Las Caldas combines thermal history with trails along the Nalón, cave art and activities ranging from golf to canoeing. When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: thermal architecture, a cave visit that requires a reservation, and a river route lasting several hours all require different planning. This lets you tailor your stay to the activities you want without cramming everything into one day.
Thermal waters, architecture and golf
The mineral waters of Las Caldas are mesothermal and have a temperature of 40 °C. They are considered oligometallic and contain bicarbonates, calcium and magnesium. Their use is limited to booked treatments in the Wellness & Beauty area; check this condition before booking.
El Manantial is located in the former bathhouse, built in 1776 and designed by Ventura Rodríguez. Aquaxana offers several hydrotherapy areas and more than 800 square metres of indoor and outdoor pools. Its architecture is inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. If you would rather plan a round of golf than thermal activities, Las Caldas is home to Campo Municipal de Golf Las Caldas, an 18-hole course in natural surroundings.
Cave art and visit planning
Cueva de La Lluera is an open-air Palaeolithic art site in Priorio, Las Caldas. Visits are only possible during the visiting period and with a reservation made in advance; the cave is closed outside this period. No more than six people are allowed per time slot. Check the visiting period and make a reservation in advance.
A footpath of approximately two kilometres leads from the church in San Juan de Priorio to the cave; the walk takes about 25 minutes. There is no parking near the cave. It is recommended that you leave your vehicle in San Juan de Priorio and continue on foot.
Cueva de La Lluera should not be confused with Cueva de Las Caldas in Piñera, in the municipality of Oviedo. It is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest. Its complex system of galleries, passages and chambers extends for a total of one kilometre; the cave contains two series of engraved lines and several examples of Palaeolithic portable art.
Vía Verde and the Nalón
The Vía Verde de Fuso starts in Parque de Invierno and ends at Balneario Real de Las Caldas. It follows the former railway line that connected Oviedo/Uviéu with Uxo and San Esteban. After the line was closed in 1999, it was converted into a Greenway. The Vía Verde takes three to five hours; it is also connected to the Senda Ribera del Nalón.
As far as Las Caldas, the Vía Verde runs along the banks of the Nalón. The riverside section before Balneario Real de Las Caldas is part of the Natura 2000 network. Public transport can be used for the return journey from Las Caldas; check transport connections before your trip.
A metal footbridge over the Nalón connects Las Caldas with Puerto. From the elevated bridge, you can watch ducks, herons and other birds. It offers a different view of the river from the one you get on the riverside path.
Canoeing, horse rides and heritage
The canoe trip from Las Caldas to Trubia is about six kilometres long and includes small rapids. A seasonal canoe trip on the Nalón near Las Caldas lasts approximately one and a half to two hours. It includes a guide, a picnic and the use of lockers and showers. Ask the organiser when the activity is available and confirm what is included. Guided horse rides in Valle de Las Caldas last approximately two hours and are available year-round.
Iglesia de San Juan de Priorio lies on the Camino del Norte route of the Way of St James. Its west portal has the only sculpted tympanum in the Principality of Asturias; it depicts the Pantocrator, also known as Maiestas Domini, and the Tetramorph. Castillo de Priorio was built in the 19th century on the site of an older castle dating from the time of Alfonso II. It is privately owned and not open to the public.
Discover more destinations: Cortina, Santianes, Oviedo, Siones, Faro, Villapérez, Santo Medero, Nava
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