The Muniellos Window

Centenales, together with Moal, can be considered a true natural window to Muniellos, as its hills and viewpoints offer a privileged view of the Muniellos Nature Reserve, the most important chestnut and oak forest in Asturias and one of the best-preserved in Europe. The elevated position of these villages allows visitors to take in the forest’s vast expanse and mountainous terrain, providing a direct visual connection to the area’s ecological richness, from dense trees to the valleys that open between the mountains. This perspective makes Centenales and Moal strategic points for those who wish to appreciate the majesty of the surroundings without necessarily entering the reserve, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of Muniellos from the comfort of its natural viewpoints.

Moreover, both villages occupy a key location in the local geography, being the last settlements before the road that leads to the Puerto del Connio, placing them at the gateway for visual and physical access to the Muniellos forest. This proximity not only offers a unique panoramic experience but also facilitates access to hiking trails and paths that allow exploration of peripheral areas of the reserve under strict conservation guidelines.

It is worth noting that there is a village in Ibias located within the Natural Reserve, Valdebueyes or Valdebóis, which can be reached via a recently paved 6.6 km track. This small settlement lies 11.7 km from Centenales by road, offering an example of how human life and nature can coexist in this protected environment. The existence of Valdebueyes highlights the importance of Centenales and Moal as observation and connection points to Muniellos, making them true guardians of the gateway to Asturias’ most emblematic forest.