Discover Riensena through three distinct reasons to visit: the traditional Puya de San Antonio on Good Friday, the historic route between Llanes and Covadonga, and the Desafío Lagos de Covadonga cycling event. These topics need to be considered differently when planning: the Puya is tied to a public holiday, while the cycling event takes place annually and its route details may change from one edition to the next. If you are looking for a holiday rental, this distinction can help you choose the right dates and focus for your stay.
Good Friday and the Puya de San Antonio
On Good Friday, the traditional Puya de San Antonio takes place after Mass at the local chapel. The auction features gifts donated by residents and visitors. These include boronas, rice pudding and other dishes prepared by residents. The Puya also includes food parcels containing fabes, butter, honey, free-range eggs, homemade jams and liqueurs. Individual prepared dishes are offered alongside bundled food items and other products. For anyone interested in local festival traditions, the sequence of events after Mass and the items auctioned offer a concrete picture of this Good Friday custom.
Fiesta de San Antonio programme
The programme for the 2026 Fiesta de San Antonio included a romería and verbena in the evening from 8:30 pm. A broom dance with prizes for everyone was scheduled for midnight. These times refer to the 2026 edition. If you are travelling at a later date, check that year's programme.
Cycling over the Alto de Riensena
The annual Desafío Lagos de Covadonga covers 109 kilometres and passes over the Alto de Riensena. The shorter option is listed as 99 kilometres with 1,280 metres of elevation gain; it also passes over the Alto and finishes in Covadonga. The two formats differ in distance by 10 kilometres. The shorter option also has a stated elevation gain and finish point. This makes it possible to compare the routes' lengths and some key details without treating the two descriptions as one and the same route. As route details may change between editions, check the information for the relevant year if you plan to take part.
The Camín del Oriente and historic routes
The Sendero a Covadonga, also known as the Camín del Oriente, restores a historic route between Llanes and Covadonga for walkers, pilgrims and hikers. This historic route is in good condition. Near Riensena, the Sendero a Covadonga follows the Río Riensena for a stretch, then passes through a small wood and crosses a stream. The route description therefore combines a broader historical context with specific sections beside the river, through the wood and across a stream.
The wider Llanes area is also known for the old King's Road of Piedrafita, also called Piedrahita. In the 18th century, it was one of the most heavily used routes and a compulsory route for travellers between Llanes, Cangas de Onís and Oviedo. This has a different historical scope from the route between Llanes and Covadonga: in historical terms, the King's Road connected several places across the wider area.
Choosing accommodation in the area
The LLN-14 road connects Puente Nuevo and Riensena. If you are considering Riensena as a possible place to stay overnight, you can take this specific road connection into account. You can then tailor your search for holiday rentals in Riensena to the purpose of your trip and the dates you want.
Discover more destinations: Parres De Llanes, Andrín, Tresgrandas, Poo, San Roque Del Acebal, Celorio, Bricia, Los Callejos
For the main travel overview: Llanes.
