Somiedo

The heart of the Somiedo Natural Park, one of the last refuges of the Cantabrian brown bear. Traditional teito huts with thatched roofs dot the alpine meadows, preserving a way of life unchanged for centuries.

Somiedo's extreme mountain isolation — passes are often snowbound in winter — has kept it among the least-visited natural parks in Spain.

History

Somiedo, declared a Natural Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, including being a prime habitat for the Cantabrian brown bear. Its human history is deeply intertwined with its challenging geography. The valleys and mountains have fostered the development of a unique agropastoral culture, characterized by the 'brañas' – summer pastures – and the distinctive 'teitos', traditional thatched-roof stone huts used by shepherds.

The origins of human settlement in Somiedo date back to prehistoric times, with evidence of ancient castros (fortified settlements). During the medieval period, the region remained relatively isolated, maintaining its unique customs and dialect. The 'vaqueiros de alzada', a semi-nomadic pastoral community, are an integral part of Somiedo's heritage, practicing transhumance and preserving cultural traditions that have largely disappeared elsewhere. The "teitos" houses are a direct link to this ancient way of life and a testament to the community's resourcefulness.

Highlights

• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• Cantabrian brown bear habitat
• Traditional teito thatched-roof huts
• Glacial lakes (Lagos de Saliencia)

How to get there

From Oviedo, take the A-63 motorway to Grado, then follow the AS-227 road south towards Belmonte de Miranda and further into the Somiedo Natural Park. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Explore nearby: Asturias guide