Sanja DeGarmo
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Asturias Arrival
Bienvenidos a España! Upon arrival at Asturias Airport (OVD), you'll be warmly welcomed by your friendly guide. Together, transfer to Pola de Somiedo, in the heart of Somiedo Natural Park, which will be the setting for your Asturian adventures.
Somiedo Natural Park is one of the last strongholds of largely untouched nature in Spain. Its landscapes, fauna and flora, gastronomy, and people come together to define this magical setting. It is one of the most important and best-preserved protected areas in Asturias, and was first declared a Natural Park in 1988. In 2000, it became a Biosphere Reserve. Throughout your journey, you'll have the chance to explore its rugged landscapes, impressive lakes, and "brañas," or seasonal high-altitude mountain pastures.
In the evening, you'll celebrate your arrival in Spain with a delightful meal highlighting the region's flavors.
Overnight Hotel Palacio Alvaro Florez-Estrada
Day 2
Land of Bears and Brañas
After breakfast, it's time to connect with the beautiful mountain scenery of the area! You'll have the chance to learn about a very important part of the region's ethnography and culture: the brañas, high pastures where the cattle graze in the summer. You'll do it on horseback - the old-fashioned way!
Next, it’s time to learn about the Cantabrian brown bears that, only 10 years ago, were on the brink of extinction. Today, thanks to the efforts of several associations working in close collaboration with the public administration, the species is recovering. And, if you know their habits well, they're easy to spot in the park.
Your expert guide is the perfect person to help you track these bears! They will lead you through some of the most unusual and beautiful paths in Spain, looking out for the bears and other flora and fauna as you go. They’ll provide details on the Park's values and the incredible conservation efforts that have protected its landscapes and animals.
Overnight Hotel Palacio Alvaro Florez-Estrada
Day 3
The Lake Valley
The Lake of the Valley, with its 24 hectares, is the largest lake in Asturias. It sits at the foot of a glacial cirque, formed by a tongue of ice that once extended down the valley. The route to Lago del Valle stretches 6 kilometers one way, offering a journey through local traditions, flora, fauna, geology, and shifting landscapes shaped over time by both nature and human activity.
Along the wooded slopes, beech trees and pockets of arraclán are the dominant species, giving way to open pastures and the enduring presence of "teito," the traditional thatched roofing used on mountain cabins. If you're fortunate, you may spot bears on the hillsides. Your guide will share best practices for observing them safely and without disturbing them. The full hike covers 12.65 kilometers, with an elevation gain and loss of 390 meters, and typically takes around 4 hours.
Overnight Hotel Palacio Alvaro Florez-Estrada
Day 4
A Day in Nature
Ready to walk? Today, you'll follow in the footsteps of generations of explorers as you walk along an ancient Roman road that for centuries connected Asturias with the Castilian plateau. The trail winds through high mountain terrain, gradually leading you into a quieter, more remote landscape shaped by centuries of passage.
By the late afternoon, you’ll reach a traditional "braña," where you will spend the night under the open sky. Your local guide will take care of every detail to ensure a memorable evening outdoors. She is the last person to have grown up in a "Vaqueira de Alzada" family, a semi-nomadic shepherding community unique to this region. As you share stories under the stars, she'll provide firsthand insight into a way of life that has nearly disappeared.
Overnight Hotel Palacio Alvaro Florez-Estrada
Day 5
Belmonte: land of horses and wolves
After a delightful breakfast, breathing in the fresh mountain air, make your way into the neighboring town of Belmonte de Miranda, in search of a semi-wild herd of "asturcones," the region's native horse breed known for its resilience and deep-rooted connection to this landscape. As you move through open meadows and rugged terrain, immerse yourself in this remote setting, shaped by centuries of pastoral life and natural rhythms.
Along the way, you'll cross a landscape also inhabited by wolves, which quietly roam the surrounding peaks and valleys. By midday, arrive for a special visit with a local woman who will welcome you into her home and share her knowledge of regional cooking. Together, you’ll prepare fabada, the area's most emblematic dish, learning each step along the way before sitting down to enjoy the meal you've helped create.
In the evening, take time to rest at your hotel, a unique hideaway located within a lighthouse that has stood on the shores of Cudillero for more than 165 years. Sweeping views of the Cantabrian Sea await!
Overnight Faro de Cudillero Hotel
Day 6
Canoe Adventure
It's time for a change of scenery! Today, you'll head to a gentle stretch of the Nalón River, one of the region's principal waterways. With your guide, you'll glide through the calm waters on a canoe, winding through vibrant, rugged landscapes. Along the way, pause for a picnic on the riverbank. You can even take a refreshing swim. At the end of your canoeing journey, stop at a traditional Asturian inn to recharge.
In the afternoon, set out along the Ruta de los Miradores, an easy and scenic coastal walk connecting San Esteban de Pravia to Playa de Aguilar. Over roughly 5 kilometers, a series of viewpoints open onto the rugged shoreline of the Cantabrian Sea, where green cliffs meet stretches of golden sand and shifting blue waters shaped by the tides. The evening will be at leisure.
Overnight Faro de Cudillero Hotel
Day 7
Exploring the Coast
Today is all about the water, with time to experience a different side of Asturias. Depending on the weather, sea conditions, and your mood, you can choose between two ways to explore this setting.
Option one takes you onto the Pravia Estuary by stand-up paddleboard, a relaxed way to move through calm waters while discovering the area's historical and industrial past. Alternatively, you can try surfing with an introductory lesson designed to help you comfortably ride the waves.
Whichever you choose, the day winds down in Cudillero, one of Spain's most distinctive fishing villages, where you can settle in as the sun sets, sipping on a glass of cider as you reflect on your adventures in Spain.
Overnight Faro de Cudillero Hotel
Day 8
Departure Day
After a final breakfast in Spain, it's time to head home. In time for your international flight, you'll meet your driver and head to the airport. Leave Spain having explored both the mountains and coast of Asturias.
