Asturias, naturally
Between the shores of the Cantabrian Sea and the foothills of the Picos de Europa lies the natural paradise of Asturias – an Eden of valleys and mountains where the fauna and flora of this northern peninsula are cared for and safeguarded. About one-third of the total area of Asturias is considered protected space, thanks to its network of natural parks. This gallery offers you a tour of these five giants of nature so you can lose yourself among their lakes, forests and mountains.
Somiedo Natural Park, on the border with León, was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2000. Its 29,122 hectares include the natural habitat of the brown bear. Local institutions have established a series of viewpoints that make it possible to spot and observe these mammals from a respectful distance.
Another famous Somiedo attraction is the spire of La Pornacal, where visitors can find 34 teitos – traditional shepherd’s cabins – that are perfectly preserved. The only way for tourists to reach this enclave is on foot. The uphill route includes springs, lakes and waterfalls.
Also in southern Asturias, you will find Redes Natural Park, an impressive protected area that became a Biosphere Reserve in 2001. Marked by its caves, beech forests and various summits, the park is home to bears, wood grouse and wolves, making it a popular film setting for directors such as José Luis Garci.
Located in the western part of Asturias, you will find the Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias Natural Park. The park is well-known for its robledal de Muniellos oak forest, Spain’s largest and one of the best preserved in Europe. Mount Muniellos, also declared a Biosphere Reserve, is so protected that Asturias’ Ministry of the Environment allows a maximum of only 20 visitors per day. The visit must be booked up to 23 days in advance.
Inside Fuentes del Narcea, you can also visit its information centre, known as Casa Florencio. Located in Cerredo (Degaña), it dates from the 19th century and stands as a perfect example of the area’s traditional architecture.
Ponga Natural Park is in the eastern part of the mountains, halfway between Redes Park and the Picos de Europa. It is home to Peloño Forest, a 15sqkm beech forest that is one of the best preserved in Spain. The lush woodland houses a huge variety of animal species, such as wild boar, wood grouse and roe deer.
The last stop is Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park in southwestern Asturias, next to Somiedo and Fuentes del Narcea. In 2012, it became the latest Asturian natural park to be named a Biosphere Reserve in recognition of its incredible mountain landscape where the Peña Ubiña massif – more than 2,400m high – stands out.
Somiedo Natural Park, on the border with León, was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2000. Its 29,122 hectares include the natural habitat of the brown bear. Local institutions have established a series of viewpoints that make it possible to spot and observe these mammals from a respectful distance.
