Quirós between natural monuments and the mill route

Quirós can be explored through very different traces: old paths lead to mills and historic sites, while natural monuments and viewpoints offer their own highlights. Traditional customs are also part of the destination’s character. When planning your trip, it is therefore helpful to decide first whether you want to focus on hikes, cultural heritage, water activities or a festival.

Natural monuments and viewpoints

The Texu de Bermiego has been recognised as a natural monument of the Principality of Asturias since 1995 and classified as being of special interest. The Tejo de Bermiego is considered a thousand-year-old yew tree. The Desfiladero de Las Xanas offers a different view of nature: the gorge is also a natural monument, and the route starts in Pedroveya. The Parque Natural de Las Ubiñas-La Mesa has been a biosphere reserve since 2012.

Views and access also distinguish these places. Cochao Castro is known for its panoramic views and is best reached from Villamarcel along a well-preserved path. From the Ermita de Alba, you can see across a large part of Quirós. Those interested in prehistoric remains will find Neolithic burial mounds and dolmens on Alto La Cobertoria. Castillo de Alba is near Arroxo.

Historic routes and traditions

The Ruta de las Reliquias is a medieval historic route through Quirós, Teverga, Morcín and Oviedo, between the Aramo and Sobia mountain ranges. The route is almost 40 kilometres long, takes about 16 hours on foot and ends at the Ermita de San Antonio in Pedroveya. This approximate walking time is an important point to consider if you are including the route in your travel plans.

The route starts in the village of Ḷḷindes, at Puerto de Agüeria; there is a car park and signage marking the beginning of the route. It also connects visitors with the long-standing tradition of driving livestock to the high mountain pastures each summer. The branch of the Senda del Oso has a different historical focus and ends beside the restored El Cribu coal loading station.

The Ruta Molinos del Corroriu leads to three restored old mills. They are linked to the agricultural tradition and the milling of escanda wheat. The route is therefore more than a series of individual buildings: the mills also point to an earlier way of processing a regional grain.

Cultural sites and local customs

The Church of Santa María in Bermiego dates from a period spanning the 9th to the 15th century. The Museo Etnográfico de Quirós presents traditional customs of the people of Quirós; the museum also includes a reconstruction of a two-storey house. La Santa Moza in Toriezo features interesting murals. These places offer different points of interest: the history of religious architecture, everyday culture and a specific historical feature in Toriezo.

The traditional Fiesta del Cordero at Prau Llagüezos features spit-roasted lamb. The festival is recognised as being of tourist interest. Other long-standing elements include traditional music, folk dances, an open-air mass and equestrian ribbon games. As the Fiesta takes place annually, you should check the date of that year’s event before travelling.

Water activities and planning your stay

The active tourism area in Valdemurio has a landing stage where visitors can rent canoes for trips on the Valdemurio Reservoir. Rental details may change, so check in advance if you plan to take part in this activity. To reach the municipality of Quirós, the AS-229 passes through the Hoces de Valdemurio.

When looking for a hotel for your stay, you can use the purpose of your trip as a guide: a longer hike such as the Ruta de las Reliquias calls for different time-planning than a visit to a museum, church or Fiesta. Check the festival date and the latest canoe rental details. This will help you arrange activities according to your interests without trying to fit every experience into a single itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Bárzana, Cienfuegos, Castrillón, Sobrescobio, Ponga, Illano, Comarca De La Sidra, Grandas De Salime.

For the main travel overview: Asturias.