The route runs through a small, semi-enclosed, humid, and sheltered valleywhere vegetation envelops almost everything. From the outside, one can barely glimpse what lies within: limestone pinnacles, vertical walls, cavities, natural channels, and shady corners. where oaks, laurels, chestnuts, strawberry trees, ash trees, hazel trees, holly trees and yew trees growIt's a very Asturian landscape, but with an unexpected, almost secret, touch.
The most curious thing about this space is that its current appearance is not only due to water and the passage of time. In Roman times, between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, this area was exploited to extract gold.Those mining operations uncovered galleries and karst formations that water had been creating for millions of years. The result is a unique place: half forest, half archaeological site, half geological whim.
Today The Andía Caves are declared a Natural Monument and are part of those spaces where it's best to walk at a leisurely pace. The visit allows you to understand how rock, water, and human intervention combine. Along the walk, you'll find Remains related to ancient mining: galleries, sealed shafts, trenches, canals and extraction areas partly covered by vegetationYou don't need to be an expert in archaeology to enjoy it; just let yourself be carried away by the path and look around.
The route is short, about two kilometers, and is well signpostedIt features walkways, stairs, and wooden railings that allow visitors to explore the area without straying from the path, which is important for both safety and preservation. It's a highly recommended visit for families with children who are used to walking, although it's not accessible for people with reduced mobility or wheelchairs.
Besides its historical interest, the place is worth visiting for the feeling of entering a small, hidden forest. The mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean vegetation is enhanced by the proximity to the coast and the natural protection of the valley. The surrounding area also offers... Forest birds and mammals common to the Asturian mountains, such as the fox, the wild boar, or the roe deer, find refuge there..
The Andía Caves are, in short, a short but very complete excursion: nature, Roman history, geology and a different landscape within western Asturias. It's not a monumental place in the solemn sense of the word; it's more of a corner to discover slowly, with good shoes and curious eyes.And perhaps that's why it's so highly recommended.
How to get to the Andía Caves
Where are they? In the village of Andía, parish of Arancedo, El Franco council.
To get there, use A Caridá/La Caridad as a reference point. From there, follow the FR-1 road towards Arancedo The road runs for about six kilometers, and once in the area, you take the signposted turnoff towards the caves, about two kilometers further on. The tour is only available with a guide and requires prior booking, so it's best to plan ahead.
Andía Caves book
Type of visit: guided, with prior reservation.
Reservation phone: 619 36 81 69.
Important information about the Andía Caves
· Duration/route: short route, around 2 km.
· Recommendation: wear comfortable shoes for dirt roads.
· Important: This is not a route adapted for reduced mobility.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
