Puntos de Interés
Hydrography
Oro river
The Oro river, also known in Asturian as río del'Oru (the river of gold) spans a modest 26 kilometers and is born at the confluence of the Sierra de los Lagos, Sierra del Palo, and Berducedo mountain range, where a network of streams and brooks flows down from the hills of these small mountain ranges.
The Oro Rover runs eastwards within the council of Allande, where it eventually merges into the Navia River in the council of Grandes de Salime, contributing to the creation of the Salime reservoir in its initial stretches alongside the Navia's waters.
The river's nomenclature unveils its historical significance, as the Oro River owes its name to the gold mines that once dotted its banks, primarily exploited by the Romans during the first century. Even today, gold panning remains a tradition in this and other rivers of the region, as enthusiasts seek gold nuggets carried downstream. This ancient practice does not require special skills or large investments on equipment, but it does require large doses of patience. Artisanal panning may be a good option for those who enjoy nature and spending long days in the open air because, despite the current price of gold, panning is too time-consuming to be profitable. Now it has become a tourist and recreational attraction, drawing amateurs seeking to unwind amidst the tranquility of Asturian rivers. While the allure of discovering a golden nugget is undeniable, the true treasure lies in the natural beauty of the landscape.
The Oro River was designated a Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) in 2014 and the alder groves along its riverbed played a pivotal role in this designation. These dark, lush forests, thriving in the region's humid climates, are predominantly composed of alders (Alnus glutinosa), deciduous trees with rounded leaves typical of the low altitudes (below 700 m) along the Cantabrian coast. Beneath the river's surface, the trout (Salmo trutta) is a species highly valued by fishermen.