Between El Mazu, Narganes and Buelles, the Sauceda de Buelles stretches along both banks of the Cares-Deva as a riverside forest. The area is recognised as a natural monument. White willows are prominent, alongside shrub willows, alders and oaks. Wildlife is also part of this river landscape: otters can be spotted here, and there is a colony of nesting sand martins as well as several amphibian species. The Sauceda thus combines protected nature with a landscape that can be explored along the river.

River Landscapes and Trails

The Arboretum de los Picos de Europa combines a display of plants with a three-kilometre circular route. It follows the Cares-Deva river promenade, from El Tilo to the Romanesque chapel of San Juan de Ciliergo. It showcases the vascular flora of Asturias, particularly that of the Picos de Europa National Park and its surroundings. The plants are grouped into Atlantic and Mediterranean or sub-Mediterranean ecosystems—a classification that brings different landscapes together in one place.

Another circular route starts and ends in Panes and passes through Cimiano and Endilaila. Along the way, there are views of Panes, the Deva-Cares, the Sierra del Cuera and much of the Peñamellera Baja valley. Near Endilaila, the route passes through meadows and mountain scenery. At dawn and dusk, roe deer and numerous birds may be seen there; such sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

From Alevia, the PR AS 191 hiking trail leads to Picu El Paisanu, the highest point in Peñamellera Baja, in the Sierra del Cuera. Along the way, the route passes the former facilities of the El Pilar iron and manganese mine. The combination of mountain scenery and industrial history gives this trail a different character from the Panes circular route. The Camino Natural de la Cordillera Cantábrica, in turn, connects Panes and Alles via Peñamellera Baja and Peñamellera Alta. Various mountain hiking routes also lead from San Esteban and Cuñaba through the Picos de Europa National Park.

Caves, Palaces and Buildings

The Cueva de La Loja and its educational centre are located in El Mazu, on the banks of the Cares-Deva. It was the first cave discovered in Asturias with Palaeolithic art. Its archaeological and artistic features include a Magdalenian deposit and animal figures engraved on the walls, including several bovines and a horse. This makes La Loja a special destination for anyone interested in early art and the history of human settlement.

In Panes, the Palacio de San Román is designated a Site of Cultural Interest. Dating mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, the building is classified as Baroque. The palace is arranged around an inner courtyard and flanked by two former outbuildings that served as a stable and hayloft. The Palacio del Collado in Cimiano offers a different architectural contrast: an austere-looking stone chapel stands beside an ornate palace. Balls decorate the chapel’s gable and bell gable.

The Puente Viejo de Robriguero is also one of the oldest structures in Peñamellera Baja. The single-arch stone bridge has a span of 12.5 metres and is 3.10 metres wide; it may date back to the late Middle Ages. Following the Alevia–Abándames–Alevia hiking trail brings you to Abándames. The village was once the capital of the Peñamellera valley and still preserves several grand houses and palaces. The valley’s largest concentration of palaces and heraldic houses can also be found there.

Local Traditions in Panes and Narganes

The Museo de los Bolos de Asturias, at Barrio La Bolera 1 in Panes, is dedicated to skittles. It shows how skittles and balls are made and playing areas prepared; the upper floor presents fourteen types of skittles played in Asturias. Opening hours may vary by season, so it is advisable to check them before visiting. The Certamen del Queso y la Artesanía de los Picos de Europa is also held in Panes every summer. Dates and programme may vary.

Another trace of local craft history leads to Narganes: the village was once known for its basket weavers, called “donjuanes”. Together with the palaces and heraldic houses of Abándames, the buildings in Panes and the variety of trails and landscapes, this tradition shows how much there is to discover in Peñamellera Baja.

Explore towns in the municipality: Abándames, Alevia, Panes

Discover more destinations: Amieva, Tapia De Casariego, Llanera, Villaviciosa, Gozón

Return to the main travel overview: Asturias.