Las Xanas Gorge is one of the most spectacular canyons in Asturias. 7 km one-way (14 km round trip) of trail along a limestone canyon carved by the Viescas river, with vertical walls, tunnels and nymph legends. It sits in the council of Santo Adriano, 20 minutes by car from the Senda del Oso, and fits perfectly into a weekend combined with the Senda by bike.

This guide explains the route, how to get there, what to bring and how to combine it with a Senda del Oso day.

The essentials

  • Location: council of Santo Adriano, valley of the Trubia river (Asturias).
  • Length: 7 km one-way · 14 km round trip.
  • Ascent: ~400 m climb.
  • Difficulty: medium. Some physical condition required, narrow steps in places.
  • Time: 4-5 h round trip with stops.
  • Profile: hiker, not suitable for bike.
  • Best season: spring and autumn.

What the route is like

Starting point: Villanueva (Santo Adriano). Small parking area next to the start.

First stretch — ascent:

  • Marked path PR-AS 190.
  • Gradual climb through riverside forest.
  • Entrance to the canyon after about 1.5 km.

Central canyon:

  • Vertical limestone walls on both sides.
  • Path hanging on the rock, with carved steps and handrails at specific points.
  • Small tunnel carved through the rock at the narrowest section.
  • Small Viescas river with waterfalls.
  • Dense riverside vegetation (alders, hollies, beeches higher up).

Arrival:

  • Pedroveya (1.5-2 h from the start at a medium pace).
  • Small village with a seasonal bar. Rest before the return.
  • Return by the same trail.

Extended option: continue to Dosango and other heights for a longer loop (12-15 km total).

The legend of the xanas

The xanas are water nymphs of Asturian mythology, known for:

  • Inhabiting springs, streams and caves.
  • Combing their hair with golden combs beside the water.
  • Tempting travellers with riches or making them disappear.

The gorge takes its name from the xanas themselves, and the legend says they appeared in the crystal-clear pools of the canyon on full-moon nights. The river that carved the canyon is the Viescas.

This is not just tourist folklore: Asturian mythology revolves around these water beings, and many tales are recorded from valley elders.

How to get there

By car from Oviedo: 30 min · 30 km · direction Trubia, then AS-228 to Villanueva. Parking at the start of the trail.

From the Senda del Oso: a 20-minute drive from the Tuñón parking (the northern start of the Senda) to Villanueva. Very combinable in the same trip.

Without a car: difficult. There is a bus Oviedo → Trubia, but from Trubia to Villanueva you need local transport or a taxi.

What to bring

Essential:

  • Hiking shoes with good grip (rocky sections, not a stroll).
  • Water (at least 1 litre, 1.5 in summer).
  • Food or snack for the break in Pedroveya (or for the return).
  • Rain layer.

Recommended:

  • Trekking poles if your knees are delicate (400 m of climb one-way).
  • Light jacket (it gets cool inside the canyon).
  • Hat if it’s summer.

Not suitable:

  • Flip-flops or sandals.
  • Strollers (narrow steps).
  • Wheelchairs (path not accessible).

Real difficulty

Official rating: medium.

In practice:

  • Suitable from teenagers with some condition.
  • Children from 8-10 years old used to walking.
  • Dogs on leash allowed (the canyon is a reserve but there’s no specific ban).
  • Not suitable for people with severe vertigo (exposed sections) or reduced mobility.

Total time: 4-5 h. If you stop for lunch in Pedroveya, up to 6 h.

Combine with the Senda del Oso

Intense weekend plan in Santo Adriano and Teverga:

Day 1:

  • Morning: Las Xanas gorge (out to Pedroveya).
  • Lunch in Pedroveya or back in Villanueva.
  • Afternoon: rest or visit the pre-Romanesque church in Tuñón (10 min by car).

Day 2:

  • Morning: Senda del Oso by bike (rental in Entrago). Route Entrago → Buyera (18 km).
  • Return transfer.
  • Drive home.

Alternative: do only half the gorge (4 km return to the tunnel section) and then cycle. Quicker.

When to go

Spring (April-June): best. Vegetation at its peak, river full, good light in the canyon.

Autumn (September-October): second best. Colours, fewer people.

Summer (July-August): possible but hot on the climb. Better to start early (set off at 9:00).

Winter: watch for ice on shaded sections. Only with experience.

Our tips

“If you have vertigo, only do the first 2 km”. The tunnel section and narrow steps are spectacular, and turning back before Pedroveya is totally valid. Not everyone needs to reach the end.

“Bring a packed lunch, don’t expect a restaurant in Pedroveya”. The village bar is seasonal and the menu is short. A good sandwich and fruit work better.

“Combine with the Senda del Oso the next day”. Legs feel the 400 m of climb — the flat greenway the next day is the perfect recovery. See the Senda del Oso guide and our Teverga guide to round out the trip.