Free walking tours in Las Caldas and what to see

Must-sees

Las Caldas is a small village in the municipality of Oviedo, about nine kilometres from the city, on a stretch of the river Nalón surrounded by woodland. It owes its name and fame to its hot springs, used since the 18th century. The old bathhouse, built in the 1770s, was one of the first spas in Asturias and is now part of a spa complex that keeps the historic building.

There is more around it than you might think. On a ridge overlooking the valley stands Priorio castle, a crenellated 19th-century building that is private and can only be admired from outside. Very close is the Romanesque church of San Juan de Priorio, with a decorated tympanum rarely seen in Asturias. The Las Caldas cave, with Upper Palaeolithic remains, is protected and closed to visitors. For walking or cycling, the Fuso de la Reina greenway is nearby, an old railway line with tunnels and bridges.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Las Caldas, as it is a small village with no historic centre to tour with a guide. The activity on offer is a canoe trip down the Nalón, from Las Caldas to Trubia, with some gentle rapids and calm stretches, suitable for beginners. If you want guided visits, the easiest option is to join a free walking tour in Oviedo and spend the other half of the day on the river.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough to see the spa from outside, go to Priorio and stroll by the river. If you do the canoe trip, allow about three more hours. With a whole day you can add a stretch of the Fuso de la Reina greenway or a session in the thermal circuit.

Where to stay

The obvious choice is the spa complex itself, if you are after rest and hot springs. The village and nearby hamlets also have a few rural houses and apartments, by the river and with direct access to the paths. As choice is limited, the alternative is to stay in Oviedo, in the centre or near the station, and drive to Las Caldas in fifteen minutes.