The council of San Tirso de Abres is a part of the Mancomunidad Oscos-Eo formed by a group of councils between the Reserve and Biosphere of the Mountains of Oscos and the riversways of the River Eo.
Due to their close proximity with Galicia and adding a combination of mountainous landscapes, beaches, architecture and gastronomy, the area is rich in both cultural and environmental abundances.
The mountains and forests of the Biosphere Reserve of the Oscos Mountains are full of mountain routes, untainted beauty spots, outdoor & adventure sports and plenty of natural experiences.
The Estuary of the Eo River has been declared a Partial Natural Reserve for its marine ecosystem and because it is one of the most important wetlands in the North of Spain for its concentration of birdlife and waterfowl making it an ideal to practice ornithology.
It is also ideal for paddling, hiking, canoeing, fishing and other water sports. The area is home to some of the best beaches of Asturias like Peñaronda, a declared Natural Monument and Galicia such as The Beach of the Cathedrals.
The Celtic heritage can be seen throughout the area as it borders between Asturias and Galicia, the two counties that celebrate the best examples of Celtic Culture in Spain. At every turn you’ll witness presence of Celtic history with traces of settlements and many examples of drawings and carvings on balconies, in corridors, and on traditional Asturias food stores or “horreos” / “paneras”. Many folkloric tales are regaled and Celtic music played during the yearly Celtic festivals.
Around the middle Ages the nobility and clergy controlled and governed the area and left testimonies to their existence by way of Palaces, Large Stately Houses, chapels and sanctuaries. You will also find many examples of this throughout the enchanting small fishing towns and inland country hamlets.
San Tirso de Abres is the most western council in Asturias. It was awarded with the “Exemplary Town of Asturias Award” in 2011. This is an award given by the “Princess of Asturias Foundation” and is delivered in person the by the King and Queen of Spain. The award is conferred onto the town, village, population centre, scenic area or group of people in the Principality of Asturias that have stood out in a notable way in “defending and conserving its natural or environmental setting, its historical, cultural or artistic heritage, or in the carrying out of outstanding communal works or other such displays of solidarity”.
In San Tirso de Abres you will find «The Rail Route» which is a green belt walk that follows along an old mining rail system parallel to the river with interesting examples of modern industrial architecture.
San Tirso de Abres is an ideal place for keen fishermen as the River Eo offers plenty of good fishing and beautiful walks talking in the wonderful local environment. Here you will find the Interpretation Centre for Fishing in the Eo.
San Tirso de Abres has a varied and tasty mix of gastronomy mainly due to its location between the Sea and the Mountains. You can enjoy the traditional Asturias food with some influences from Galician gastronomy offering you a wide selection of hearty casseroles, Asturian reared Beef or cured meats to the freshest fish and shellfish such as razor fish, clams and oysters. It is also a very popular area for cheese and rustic bread.
Note: The word Mancomunidad roughly translates as “shared management” in English.
More info: San Tirso de Abres Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Ayto de San Tirso de Abres and Turismo Asturias: Camilo Alonso.