Easy routes, good food, and the chance to see a bear in the quietest valley in Asturias.

Near the border with León and a stone's throw from Cantabria , Somiedo Natural Park is one of the most peaceful and authentic corners of Asturias . Although sometimes overshadowed by other, more famous valleys, Somiedo is one of the most complete and least crowded destinations.

Declared a Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve, it has managed to preserve its biodiversity, traditional architecture, and a way of life that has been lost in many places. Being off the beaten track has helped preserve its essence and also ensure that it remains a peaceful place.

In search of the bear

Somiedo is one of the best places on the Iberian Peninsula to observe brown bears in the wild , although it's no easy task. This natural park is home to one of the most stable populations of this species in Spain, and its presence is a symbol of the ecosystem's health. Experts say the key is to get up early, walk quietly, and let yourself be guided by a good guide. Local companies organize observation routes with binoculars and all the necessary information to respect social distancing and avoid disturbing the environment. Another important point: avoid unnecessary danger!

For those less fortunate or who prefer a more peaceful way to get up close to these animals, the Bear Interpretation Center in Pola de Somiedo is a must-see. This educational space features exhibits, models, videos, and an interactive room designed to help children and adults better understand the habitat, behavior, and conservation challenges of the Cantabrian brown bear. Furthermore, some of the valley's most accessible trails can be started from the surrounding area.

Living memory

To learn about the past (sometimes not so distant), the most interesting visit is in Pola de Somiedo, where you'll find the fascinating La Casa Ecomuseum , a center dedicated to preserving and explaining the valley's traditional architecture and the lives of its inhabitants. Here, you'll find original examples (the old stone and wood houses with their thatched roofs and heather thatched roofs), perfectly restored and preserved.

Each house features a recreated interior : farm implements, kitchen utensils, and the simple rooms where families slept after long days on the braña. There are also explanations about agricultural cycles and the transhumance of the Vaqueira cattle.

Postcard landscapes

One of Somiedo's highlights is its landscapes, and while it's hard to choose just one, Alto de la Farrapona is always a safe bet. At over 1,700 meters above sea level, the landscape is not only spectacular, but it's also the starting point for one of the most beautiful and accessible routes in Somiedo Natural Park. From this mountain pass (which connects Asturias with the Babia region of León) begins the trail to the Saliencia Lakes , a group of glacial lagoons that form one of the most beautiful landscapes in northern Spain.

The route is simple and suitable for almost everyone thanks to its low elevation and well-marked trails. In just two hours, and depending on your pace, you can visit lakes such as Cueva, Cerveiriz, and Calabazosa, surrounded by meadows, low forests, and old mining remains that are now part of the landscape. There's also a natural viewpoint from which you can contemplate the entire Saliencia Basin in all its splendor. A true marvel.