Laviana – Nature Trails, Heritage and the Nalón

The Foces del Raigosu wind through lush forests and limestone formations below Peña Mea; churches, a bridge and a defensive tower also showcase Laviana’s diverse heritage. You can tailor your stay to suit different interests: nature and hiking trails, a challenging mountain bike route or historic buildings. The upper valleys of Laviana are part of the Paisaje Protegido de las Cuencas Mineras protected landscape area.

Nature and trails near Peña Mea

The route through the Foces del Raigosu passes through forest and limestone landscapes. Along the way, forest habitats are home to robins, wrens, roe deer and goats. The route leads through an impressive gorge below Peña Mea. One possible circular route for climbing Peña Mea starts in Les Campes in Laviana and returns via Doñango and La Boyica. The route through the Foces del Raigosu leads into the gorge below Peña Mea; the possible circular climbing route starts in Les Campes and returns via Doñango and La Boyica.

A striking geological feature at Peña Mea is the Ojo de Buey: a natural opening formed by karst erosion in the limestone, with a diameter of more than 15 metres. The season can also shape the area’s natural character. The autumn rutting season for deer is considered one of the most impressive spectacles in Laviana’s forests.

Mountain biking and traces of mining

The Senderos del Carbón Flow Trail is a 16-kilometre, very difficult circular mountain bike route. It starts and ends at La Chalana. Its 3.5-kilometre descent is the first flow trail in Spain to be certified in accordance with IMBA España guidelines. The return route then follows a wooded path and a tree-lined walkway parallel to the Nalón River back to the starting point at Puente de La Chalana. Route details may change, so check the latest information before your ride.

Senderos del Carbón is a sustainable initiative to restore former paths that miners used to transport coal after it was extracted. The routes are in the Nalón basin within the municipality of Laviana. One route, Senderos del Carbón–Bajo Nalón, leads to the Bocamina de La Sota. The site commemorates the tragic mining accident of 1924. This destination therefore connects the landscape with mining history.

Romanesque and Baroque buildings

The Iglesia de San Nicolás de Villoria dates from the 12th century and is Romanesque. It was extensively remodelled in the Renaissance style during the 16th and 17th centuries and is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Puente de Villoria adds to this architectural heritage with a single-arch Romanesque bridge dating from the 12th to 13th centuries, whose original paved deck has been preserved.

The Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Otero houses a main altarpiece dating from the 18th century. A depiction of Nuestra Señora del Otero has been documented since 1654. The Iglesia de San Martín de Lorío has significant Baroque altarpieces, including a main altarpiece from the first half of the 18th century. The Torreón de El Condao is a defensive tower with origins in the Roman era. It was rebuilt under Alfonso I during the Asturian monarchy and later in the 14th century; it is also protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Casona de los Menéndez Valdés is a building in the vernacular Baroque style, with an adjoining chapel, and has protected heritage status.

Planning your visit and local experiences

The Centro de Interpretación Armando Palacio Valdés is located in the birthplace of the author of “La Aldea Perdida”, a rural house dating from the 18th century. A reservation is required in advance for visits, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., by calling 985 600 050. Visitor arrangements may change, so it is best to confirm your booking before you travel. Free guided routes for the general public are also offered in Laviana, led by expert staff from Turismo del Principado de Asturias. Seasonal scheduling may vary, so check the latest dates.

Puente d'Arcu is about two kilometres from Pola de Laviana, on the banks of the Nalón, and is now used for recreation and leisure. The Descenso Folklórico del Nalón also sets off from there: a humorous water parade featuring homemade boats that covers 1.5 kilometres to Puente de La Chalana. Check the event dates for your trip. Another local fact with a specific date: on 7 June 2013, Laviana became the first municipality to declare cider its official drink.

When looking for a hotel in Laviana, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: nature trails and wildlife watching, the mountain bike loop, or buildings and local culture. Tour details, seasonal dates and the reservation requirement can help you plan around the experiences you have in mind.

Discover more destinations: Pando, Carrio, Pola De Laviana, Tineo, Lena, Ribera De Arriba, Taramundi, Parres.

Return to the overview of the region: Asturias.