ASTURIAS: THE WILD HEART OF SPAIN
Discover the diverse nature of the Spanish principality where soaring summits meet the sea
Sandwiched between the Cantabrian mountains and the Bay of Biscay is a verdant slice of Spain that’s home to an unrivalled natural bounty: Asturias. This proud autonomous community traces its history back to AD 718, and among its forests, high meadows and ridges you’ll find echoes of the past in timeless settlements. Of course, its natural heritage stretches back much further, and today the region’s wild inhabitants are protected within an enviable network including no fewer than seven Unesco Biosphere Reserves.
ANIMAL ATTRACTION
The northern flanks of the Cantabrian mountains, looming steeply on Asturias’ southern border, are spangled with wildflowers and butterflies in spring and summer, while autumn brings flaming hues to beech and oak woods harbouring capercaillie and black woodpeckers. Carnivores are among the region’s big draws – the osu, or Cantabrian brown bear, is recovering here, with more than 250 individuals roaming wooded valleys at the western end of the range. This area is likely the best-preserved montane environment in the Iberian Peninsula. Add chamois, roe and red deer, wolves, wild cats and raptors – including bearded, Egyptian and griffon vultures and golden and Bonelli’s eagles – and you’ve a heady brew tempting wildlife-lovers to a region that is known as the natural paradise of Spain.
REACHING SEVEN HEAVENS
To discover Asturias’ wildlife, head for the hills – and don’t forget your walking boots. Spain’s first national park, Picos de Europa, is laced with trails, most famously the path snaking through the Cares Gorge; tramp this superb one-day route and you’ll likely spy griffon vultures wheeling overhead – plus, if you’re fortunate, one of the bearded vultures now returning thanks to an innovative reintroduction programme. Further west, book ahead for the hike through the oak groves of Muniellos Forest Nature Reserve within Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Park – home to capercaillie, wolf and bear. You might also spot those predators in Redes or Somiedo Natural Parks, or wander among the high mountain pastures known as
brañas, studded with traditional
teitos (thatched cottages).
Wherever you roam, you’re never far from wonderful local flavours. More than 50 varieties of artisanal cheese can be washed down with the local
sidra (cider) – the perfect way to toast your successful wildlife encounters in this delightful corner of Spain.