Naraval showcases Vaqueiro culture in its museum, traditional homes and historic trails. There are two distinct options to focus on when planning your visit: the PR-AS 287, with its river pool and the Las Vueltas del Gato trail, or the history and architecture of the Museo Vaqueiro de Asturias. Each has specific conditions you should take into account when visiting.
Hiking trail, river pool and brañas
The PR-AS 287 leads from the village of Naraval to the Braña de Silvallana, then continues along the Las Vueltas del Gato trail. There, the route reaches an impressive pool formed at the confluence of the Navelgas-Bárcena and Naraval rivers, from which the Esva flows. You must walk barefoot to cross the pool; water levels affect the conditions. As trail conditions may change, check them before setting out.
Las Vueltas del Gato is a winding zigzag trail carved into the rock. The Vaqueiros de Alzada used it on their seasonal journeys between winter and summer brañas. The trail description is therefore also a story of movement through the landscape: the route cannot be understood simply as a link between places, but carries the memory of these seasonal journeys.
A recreational area is located at the road junction leading to Silvallana, Naraval and the Valle de Paredes. Facilities include a safety area, access for motor vehicles, a car park, a children's area, a barbecue and tables. The area is also accessible to coaches and connected to the Las Vueltas del Gato hiking route. Facilities and operating conditions may change; check the latest information if you plan to visit.
Museo Vaqueiro: houses and planning your visit
In the Barzaniecha district, west of Naraval, the Museo Vaqueiro de Asturias comprises a restored complex of a dwelling, a panera granary and a barn dating from the late 18th century. Visits are by prior appointment only, by calling 985 804 835, and take place as part of a guided tour. Admission is free; opening hours and prices may vary by season. Arrange your visit by phone and confirm the current visiting conditions at the same time.
A second section of the museum is in Folgueras del RĂo, a braña in the parish of Naraval. There, a restored Vaqueira house dating from the late 18th century serves as a museum in its own right. The museum is intended to feature explanatory panels and drawings, a photographic exhibition, slide shows and video screenings. The listed programme also includes traditional Asturian and Vaqueiro music, talks and discussions, as well as other educational activities. Specific programme items may vary.
Vaqueiro culture in everyday life and history
The history of the culture can also be read in its traditional architecture. In Vaqueira houses in Naraval and other parts of Vaqueiro country, the stable and kitchen are still combined. The bedroom, and sometimes the bed too, are shared by the whole family. This way of living offers a concrete insight into traditional domestic life, without requiring a single building to tell the whole story.
Another historical trace can be found in the churches of Naraval and Navelgas: a beam structure separated the Vaqueiros' area from the area used by villagers, which was closer to the altar. The Jornadas del Pan y las Natas Vaqueiras, held in Naraval, are also part of the cultural heritage of tradition, gastronomy and ethnography. A report from July 2026 described its 24th edition as a fixture in Tineo's cultural calendar; by then, the event had been held 24 times.
Naraval on the cycling route
The cycling route from Luarca to Tinéu descends from Alto de Entreferto to Naraval, where you can visit the Museo Vaqueiro. The museum requires a prior appointment; road and route conditions may also change. This offers different options for planning your trip: the PR-AS 287 focuses on the braña, river pool and historic zigzag trail, while the cycling route leads to Naraval and lists the museum as a place to visit.
Discover more destinations: Espinaredo, Tineo, Tuña, Baradal, Navelgas, Bustiello.
Go to the main travel overview: Tineo.
