Villamayor combines Romanesque traces and traditional Asturian architecture with nature destinations and hiking options. For planning, there are several different possibilities: a short route to the El Chorrón recreation area, a longer stage of the GR109, and cultural and historical attractions in the village.
Landscape and Wildlife
The parish of Villamayor lies in a valley shaped by the Río Piloña and flanked by mountain ranges, streams and small valleys. Trout and eels, among other species, can be seen in the clear rivers and streams. The natural surroundings are also home to wild boar, roe deer, red deer, small birds of prey, vultures, owls and barn owls. Sightings of these wild animals are not guaranteed.
Hiking and Cycling Routes
An easy hiking route runs from Villamayor for just over two kilometres to the El Chorrón recreation area and the Cascada del Chorrón waterfall. From the recreation area, it is a short walk of about 200 metres to the waterfall. El Chorrón is located in native woodland on the Río de La Cueva, also known as the Río Pequeño. The recreation area has parking, a children's area, picnic tables and a hiking trail. As facilities may change, check these details before your visit.
For a longer hike, stage 6 of the GR109 Asturias Interior starts in Villamayor. It is 13.31 kilometres long and rated moderate; along the way, it offers views of Infiesto and the Sueve, Aves and Sellón mountain ranges. Compared with the easy route towards El Chorrón, it involves a significantly longer distance and a higher level of difficulty. Trail conditions on both hiking options may change seasonally.
Cyclists also have a route to follow: the Piloña Este cycling route leads to the El Chorrón recreation area and then descends to Villamayor. Wet weather can affect trail conditions. The cycling route and the two hiking options offer different ways to experience the landscape; choose according to the time available and the distance you would like to cover.
Architecture and Local History
The facade of Casa Pastrana bears the stele with Oculatio's funerary inscription, evidence of the Roman presence in Villamayor. The village of Valledal preserves traditional Asturian architecture, with old houses, hórreos and cobbled streets. At the Church of Santa María de Villamayor, the surviving Romanesque features include the apse, the start of the nave and the south portal.
The Benedictine convent of Santa María de Villamayor was founded between the 12th and 13th centuries and dissolved in the 14th century. Chupa Chups adds another distinctive note to the village's history: the sweet was created in Villamayor. There are also examples of Indian architecture. The renowned architect Manuel Busto Delgado left his mark on several Indian-style buildings in Villamayor.
The Ruta de Modesto Montoto comprises ten viewing points with original photographs by the photographer from Piloña and short explanatory texts. It combines an interest in photography with a sense of place, without requiring a longer hiking stage.
Festivals and Planning Your Stay
The Corpus de Villamayor features social and religious activities over several days. The festival returns each year, but dates and the programme change annually. If you would like to include the festival in your stay, check the dates for the relevant year. When planning accommodation, it helps to first decide what matters most to you: local history, the shorter hike towards El Chorrón or the longer GR109 stage.
Discover more destinations: Robledo, Sardeda, La Goleta, Antrialgo, Sevares, Caldevilla, Bierces, San Román De Villa
Return to the main travel guide: Piloña.
