Ibias: Cultural Landscape, Hiking Trails and Crafts

The cultural landscape of Ibias is shaped by black slate, pallozas and vineyards at high elevations. The sources of the Ibias River and its tributaries wind through sierras and valleys with crystal-clear water.

Landscape and Getting There

Ibias lies partly within the Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Park and the Biosphere Reserve. The route into Ibias via Puerto del Connio passes through the Muniellos Biological Reserve. Check current conditions and access regulations before setting out.

Hiking Routes and Mining Remains

The Senda del Oro passes through characteristic landscapes of the Ibias valley, bringing together nature, archaeology and traditional culture. Along the trail, you can discover the remains of ancient Roman mining excavations. The route also passes historic vineyard terraces, some of which are used to produce wine from Tierra de Cangas.

Ibias has eleven short-distance hiking routes, where you can find dolmens, pallozas, cortines and remains of Roman mining, among other things. Several stages of the GR-203 long-distance trail pass through Ibias: three entirely and two partially. The two partial stages also pass through Cangas and Degaña, respectively. This means shorter routes and stages of a long-distance trail are available as different ways to explore the area. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Desfiladero de Bustelín route leads to Cova da Osa, an ancient prospecting adit carved into the rock during Roman gold mining. Riodeporcos can only be reached via a suspension bridge over the Navia River. As access conditions may change, check them before you travel.

Crafts and Architectural Heritage

Sisterna and El Bao preserve the memory of the itinerant woodworking tradition of the Cunqueiros of Ibias. From autumn to spring, they made and sold wooden objects across large parts of Spain. At the Museo Etnográfico del Tixileiro in Sisterna, you can see a foot-powered lathe and various wooden objects, especially tableware, made by former Cunqueiros. A visit may require prior arrangements; check access before your trip. The Ethnographic Museum of Ibias offers insights into the municipality’s traditional occupations, including those of Tixileiros, carpenters and basket makers.

The neighboring building, La Palloza, features recreations of traditional circular or oval houses with stone walls and rye-straw roofs. The Church of San Antolín dates back to the 13th century. Its porch is supported by slender columns and stands on a slate wall; the main façade is designed as a three-tiered bell gable.

Getting Your Bearings

The municipal tourist information office is located in the building that houses the Aula de la Naturaleza and the Ethnographic Museum. In Sisterna, the El Tixileiro shop sells Asturian honey with IGP status, DOP Cangas wines, cheese, León charcuterie and Iberian charcuterie. As the selection may change, check what is currently available before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Cecos, San Antolin De Ibias, Ribera De Arriba, Soto Del Barco, Villayón, Cudillero, Camín Real De La Mesa, Teverga.

For the full travel overview: Asturias.