What to see and do in Somiedo

VISIT THE SOMIEDO ECOMUSEUM

The Somiedo Ecomuseum aims to present an integrated overview of the ethnographic elements that form part of and sustain a rural culture that is gradually disappearing, yet can still be easily traced in the villages and landscape.

• CRAFTS AND TRANSHUMANCE (in Caunedo)

• THE HOUSE (in Veigas)

Tel.: 985763984

VISIT THE PARK INTERPRETATION CENTRE

The Interpretation Centre, located in Pola de Somiedo, is designed as a leisure and educational space highlighting the natural values of the park. It offers visitors hands-on resources to observe and understand the natural processes at work in the park, and to appreciate its natural and ethnographic heritage.

Tel: 985763758

ENJOY THE LOCAL GASTRONOMY

In Somiedo you can enjoy traditional Asturian cuisine: fabada, cachopo, pote de berzas... all washed down with a glass of cider.

The standout dish is the local ternera roxa somedana, a native cattle breed you'll see grazing in the park's meadows.

Some recommended restaurants: El D'Ibán de Somiedo, Casa Miño, El Meirel, Sidrería Carión...

GO HIKING

The best way to discover Somiedo is to walk through it — along paths crossing forests and meadows, or visiting lakes and brañas. We suggest a selection of routes of varying difficulty, so you can find the one that suits you best.

VISIT LA MALVA HYDROELECTRIC STATION

You can visit the museum that tells the story of this still-active power station. Over a hundred years old, it was the first major electricity generator in Asturias and played a key role in the region's development.

GO HORSE RIDING

Explore the natural park on horseback and visit its lakes and brañas.

• Cobrana - Tel: 600 51 05 88

• El Chugarín - Tel: 687 26 71 42

WILDLIFE WATCHING

Somiedo is a paradise for wildlife watching. Dawn and dusk are the best times — you won't have to look hard to spot chamois, red deer, roe deer, vultures or eagles, and with a bit of luck (depending on the season) you might even see bears.

The park has viewpoints such as the Mirador del Príncipe in La Peral, and you can also hire specialist guides for a better chance of success.

SPORTING EVENTS

If sport is your thing, try the mountain races such as La Batallona de Somiedo, a team competition between Asturias and León.

The most prepared runners can take on the 47 km Marathon or the 83 km Ultratrail at DesafiOSOmiedo.

Mountain bikers also have La Rosca de Somiedo.

DISCOVER THE LAKES OF SOMIEDO

The Lakes of Somiedo are the most important lake system in the Cantabrian Mountains.

Walk the route around the Saliencia Lakes, which includes Lago de la Cueva, Calabazosa (Black Lake), Cerveriz and Laguna de Almagrera (La Mina).

Or visit Lago del Valle, the largest lake on the Cantabrian coast, set in a spectacular glacial cirque surrounded by peaks such as Picos Albos, Peña Orniz and Sierra de la Mortera.

SHOP AT THE MERCAO DE NUEITE

In mid-August, Pola de Somiedo hosts the traditional craft and local produce market, where you'll find charcuterie, honey, jam, spirits, cheeses and more.

During the market there are workshops and activities for children.

In the chigre (local pub) you can enjoy a cider to the sound of traditional Asturian music.

VISIT THE BRAÑAS

The brañas of Somiedo — for their beauty, number and state of preservation — are the most important in Asturias.

These clusters of stone huts with broom-thatched roofs, called teitos, were used by the highland herders in the warmer months when they brought their cattle up to the summer pastures.

The most important brañas include La Pornacal, Mumián and Sousas.

SOMIEDO AND THE BEAR

La Fundación Oso Pardo keeps an information centre about the bear open to the public in Somiedo Natural Park — one of Asturias' most emblematic natural spaces and an important refuge for the Cantabrian brown bear. Visitors can see a small exhibition about the bear, book guided routes run by the Foundation, and browse the Tienda del Oso gift shop.

Tel: 985763406

WITNESS THE RED DEER RUT

From mid-September to late October you can observe and listen to stags battling for the attention of females.

Somiedo has several wildlife watching spots where you can witness this magnificent natural spectacle.

The best hours are a couple of hours before dawn or two hours after dusk.

PHOTOGRAPH THE CENTAUREA

The Centaurea de Somiedo (Centaurium somedanum) is a protected endemic species found only in Somiedo and part of Babia.

It blooms between July and September in mossy, damp areas.

Remember it is a scarce protected species — observation only, please.

SNOWSHOE OR SKI ROUTES

In the coldest months activity doesn't stop in Somiedo — winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy a selection of snowshoe and cross-country ski routes.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the lakes, brañas and mountain peaks of Somiedo Natural Park in their winter guise.

VISIT THE WILD BAR

At the Alto de la Farrapona, over 1,700 metres above sea level and near the Somiedo lakes, you'll find the Wild Bar during summer.

A food truck where you can enjoy a freshly made burger and a cold beer after completing a route through the Somiedo Lakes.