Ardisana: Camín Encantáu and Asturian Village Culture

Hiking

In Ardisana, the Camín Encantáu leads through the forest and is neither a walk nor a museum visit. The 9-kilometre circular hiking trail is easy and has no technical difficulties, but it is not completely flat and has a certain elevation gain, particularly at the beginning. Its route passes through Comezán, La Maletería, Palaciu, Ardisana and Ricaliente. Along the way stand life-size wooden carvings depicting Asturian figures from the mythological imagination, including Cuélebre, Xana, Nuberu, Trasgu, Sumiciu and Busgosu. The length, circular format and route profile provide clear reference points for personal planning.

Landscape and Nature

The Ardisana Valley is considered a typical Asturian mid-mountain valley with extensive woodland. Deer and wild boar are found in the valley; trout, eels and otters live in the rivers, although otters are rare. Malatería offers a viewpoint overlooking the Picos de Europa.

The Ardisana Valley can be reached from Llanes via the AS-263, AS-115 and LLN-14 roads.

Buildings and History

The parish church of Santa Eulalia in Ardisana was built in the Romanesque style. Its preserved portal includes a pointed arch with a Gothic vault dating from the 14th or 15th century. Ardisana is home to notable buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The villages of the Ardisana Valley have preserved traditional Asturian architecture, including hórreos, paneras, washhouses and stone manor houses. La Casona in Ardisana is an example of the architecture of a rural manor house, while Corral de Arnero in Ardisana is considered an example of a rural palace. Riocaliente has a total of 21 traditionally built hórreos; the oldest dates from the 17th century.

The Cruz de los Garabiales on the historic route between Ardisana and Ricaliente dates from 1761. The old route from Ricaliente, Mestas and the surrounding villages to the parish church of Santa Eulalia de Ardisana was once used to transport the deceased. At the Cruz de los Garabiales, people stopped to change bearers and say a prayer.

Before the Spanish Civil War, Malatería had a leper hospital; this is the origin of the place name.

Cultural Traces

The Cueva de la Coviella near Ardisana is associated with local mythology; according to legend, the Xanas lived there. Ardisana served as a filming location for the 2002 short film “Alumbramiento”. Cuatreada, a traditional Asturian form of skittles, is played in the Ardisana Valley.

Near La Tejera in the Ardisana Valley there is a traditional brickworks where traditional production methods are still practised.

Other Places

Celorio, Vidiago, Tresgrandas, Ovio, La Galguera, Lledías, Purón, Niembru

Cuisine

Special green beans are grown in the villages of Llumedián and Teyeu. They are typical of the Ardisana Valley and are celebrated with an autumn gastronomic fiesta.

To the higher-level travel overview: Llanes.