Arenas de Cabrales is one of the most important accesses to the National Park of Picos de Europa (Asturian area). In fact, the Council of Cabrales is home to one of the most emblematic peaks: the Pico de Urriellu (Naranjo de Bulnes), as well as the small village of Bulnes with its funicular railway and the Cares gorge. It is also a strategic point thanks to the amenities offered to tourists. It is a small village and yet it has campsites, rural houses, hotels, shops of all kinds, mountain clothing shops, taxis and bus stops. And all this in 20 square kilometres!
Arenas de Cabrales has a total of 882 inhabitants and an extensive gastronomic tradition based on cheese. In the month of August a Cabrales cheese contest is held where the glory of the best cheese of the year is awarded. But as you can imagine, the main attraction of this town lies in its strategic position. However, Cabrales also has a diversity of activities and places to visit. So if you were thinking of visiting the prestigious Picos de Europa but you want to do it with your family and in peace and quiet, this may be your destination of choice. Would you like to join us on this tour of the town?
Viewpoint of Pozo de la Oración
The viewpoint that we recommend you to visit is located at the edge of the AS-117 road, at the end of the village of Poo de Cabrales in the direction of Carreña. We believe that it is the best way to transfigure you in the lover of these lands since it was designed by the architect Julián Delgado Úbeda. He was so passionate about the place that he decided to place the viewpoint in a perfect spot where you can see the Naranjo de Bulnes in a panoramic view.
Roman road
This road is called Caoru. It gave passage to Castile, but ceased to be used when roads were established. The easiest route to go along the road is to go up from the village of Arenas and reach Tielve. You will have to go into the Castiellu forest following the signposted path. At a certain point of the route you will be able to see your starting point from above, as the path is ascending. The climb can be a bit tough, but if, like all good walkers, you decide to relax and enjoy the way, it will be bearable. Here the grasses cover the landscape to the point of making it look like part of some fairy tale. The ancient trees have been deformed over the years and nowadays their branches resemble lianas. Basically it is a dream tour.
Cheese Cave
It is a cave-exhibition that will take you approximately 45 minutes to visit. The visit was split into two halves of twenty minutes each. In the first part you will learn about the cheese making process as well as the details that lead to obtaining the raw material. That is, to know the life of the typical shepherd of Picos de Europa. On the other hand, in the second part you will see how the elaboration is, not in a direct way but with a projection. This detail that seems to be missing is but a logical consequence of the long maturation processes involved in these products and the impossibility of showing it in a single visit. As the icing on the cake, you can enjoy a cheese tasting.
Church of Santa María de Llas
Temple of Catholic worship declared a historic-artistic monument. It was built over a medieval church in order to house pilgrims, bury parishioners and of course to worship God. It can be visited from 7:30 a.m. due to the masses that are celebrated inside. It is located on the outskirts of the village.
Tour around Arenas de Cabrales
History permeates Arenas de Cabrales, so it is full of places you can visit whether you are interested in architecture or aesthetics. Here we go: The house of the torrejón (palace of the century XV), the tower of the Palace of Mestas and Cossío (rebuilt in the XVIII century), the Casa de la Papera (belonging to the most important family of Arenas and then to the last inquisitors), La Corralada (architectural ensemble of the XVI century), the chapel of Las Angustias, the Pélra Church (after the church of Santa María de Llás) and the Casaño Bridge.
Pilgrims in Arenas de Cabrales
To get to Cabrales you must come from Asiego, the route is no more than 6 km downhill. You must do the Cares Route.
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