Santo Adriano can be explored through a variety of themes: the Senda del Oso trails, the landscape of the Las Xanas Gorge and a rich cultural heritage. When planning, it helps to keep the specific differences in mind. The first section of the Senda del Oso is described in terms of its route and trail character; Las Xanas focuses on the protected route, the depth of the gorge and its plant and animal life. The cultural attractions also have their own distinct features, from Romanesque architecture to prehistoric engravings.
Trails and landscape: Tuñón or Las Xanas
The first section of the Senda del Oso starts in Tuñón in Santo Adriano and ends in Caranga Baxu in Proaza. The Tuñón–Caranga section of the Senda del Oso is easy and suitable for families. To reach the Senda del Oso in Tuñón, take the A-63 to Trubia, then continue on the AS-228 to the Área Recreativa de Tuñón.
The Ruta de Las Xanas (PR-AS 186), designated a Natural Monument, offers a different perspective on the landscape. The Desfiladero de las Xanas gorge lies almost entirely within Santo Adriano; only a small section inside it belongs to Proaza. In some places, the gorge reaches a depth of up to 100 metres. Its diverse mixed forest includes hazel, hawthorn, ash, lime, maple, whitebeam and elm trees. Golden eagles and griffon vultures can also be spotted there.
The documented differences can help you choose between these two nature-based attractions: the Senda del Oso offers a section described as easy and family-friendly, with set start and end points. At Las Xanas, the Natural Monument designation, the gorge and its biodiversity define the experience. This lets you choose a route based on which aspect interests you more, rather than treating both trails as a single outing without further planning.
Cultural heritage from the Romanesque period to prehistory
La Ponte is an ecomuseum and research centre for history, culture and heritage. It offers free guided tours of five cultural heritage sites in Santo Adriano. The programme also includes ethnographic workshops and workshops on traditional Asturian crafts. As offerings may change, check in advance which tours and workshops suit your visit.
A look at the history of the buildings shows why names and actual dates of origin do not always mean the same thing. The Puente Romano de Villanueva crosses the River Trubia in Villanueva. Despite its classification as a Roman bridge, it is medieval in origin. The Romanesque church of San Romano is dated to between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Its rounded apse preserves 16th-century wall paintings in a Gothic-inspired style. The bridge and church therefore represent different historical classifications and periods.
The archaeological remains also differ considerably. The engravings in the Abrigo de Santo Adriano mainly depict bison, female deer and goats; there are up to 30 Upper Palaeolithic engravings in total. The Cueva del Conde has a different focus: its non-figurative engravings date from the Aurignacian period and are estimated to be around 30,000 years old. Extensive stone tools attributed to Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons have also been discovered in the cave. A visit can therefore help you recognise figurative animal depictions and non-figurative engravings as distinct forms of prehistoric art.
The mines of La Parva in Castañeo del Monte are part of the region’s industrial history. They are among the oldest industrial iron-mining sites in Asturias. This historical focus broadens the picture beyond architecture and prehistory: Santo Adriano offers several different ways to explore its cultural heritage, without requiring you to cover every theme in a single visit.
Plan your visits and journey
Advance booking is required to visit the Abrigo de Santo Adriano, and admission is free. As visitor information is seasonal, confirm the details before your trip. Also check local road conditions before driving to Tuñón. These two specific planning points make it possible to prepare separately for the visit that requires a reservation and for access to the Senda del Oso.
Discover more destinations: Castañedo del Monte, Montaña Central, Carreño, Comarca De La Sidra, Gijón, El Franco, Riosa, Soto De Ribera.
For the broader travel overview: Asturias.
