Free walking tours in Espinaredo and what to see

Must-sees

Espinaredo, Espinaréu in Asturian, is a hamlet in the municipality of Piloña, in eastern Asturias, about six kilometres from Infiesto along a narrow, winding road. It is famous for having more than twenty hórreos and paneras, the raised granaries of the region, one of the largest concentrations in Asturias, scattered among the houses. Some are very old and keep carvings on the doors and beams, and one, known as the hórreo de la Capilla, was used to celebrate Mass before there was a church.

The best thing is to wander unhurriedly among them, noticing the stone pillars, the chestnut wood and the tiled roofs. The valley keeps climbing towards the mountains and offers walking routes. One of the best known starts at the La Pesanca picnic area and follows a track through oak and beech woods, with several bridges and waterfalls, to the Moñacos gorge. Long-distance paths such as the GR-105 also pass through Espinaredo.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours or regular guided visits in Espinaredo. It is a small hamlet you can explore on your own in a short time, looking at the granaries respectfully, as most are privately used. To see the surroundings, the usual option is walking routes on your own or with local mountain guides. From Oviedo or the eastern coast there are trips through eastern Asturias combining inland villages with Cangas de Onís and Covadonga.

How long to spend

An hour or two is enough to see the hamlet and its granaries. If you add the route from La Pesanca to the Moñacos gorge, allow a whole day, as the way there alone takes a good couple of hours. Ideally combine it with a stop in Infiesto and other Piloña villages on the same day.

Where to stay

Espinaredo itself and the hamlets in the valley have a few rural houses, perfect if you want silence and to start walking from the door. Infiesto, the municipal capital, has more services and is a few minutes away. If you want to explore all of eastern Asturias, Arriondas and Cangas de Onís are good bases, with more choice and less than half an hour away by car.