Naraval: Vaqueira culture, trails and river basin

West of Naraval, the Museo Vaqueiro de Asturias in the Barzaniecha district comprises a restored ensemble consisting of a dwelling, a grain-storage building known as a “panera” and a barn dating from the late 18th century.

Culture and heritage

The second part of the Museo Vaqueiro de Asturias is located in Folgueras del Río, a braña in the parish of Naraval, where a restored Vaqueira house from the late 18th century is presented as a museum.

The Museo Vaqueiro de Asturias is planned to include explanatory panels and drawings, a photo exhibition, slide projections and video screenings; traditional Asturian and Vaqueira music, discussion groups, debates and other educational activities are also mentioned.

The Museo Vaqueiro de Asturias can only be visited by prior arrangement by calling 985 804 835, as part of a guided tour; admission is free.

In Naraval and other parts of the Vaqueira region, traditional Vaqueira houses still combine the stable and kitchen; the bedroom and, occasionally, the bed are still shared by the whole family.

In the churches of Naraval and Navelgas, a historic beam structure separated the area of the Vaqueiros from the area of the villagers, which was closer to the altar.

Trails and landscape

The PR-AS 287 leads from the village of Naraval to the Braña de Silvallana and then on to the Las Vueltas del Gato trail.

The route reaches an impressive basin formed where the Navelgas-Bárcena and Naraval rivers converge to create the Esva; this basin must be crossed barefoot.

Las Vueltas del Gato is a winding zigzag path carved into the rock, which the Vaqueiros de Alzada used during their seasonal migration between winter and summer brañas.

The cycling route from Luarca to Tinéu descends from Alto de Entreferto to Naraval, where the Museo Vaqueiro de Asturias can be visited.

The recreation area is located at the road junction for Silvallana, Naraval and the Valle de Paredes. It offers a safety area, access for motorised traffic, a car park, a children’s area, a barbecue area and tables; it is also accessible to coaches and connected to the Las Vueltas del Gato hiking route.

The combination of trail route, river crossing, cycling route and cultural stops can be weighted differently when planning a trip.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Naraval, compare the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the offer pages. Depending on your travel plans, you can give different weight to these three factors and make your decision according to the stay you want.

Gastronomy and tradition

The XXIV Jornadas del Pan y las Natas Vaqueiras held in Naraval combine Vaqueira tradition, gastronomy and ethnographic heritage; the event had reached 24 editions and is regarded as a reference in Tineo’s cultural calendar.

Other places

Tineo, Tuña, Baradal, Bustiello, Navelgas, Espinaredo

To the overarching travel overview: Tineo.