Ricabo lies at the foot of the Ubiña Massif; the Santa Marina–Ricabo section of the Senda del Oso runs through the Ricabo River valley. Alongside valley and mountain routes, preserved traditional buildings, archaeological remains and local festivals shape the village. The hiking trails have different points of interest: some focus on the route and landscape, while another also provides elevation, length and difficulty details.

Hiking routes between valley and mountain

The Santa Marina–Ricabo section of the Senda del Oso runs through the river valley and follows part of the Camino Real de Puerto Ventana. This historic route connected Asturias and León. Chestnut trees, holly, hazel, oak and maple line the route. Here, the course of the valley meets the history of a link between the two regions.

Specific route details are available for the Puerto de Agüeria route: it starts in Lindes at an elevation of 890 metres and ends in Ricabo at 670 metres. The route is approximately 14 kilometres long and rated moderate. It first passes through meadows and oak and beech forests, then enters a subalpine landscape dominated by holly, yew and birch. Weather can affect the difficulty and trail conditions; check local conditions before setting out.

The Camino de las Reliquias runs from Puerto de Ventana through the Ricabo Valley to Santa Marina and Bárzana, where it splits. This mountain trail can be accessed from El Mansu. The recreation area also offers sweeping panoramic views of the upper stretch of the river valley. Check local trail conditions and signage for the Camino de las Reliquias.

Mountain landscapes and springs

The Ubiña Massif, at the foot of which Ricabo lies, gave its name to Las Ubiñas–La Mesa Natural Park. Los Garrafes are another feature of the landscape: these springs lie at the foot of Monte Parada and Campu Faya in the Ricabo Valley, within the Peña Ubiña Protected Landscape. Snowmelt in spring can make them swell spectacularly; their water levels vary seasonally.

El Mansu offers another perspective on the landscape: from the recreation area, panoramic views extend across the upper part of the Ricabo Valley. Alongside the Camino de las Reliquias hiking trail, there is a professional bowling alley for traditional Asturian bowling. If you plan to use it, check the current situation locally.

Preserved buildings and traces of the past

Traditional bread ovens and a washhouse have been preserved in Ricabo. The Church of San Bartolomé, also known as San Bartuelu, has plastered walls and a stone bell tower. The remains of a mill have also been preserved near the Ricabo River. These traces point to different aspects of the area's building and land-use history.

Archaeological remains are also part of the picture: the remains of an Iron Age hillfort have been preserved at La Picona near Ricabo. The historical perspective thus ranges from traditional buildings and mill remains to a fortified Iron Age settlement.

Trobaniello and festival traditions

The Trobaniello Chapel stands on the mountain track connecting Ricabo with Puerto de Ventana. Trobaniello, between Ricabo and Puerto de Ventana, is also associated with the passage of the relics from Oviedo's Cámara Santa around the year 718. The Fiesta de Trobaniello honours the Virgen de Trobaniello. At this festival, visitors can buy and sample portions of spit-roasted lamb; dates and programmes may change.

Ricabo's annual patron saint celebrations in honour of San Bartolomé include a Cuatreada competition. Specific dates or arrangements may also change when planning a visit to this festival. Check the latest information before making your travel plans around it.

The routes differ mainly in the planning details available: for Puerto de Agüeria, length, elevation and difficulty are provided; the Senda del Oso stage is distinguished by its valley route, tree species and connection to the historic road; and the Camino de las Reliquias has a described route that splits at Santa Marina and Bárzana. These differences make it easier to compare hiking options based on the aspects that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Otur, Cerredo, La Vega, Meluerda, Folgueras, Carbes, Coviella, Verdera.

For the main travel overview: Asturias.