Best attractions and places to see around Illano include historical sites, significant man-made monuments, and mountain passes. The region features the Navia River and its associated reservoir, alongside elevated viewpoints offering expansive vistas. Illano, located in Asturias, provides opportunities to explore both cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Highlight • Religious Site
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Highlight • Monument
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Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Highlight • Historical Site
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One of the great Asturian mountain passes, without a doubt. Generally unknown to the general public, it's rarely used in professional races. It has two clearly distinct slopes. The southern slope, which begins in Pola de Allande, is gentle and steady, along a road in good condition. It shares much of its climb with Puerto del Palo, which it turns off from just 3 km from the summit of Puerto de la Marta. The northern slope, which comes from Villayon, is uneven, with very tough sections and several rest stops and descents. It reminds me a lot of the Croix-de-Fer from Sant Jean de Maurienne, not because of the landscape, but because of the type of pass.
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It's one of the major mountain passes in southwestern Asturias. It connects Pola de Allande with Berducedo. It's part of the northern variant of the Camino de Santiago. Highly recommended for its views, whether climbing its two slopes or from its summit.
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A very impressive structure. The village was relocated during the construction of the reservoir.
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A very old chapel. There's also a selfie spot here. 👍
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Prepare for descent.
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Spectacular climb, quite comfortable because it doesn't have steep ramps, but be careful, it goes up a steep slope.
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Illano offers several historical sites, including the Santa Marina de Buspol Chapel, a 14th-century religious building known for one of Asturias's oldest bells. Another significant site is the Grandas de Salime Reservoir, a monumental example of industrial heritage constructed between 1945 and 1955 for electrical energy production.
For expansive vistas, visit Alto de La Marta, a mountain pass at 1105 meters offering views from the Cantabrian Mountains to the Cantabrian Sea. The Puerto del Palo Pass, at 1146 meters, also provides magnificent views. Additionally, the Santa Marina de Buspol Chapel offers fantastic views of the reservoir and the surrounding landscape.
The region around Illano is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, touring cycling, and mountain biking. For detailed routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Illano, Cycling around Illano, and MTB Trails around Illano guides.
Yes, Illano is a great base for cycling. You can find challenging road cycling routes like the 'Oscos, Navia Basin, and Sierra de Penouta Route' or touring bicycle routes such as the 'Puerto del Palo Pass – Pola de Allande loop'. For more options, check the Road Cycling Routes and Cycling around Illano guides.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will find several trails near Illano, including the 'Grandas de Salime pasando por el río Vavia – ruta circular' and the 'Montefurado – La Marta Lagoon loop'. These trails often feature varied terrain and scenic views. Discover more options in the MTB Trails around Illano guide.
Visitors appreciate the blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Highlights like the Santa Marina de Buspol Chapel are valued for their historical significance and the fantastic views they offer. The Grandas de Salime Reservoir is noted as a monumental example of industrial heritage, while mountain passes like Alto de La Marta are praised for their stunning landscapes and inclusion in the Camino de Santiago.
Yes, the Santa Marina de Buspol Chapel is a notable religious building. This 14th-century chapel houses one of the oldest bells in Asturias and features a polychrome rustic altarpiece with images of Santa Marina, Santa María Magdalena, and San Antonio.
The Grandas de Salime Reservoir is a significant man-made monument and a prime example of Asturias's industrial heritage. Constructed between 1945 and 1955 on the Navia River for electrical energy production, it's a colossal work that offers impressive views, particularly from designated viewpoints.
The mountain passes around Illano, such as Alto de La Marta and Puerto del Palo Pass, are known for their high altitudes (over 1100 meters) and spectacular views. They often form part of the Camino de Santiago and offer challenging yet rewarding climbs for cyclists and hikers, with landscapes stretching from the Cantabrian Mountains to the sea.
Yes, in addition to the Grandas de Salime Reservoir, you can also visit the Salime Dam itself. This structure is a key component of the reservoir system and represents a monumental achievement in industrial engineering for energy production in Asturias.


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