ES SOMIEDO NATURAL PARK
BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Nature in its purest state
Somiedo Natural Park is one of the last refuges where nature remains unspoiled. Its landscapes, wildlife, flora, gastronomy and people make this corner of Asturias a truly privileged place.
Its dramatic terrain ranges from 400 to nearly 2,200 metres, with stunning lakes in Saliencia and Valle, and its brañas — highland pastures like La Pornacal, Mumián or Sousas — where the seasonal herders' stone-and-broom-thatched teito huts can still be found.
- 283 km² of natural park
- 4 valleys and 39 villages and hamlets
- 13 trails waymarked for walkers
- 4 lakes and a lagoon, all glacial
- 2,194 m at El Cornón, its highest point
- 1988 first Natural Park in Asturias
One of the most important and best-preserved protected areas in Asturias
Somiedo Natural Park covers the same territory as the municipality of Somiedo. It was the first Asturian area declared a Natural Park in 1988, and was subsequently designated a Biosphere Reserve in the year 2000.
The park is shaped by four major valleys — Saliencia, Valle, Somiedo and Pigüeña — each bearing the name of the river flowing through it.
The Park Interpretation Centre, located in Pola de Somiedo, offers all the information visitors need: maps, walking routes and educational resources to help explore the park.
Discover the Nature of Somiedo
All the large mammals of the Cantabrian Mountains and more than 100 bird species are found within the park, with the brown bear being especially significant. Forests, meadows, brañas and mountains harbour hundreds of plant species, making Somiedo a truly unique natural space.
The essentials of Somiedo
- The lakes of Somiedo Lago del Valle and the Saliencia lakes, and how to reach each one.
- Bear watching in Somiedo When to come and which viewpoints to use.
- The brañas Thatched teito cabins such as those at La Pornacal.
- The villages of Somiedo Pola de Somiedo, the main village, Valle del Lago and the rest.
- Somiedo in 1, 2 and 3 days What to see each day, valley by valley.
- Park map The valleys, the villages and the 13 waymarked trails.
- How to get to Somiedo From Oviedo, León and Madrid, by car or by bus.
- Where to eat in Somiedo Restaurants, cider houses and what to order.
- Somiedo in winter Snowshoe and ski touring routes.
Frequently asked questions about Somiedo
Where is Somiedo?
In south-west Asturias, in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains and bordering León. The natural park covers the whole municipality and its main village is Pola de Somiedo, between an hour and a quarter and an hour and a half from Oviedo by car.
How many days do you need to see Somiedo?
One day is enough to walk up to Lago del Valle, about 12 km and 5 hours there and back. With two you can add the braña of La Pornacal, in the Pigüeña valley, and with three, the Saliencia lakes and an evening at a bear-watching viewpoint.
When is the best time to visit Somiedo?
For walking, from spring to autumn. For bear watching, spring, from April to June, and late summer and autumn, from August to October. In winter there is snow on the high ground and the routes become snowshoe or ski routes.
Which village in Somiedo should you stay in?
Pola de Somiedo is the most practical base for a first visit, because it has every service. Valle de Lago is the best one for walking to the lake, and Gúa and Caunedo are close to the bear-watching viewpoints.
More detail in how to get there, what to see and accommodation in Somiedo.