Las Caldas: Mineral Water, Cave Art and Paths along the Nalón

El Manantial is located in Las Caldas in the former spa house, built in 1776 and designed by Ventura Rodríguez. The Balneario Real de Las Caldas is a former 18th-century spa house and is connected with the tradition of healing waters in the region. The different routes, durations and visiting conditions can be set alongside one another as clear points of comparison when choosing a holiday apartment in Las Caldas.

Wellness

The mineral waters of Las Caldas are mesothermal, with a temperature of 40 °C, and oligometallic; they contain bicarbonates as well as calcium and magnesium. These waters may only be used as part of booked treatments in the Wellness & Beauty area. Aquaxana offers several hydrotherapy areas and more than 800 m² of indoor and outdoor pools. The architecture of Aquaxana is inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.

Culture and History

The Cueva de Las Caldas in Piñera, in the municipality of Oviedo, is protected as a cultural asset of special interest. Its complex system of galleries, passageways and halls covers a total length of one kilometre and includes two series of engraved lines as well as several examples of Palaeolithic small art. The Cueva de La Lluera in Priorio, Las Caldas, is a site with outdoor Palaeolithic art.

Visits to the Cueva de La Lluera take place in very small groups of no more than six people per appointment. The footpath from San Juan de Priorio to the cave is approximately two kilometres long and takes about 25 minutes. There are no parking spaces near the Cueva de La Lluera; access on foot from San Juan de Priorio is recommended, where the vehicle can be parked. The cave can only be visited during the visiting period with prior reservation and is closed outside this period.

The Iglesia de San Juan de Priorio is located on the Camino del Norte of the Way of Saint James. Its western portal is considered the only sculpted tympanum in the Principality of Asturias; it depicts the Pantocrator, or “Maiestas Domini,” and the Tetramorph. The Castillo de Priorio is privately owned and not accessible to the public. It was built in the 19th century on the foundations of an older castle from the time of Alfonso II.

Other destinations in the local area include Faro, Villapérez, Nava, Santianes, Santo Medero, Oviedo, Siones and Cortina.

Nature and Paths

The Vía Verde de Fuso follows the former railway line that connected Oviedo/Uviéu with Uxo and San Esteban. After the line was closed in 1999, it was converted into a Greenway. The Vía Verde de Fuso begins in Parque de Invierno and ends at the Balneario Real de Las Caldas; it is also connected to the Senda Ribera del Nalón.

The Vía Verde de Fuso is estimated to take three to five hours. Up to Las Caldas, the route follows the banks of the Nalón, whose riverbank section in front of the Balneario Real de Las Caldas is part of the Natura 2000 network. The return journey from Las Caldas can be made by public transport.

The footbridge over the Nalón is a metal footbridge connecting Las Caldas with Puerto. From its elevated position, ducks, herons and other birds can be observed.

Activities

The Campo Municipal de Golf Las Caldas is an 18-hole course in a natural setting. The canoe trip from Las Caldas to Trubia is approximately six kilometres long and includes smaller rapids. A canoe excursion on the Nalón near Las Caldas is offered with an approximate duration of 1.5 to 2 hours; it includes a guide, a picnic, use of lockers and showers. Guided horse rides in the Valle de Las Caldas last approximately two hours. Naturaller – Las Caldas Go! offers activities with professional guides in central Asturias.

To the higher-level travel overview: Oviedo.