Merás offers three clear themes to consider when planning a trip: landscape, routes, and heritage. A challenging road cycling route reaches the village; a walking route passes through woodland and nature, while historic architecture and archaeological traces provide a cultural focus. Getting there is straightforward: from Brieves, you can reach Merás via the AS-221 towards “Merás-Paredes”. When choosing a hotel in Merás, the first thing to consider is which of these aspects you want to focus on during your trip.
Routes through cycling and landscape
The official Luarca–Tinéu road cycling route is 66 kilometres long, challenging, and linear. It reaches Merás. The AS-351 heads towards Paredes. Take the route’s format into account when planning, and check the latest route conditions and practical information before setting out; these may change.
A walking route passes through woodland and nature. It offers fine views of the brañas it passes through, as well as the coast of Valdés. The routes therefore differ in their focus: the road cycling route is defined by its length and difficulty, while the walking route centres on nature and views. The River Merás is also part of the landscape: it winds through a narrow gorge.
Another route passes through Merás and La Llamiella on its return to San Pedro. If you plan excursions according to their course, you can include this sequence of places in your plans too.
Architecture and archaeological history
On 16 February 2015, the Escuelas de Rellón de Merás were included in the Inventory of the Cultural Heritage of Asturias as part of a selection of 120 schools of heritage interest. This provides a specific historical reference point for the school building’s importance to local heritage.
The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Merás can be described in more detail through its architecture. The exterior features a portico, buttresses, and a flat chancel that is lower than the nave. Inside, there is a single nave with an exposed wooden roof structure and a pointed triumphal arch separating it from the chancel. The exterior layout and the design of the interior are therefore distinct aspects of the building.
A Roman inscription is also part of the history of El Rellón de Merás: it was dedicated to Jupiter and was discovered there. In 1830, Rafael Díaz Argüelles made a copy of the inscription from the original; the inscription is now lost. Its place of discovery, dedication, transcription, and present-day loss are all distinct parts of its history.
El Cerco de los Moros is a fortified archaeological site on the ridge separating the valleys of Paredes and Merás. The approximately elliptical site measures about 80 × 50 metres and includes two ditches with their associated ramparts. This site offers a different perspective on heritage from the school and church architecture: here, the focus is on the form and defensive structures of an archaeological site.
Plan your stay around your interests
If you’re looking for hotels in Merás, you could start by asking what you want your trip to centre on: the challenging road cycling route, the walking route with its nature and coastal views, or the architecture and archaeological history. This lets you plan your stay around the interest that brings you to Merás.
Discover more destinations: Las Arenas, Robledo, Otur, La Pedrera, Pimiango, Boal, Villa, Ribadesella.
For the broader travel overview: Asturias.
