San Martín De Oscos is best explored along trails that bring its landscape and history into view side by side. The routes vary in length and format: two are circular trails, while a shorter route takes you to a destination and back to the starting point. Mining traces and buildings also offer tangible insights into the region’s history.
Three routes of different lengths and formats
The Senda Verde de San Martín de Oscos is a 7.5-kilometre circular trail with a low difficulty rating. It combines landscape, heritage and nature, passing through forests and villages to natural viewpoints. Its route runs through the Río Eo, Oscos e Terras do Burón Biosphere Reserve. The Pena Teixeira iron mine, which can be visited, is near the trail. Before setting out, check local trail conditions, and check access arrangements before visiting the mine.
At 9.4 kilometres, the Ruta Mina Carmina is longer. It is also an easy circular trail, starting in Samartín and passing over Monte de Marón on its way to Mina Carmina. From there, it continues to Vilarín de Tresmonte and returns to Samartín. The mine tells the story of the area’s industrial past: silver, zinc and lead were extracted there in the 1950s and 1960s. When choosing a route based on length and layout, you can weigh up these two circular trails, which have different destinations and route profiles.
The Ruta Piorno a Los Fornos is shorter: this 3.6-kilometre trail, rated as easy, runs from Piorno and back. Along the way, you’ll pass several circular stone cortines. In the past, these were used to protect beehives from animals. The route also leads to Los Fornos, where mining took place on the slope of A Zarra mountain. This trail therefore brings together a traditional way of protecting beehives and a historic mining site.
Landscape and architectural history
San Martín De Oscos is known as a hiking destination with rivers and streams, springs, gentle valleys, forests coloured by autumn and easily accessible mountains. The landscape is more than just a backdrop: nature, villages and heritage come together along the Senda Verde, while other routes lead to tangible traces of past work. Depending on whether you prefer a circular trail or a shorter out-and-back route, you can explore these themes in different ways.
The buildings, too, tell different stories. Casa de los Guzmanes dates from 1756 to 1770 and is part of Asturias’s protected heritage. Its beautiful coat-of-arms doorway is a striking feature. Palacio de Mon was built in several phases over the course of the 18th century. This Asturian Baroque palace displays Galician influences; its architectural features include an irregular floor plan and a central courtyard. An appointment is required for an interior visit. Opening times and prices may vary seasonally.
In Samartín, Casa de Cabeza da Vila is part of Asturias’s protected heritage. Capilla de San Pedro in San Pedro d’Agüeira is also protected. These sites bring different buildings across various parts of the area into focus, while Casa de los Guzmanes and Palacio de Mon offer further insights into architectural history.
A glimpse into rural life
The Casa del Marco Museum comprises five buildings with traditional living areas and agricultural spaces. These include stables, a hayloft, a weaving room and a carpenter’s workshop. The site illustrates the way of life of the region’s rural community up to the mid-20th century. In the grounds around Casa del Marco, visitors can see typical Asturian farm animals, including chickens, cows and a horse; the animals present may vary.
The Centro Gastronómico y Cultural Palacio de Mon opened on 4 August 2026. This public facility focuses on traditional cuisine, culture and revitalising the area. Its programme and access arrangements may evolve. If you’re planning a visit, check the latest information on the programme and access.
Discover more destinations: Solana, San Pedro De Agüeira, Cudillero, Oviedo, Llanera, Ponga, Gijón, Peñamellera Alta.
For the main travel overview: Asturias.
