centuries and retains its original paved deck.
The Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Otero houses an 18th-century main altarpiece. A depiction of Nuestra Señora del Otero has been documented there since 1654. The Iglesia de San MartĂn de LorĂo contains significant Baroque altarpieces, including a main altarpiece from the first half of the 18th century. The TorreĂłn de El Condao also tells the story of several eras: its origins date back to the Roman era; it was remodelled under Alfonso I during the Asturian monarchy and later in the 14th century. The defensive tower is also protected as a Bien de InterĂ©s Cultural.
The area's architectural heritage also includes the Casona de los Menéndez Valdés, a building in the popular Baroque style with an attached chapel, protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Centro de Interpretación Armando Palacio Valdés is located in the birthplace of the author of “La Aldea Perdida”. The rural house was built in the 18th century. A reservation is required in advance for visits, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., by calling 985 600 050; it is best to confirm the visiting arrangements before you travel.
Practical information for your trip
The AS-17 is the main road connection to Laviana. The area's landscapes and cultural experiences offer different options for planning your trip: you can focus on the paths and nature, for example, or explore its architectural history and mining heritage. Sidra is also part of Laviana's cultural heritage: on 7 June 2013, Laviana became the first municipality to declare sidra its official drink.
Discover more destinations: Pando, Pola De Laviana, Carrio, Villaviciosa, Corvera De Asturias, Oviedo, Teverga, Carreño.
For the main travel guide: Asturias.
