Active tourism
Active tourism
The best way to get to know Las Médulas is to enjoy its surroundings, the attractive landscape and heritage resources and the wide range of activities offered by this outstanding destination.
Viewpoints of Las Médulas
In the surroundings of Las Médulas there is accommodation for all tastes. All you have to do is choose the dates of your stay and let yourself be guided to find the ideal place for a getaway to Las Médulas.
From walking the signposted trails, cycling, going on an excursion in an off-road vehicle or exploring the Cultural and Natural Space on a motorbike, there are activities for all tastes; even water activities, as you can also go paddle surfing and kayaking in Las Médulas.
Turn your trip into an adventure
There are plenty of opportunities to choose your favourite activity or make your wish list to experience Las Médulas in your own way.
4x4 Routes
Biking
Motorbike
routes
Climbing
Caving
Kayak
Paddle surfing
4x4 Routes
Experiencing and exploring the nature of Las Médulas can also be done in a 4x4 vehicle.
Tips from other travellers
It is advisable to check beforehand because only authorised off-road vehicles are allowed on some of the tracks.
It is enough to know that it is located at an altitude of 979 metres to be sure that the views are guaranteed. These may be the most spectacular views, but it is best left to the choice of the observer willing to walk the Reirigo trail.
The Perimeter trail is passable in a vehicle of this type up to the Pedrices crossroads from the village of Las Médulas.
It is advisable to opt for local, legally licensed suppliers when choosing an off-road excursion. This way you can enjoy the journey without worrying about the state of the tracks you are driving on, and experience the thrill of being guided by expert guides who are able to handle the steep slopes with dexterity
Biking
The viewpoint of Las Pedrices is a must to visit in autumn or spring.
Tips from other travellers
Exercise caution on local roads which, although quiet, can be narrow and require you to stick to the hard shoulder at all times. Also, do not forget to take safety precautions and use the hand signals required for road traffic.
Cycling enthusiasts will have some interesting routes to follow around Las Médulas. One of the most spectacular, due to its scenic value, is one that starts in Ponferrada following the Winter Way of Saint James, passing through Priaranza and Cornatel Castle, and descending towards Borrenes, ending in Las Médulas.
Motorbike routes.
Among the most popular, due to its low difficulty, is the Perimeter trail, whose 11 kilometres can be covered by mountain bike.
Motorbike routes
Feeling the wind against you on the secondary roads that meander through the landscape is a great incentive to enjoy Las Médulas at a different pace. It is the one that offers the tranquillity and solitude that inspire a motorcycle journey through its rugged mountainous terrain.
Consejos de otros viajeros
Se recomienda acceder al Espacio Cultural y Natural desde los principales ejes viarios por Ponferrada y Villafranca del Bierzo, a través de las carreteras N-120 y N-536, donde la velocidad permitida de circulación es de 120 kilómetros.
Feeling the wind against you on the secondary roads that meander through the landscape is a great incentive to enjoy Las Médulas at a different pace. It is the one that offers the tranquillity and solitude that inspire a motorcycle journey through its rugged mountainous terrain.
It is recommended to access the Cultural and Natural Space from the main roads through Ponferrada and Villafranca del Bierzo, via the N-120 and N-536, where the speed limit is 120 kilometres.
The LE-164, CV-191-2 and CV-191-20 are the main roads that pass through Las Médulas. Those with a good hard shoulder allow a maximum speed of 90 kilometres, while the narrower local roads require a slower speed of up to 70 kilometres and extreme caution with regard to traffic, always making sure to be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians on the road.
A drive to enjoy the scenery on quiet roads that not only invites you to stop in each village—not forgetting that traffic through the villages should not exceed 20 kilometres per hour—but also wherever a panoramic view of Las Médulas opens up from the local roads. However, to reach the best
viewpoints, it’s best to park and start walking.
Both spring and autumn are the best times for a motorbike road trip. It is recommended to access the Cultural and Natural Space from the main roads through Ponferrada and Villafranca del Bierzo, via the N-120 and N-536, where the speed limit is 120 kilometres.
Climbing
Climbing is one of the most popular active tourism activities.
Don’t miss out:
Cornatel Castle, located in the village of Priaranza del Bierzo, is 16.7 kilometres from Ponferrada and 12 kilometres from the village of Las Médulas. It has a parking area, guided tours and astro-tourism activities.
In Las Médulas, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the basics. It can also be enjoyed as a family activity, offering the thrill of vertical climbing in remarkable settings such as Cornatel Castle.
For those visitors who prefer the safety of climbing on a climbing wall, the city of Ponferrada has municipal facilities that are free from the risks of climbing in the mountains, without losing the adrenaline kick that comes with this sport. Considered one of the best in Spain, the Ponferrada climbing wall offers a magnificent opportunity to begin or advance in the challenges of climbing.
Caving
Don’t miss out
The Palombeira Cave, also known as the Pigeon Cave, gets its name from the fact that these birds used to nest inside it. The locals took advantage of their abundance by hunting and collecting eggs.
In the vicinity of Villavieja is the Cornatel cave, one of the most attractive underground environments in Las Médulas for an exciting speleological experience with the whole family. It is a cavity in the limestone rock crossed by a stream and housing an underground lake.
As it is situated on several levels, it has to be navigated by crawlways, chimneys and climbs. One of the most impressive features of the route are the numerous and striking little stalactites.
Kayak
Useful insights:
Las Médulas is a Special Protection Area for Birds (known as ZEPA in Spain), included in the world’s largest network of protected natural areas—the Natura 2000 Network—due to the important role played by Lake Carucedo for water birds.
You won’t want to miss the opportunity to kayak across Lake Carucedo, a valuable wetland and one of the most bucolic parts of the area. In the vicinity of the lake, you will find places where you can hire proper equipment to stay safe and enjoy your kayaking experience.
Paddle surfing
Don’t miss out
In the vicinity of the lake you can visit the site of the Domus de Pedreiras de Lago. Recently restored, it was the home of the Roman administrative elite in charge of mining.
All you need is to know how to swim to feel an irresistible urge to practice paddle surfing in the calm waters (no currents, no eddies) of Lake Carucedo given how family friendly this experience is (for children over eight years old).
If the weather allows it, paddle surfing is possible all year round, as the tourist companies that provide rentals near Lake Carucedo, as well as providing basic instructions to guarantee stability, also have wetsuits for those who request them.
Inspiration for your trip
Las Médulas became part of the network of Protected Natural Areas of Castilla y León, when the space was declared a Natural Monument.
Walking the trails of the Cultural and Natural Space of Las Médulas is probably the most fun and rewarding way to explore its landscapes.
The personalised information they provide according to the interests of visitors is the best way to ensure an unforgettable stay.
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