Riosa: Karst, River Routes and Mining Heritage
Accommodation in Riosa
The Sierra del Aramo is a limestone range almost 20 kilometres long and seven kilometres wide. Its plateau is characterised by karst formations and dolines—funnel-shaped depressions that give the mountains a distinctly varied relief. The Sierra stretches between QuirĂłs to the west and Riosa and MorcĂn to the east. Choosing Riosa as a travel destination means you can explore its river valleys as well as its striking mountain landscape.
Karst landscape and routes
A paved track leads from the Viapará recreation area in the north of the Sierra del Aramo, via Alto del Angliru, towards Gamonal. Angliru is also a landmark in road cycling: the mountain pass in Riosa is known for the 23.5% gradient of Cueña les Cabres. The “Bienvenidos al Angliru” route is a 74-kilometre circular route for road bikes. On the climb to Angliru, it follows a mountain road. As route profiles can change, check the profile before setting off.
For a riverside walk, the Senda fluvial Alberto Suárez Laso is another option. It is six kilometres long in total, mostly flat, with gentle ascents and descents. For the most part, it follows the banks of the Riosa, Code and Llamo rivers; its endpoints are the Lleron recreation area and Felguera. The Ruta del Agua runs from the Aramo Tunnel to the village of Llamo/Ḷḷamo, adding another named route to the area's selection.
Texeo: mining history and wayfinding
The prehistoric Minas de Texeo are considered one of Europe's oldest mining complexes. The Texeo route is not signposted and requires physical fitness and good navigation skills. Take particular care near the archaeological site. The Mirador de Texeo offers panoramic views of the surrounding area; a recreation area with benches and tables is right beside it.
For the approach to the route, it helps to know your way around Llamo/Ḷḷamo: you can park at the entrance to the village, and the first Texeo route signs are beside the spring. Check parking options locally before you travel. Another mountain route leads via Pico La Xistra. It is also not signposted, has no water sources and requires mountain experience. These routes are very different in difficulty from the six-kilometre Senda fluvial, which is mostly flat.
Mining heritage and architectural history
The miners' village of Rioseco preserves visible remains of copper mines in Riosa. Casa de FĂ©lix in Valle de la Xuncar also tells the story of local architecture: the building dates from the 17th century and is considered one of the oldest in the municipality of Riosa. These places offer a different perspective on the area from the routes through its mountains and river landscapes.
Religious buildings include the Capilla de la Virgen de las Nieves in Llamo, which dates from the 17th century. It contains murals with floral motifs, birds and scenes of the Stations of the Cross. The Capilla de San José in Valle de la Xuncar was built in 1713. Its altarpiece depicts the Virgin Mary, Saint Anthony and Saint Joseph with the infant Jesus.
Riosa for your stay
When staying at a hotel in Riosa, you can plan excursions around different interests: the river route, archaeological heritage and road cycling at Angliru each offer a different focus. If you are looking for a hotel, first consider which of these themes matters most to your trip. This will help you explore Riosa in a way that suits your plans.
Discover more destinations: Riosa, Nava, Santa Eulalia De Oscos, Oviedo, QuirĂłs, Langreo, Corvera De Asturias, Parque HistĂłrico Del Navia
For the main travel overview: Asturias.
