The Council of Degaña is a part of the Fuentes Del Narcea Region located in the south west of Asturias. This area is the largest protected area in Asturias and a member of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves which includes Fuentes Del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Park, the Integral Natural Reserve of Muniellos and the Cueto Arbas Partial Natural Reserve.
You will find many traces of megalithic burial structures, tumuli and dolmens throughout the area especially in Seroiro, Pradías, Andeo and Vilares de Arriba. The area is also historically connected to the gold mining industry heralding from Roman times and the production of wine which was introduced by the Benedictine Monks in the medieval times.
The more southerly location of this area bordering with Leon and Galicia make the terrain ideal for the production of wine and is still one of their main industries. Also, it is the only winemaking area in Asturias. The beautiful landscapes are full of grapevines that produce young light wines with big personalities that have been awarded with protected geographical status and stamped origin denomination “Vino de Calidad de Cangas” (Quality Wine from the land of Cangas). These wines are highly regarded and go perfectly with the region’s gastronomy.
Other interesting and historic remnants are the religious and nobility architecture of Palaces and large stately homes highlighting the wealth of the area throughout the ages.
The council of Degaña is surrounded by the magical forest of Muniellos which was declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its vast ecological value. Here you will find a mixture of European Beech and Oak trees intermingled with Silver-Birch, Hazel, Ash, ancient Yew and Holly and offering a wonderful palette of colour and beauty through the seasons. The area also boasts to six glacial lakes and is also home to bears and Capercaillies (A Type of Grouse) as well as wildlife like Wolfs, Roe deer, Wild Boar, Chamois and Otters. Due to the importance of this forest and the controls surrounding the ecosystem there are only 20 people allowed to visit the area a day so if you want to visit you had to ask for permit……. well in advance.
Around the area of Degaña you will also find the Natural Park of Fuentes Del Narcea, which has one of the most diverse ranges of fauna in the North of Spain.
The council and surrounds of Degaña is the land of the “Cunqueiros” which are craftsmen who specialized in making wooden tools and vessels. You will see the importance of this trade in the Collection of Tixileiru and El Cunqueiru Corner. Degaña has a very important ethnographic value like the zone of Casa Florencio in Cerredo and the towns of Tablado and Rebollar. You can also visit the Church of Santa Maria which is considered to be of Cultural Interest.
Degaña is also famous for the production of honey. The area is full of beehives, old tools and methods for beekeeping and buildings designed to protect them from fires and bears.
There are many walking routes to do such as The Lakes of Trabau, The Lake of Changreiro, The Lakes of Frasgueo, The Lakes of Chagueño and the very popular Senda Moura where you can visit the site of El Corralin.
The Gastronomy of Degaña is typically Asturian offering stews (especially the popular cabbage stew), Asturian reared beef; fish from their rivers, local cold meats like the very popular “charcuteria”, crusty country bread and classical Asturian desserts. This area is very popular for fruits of the forest: dried nuts in winter and plump berries in summer. Of course, everything should be washed down with the fantastic Wine of Cangas (Vino de Calidad de Cangas).
More info: Degaña Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Ayto de Degaña, Fuentes Del Narcea Region and Turismo Asturias: Camilo Alonso.
