Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park: A Natural Paradise In The Heart Of Asturias of Hotel Mieres del Camino in Mieres. Official Website.
Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park: A Natural Paradise in the Heart of Asturias
The Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, located in the southern part of Asturias, is a mountainous area in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains. It takes its name from its most iconic and impressive peak, the Ubiña Massif (2,417 meters), and its location along the Camín Real de La Mesa, an ancient Roman road that once connected Asturias with Castile.
This natural reserve, covering nearly 36,000 hectares, is the perfect destination for discovering the flora and fauna of Asturias and enjoying activities such as hiking and cycling. The park offers something for everyone, whether you are traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
What You'll Find in the Park
Natural Landmarks
The park features a wide variety of landscapes, from impressive mountains and rocky peaks to green valleys and deep gorges. The Valgrande Beech Forest and the Montegrande Beech Forest, located in Lena and Teverga respectively, are among the park's most characteristic ecosystems, covering more than 5,000 hectares of breathtaking natural beauty.
For water lovers, the basins of the Pajares and Huerna Rivers offer fresh, green, and enchanting scenery. The Bermiego Yew Tree, the Marabio Mountain Passes, and the Garrafes de Bueida are some of the park's most extraordinary attractions.
An Underground World
Many of the park's treasures are hidden beneath the surface. In the Estrechura Gorge, near the village of Fresnéu, you will find Asturias' largest cave, Cueva Huerta, which can be explored with a guide. In the same village, visitors can also discover the Fresnéu Rock Shelters, five cavities containing prehistoric cave paintings that represent one of the most important Bronze Age archaeological sites in Asturias.
Routes Through the Park
Exploring the park on foot or by bicycle is the perfect way to appreciate the diversity of the Asturian landscape. The park offers 66 marked routes suitable for all levels. Some of the most popular include the Xiblu Trail, the Senda del Oso Greenway, and the Route of the Relics, which crosses Quirós following the story of the Holy Ark.
Wildlife
Las Ubiñas is home to several protected and endangered species, including the Cantabrian Brown Bear and the Cantabrian Capercaillie. While spotting these animals is rare, it is quite common to find evidence of their presence throughout the park. Visitors may also observe numerous birds of prey and mammals, including red deer, wolves, roe deer, wildcats, and stoats.
Culture in the Park: Museums, Villages, and Traditional Architecture
The mountain range also shelters charming villages with a unique character. Picturesque settlements such as Ronderos, Xomezana, and Tuíza de Arriba welcome visitors amid stunning mountain scenery.
You will find excellent examples of traditional Asturian architecture, including hórreos (raised granaries), corros, and teitos (thatched-roof buildings), which can be seen along the Teverga Mountain Pastures Route and the Vaqueira Route. The park is also home to some of the most important Romanesque monuments in Asturias, including Santa Cristina de Lena, San Pedro de Arrojo, and the Collegiate Church of San Pedro de Teverga.
To delve deeper into Asturian history and culture, visit the Quirós Ethnographic Museum and the Teverga Prehistory Park, where you can learn more about Asturias' past and traditions.
Mieres del Camino is the perfect destination from which to discover the heart of Asturias. The Hotel Mieres del Camino is a modern hotel in the center of Mieres featuring spacious and bright rooms, a buffet breakfast, restaurant-cafeteria, and laundry service. It is located just over 30 minutes by car from Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park.
This natural reserve, covering nearly 36,000 hectares, is the perfect destination for discovering the flora and fauna of Asturias and enjoying activities such as hiking and cycling. The park offers something for everyone, whether you are traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
What You'll Find in the Park
Natural Landmarks
The park features a wide variety of landscapes, from impressive mountains and rocky peaks to green valleys and deep gorges. The Valgrande Beech Forest and the Montegrande Beech Forest, located in Lena and Teverga respectively, are among the park's most characteristic ecosystems, covering more than 5,000 hectares of breathtaking natural beauty.
For water lovers, the basins of the Pajares and Huerna Rivers offer fresh, green, and enchanting scenery. The Bermiego Yew Tree, the Marabio Mountain Passes, and the Garrafes de Bueida are some of the park's most extraordinary attractions.
An Underground World
Many of the park's treasures are hidden beneath the surface. In the Estrechura Gorge, near the village of Fresnéu, you will find Asturias' largest cave, Cueva Huerta, which can be explored with a guide. In the same village, visitors can also discover the Fresnéu Rock Shelters, five cavities containing prehistoric cave paintings that represent one of the most important Bronze Age archaeological sites in Asturias.
Routes Through the Park
Exploring the park on foot or by bicycle is the perfect way to appreciate the diversity of the Asturian landscape. The park offers 66 marked routes suitable for all levels. Some of the most popular include the Xiblu Trail, the Senda del Oso Greenway, and the Route of the Relics, which crosses Quirós following the story of the Holy Ark.
Wildlife
Las Ubiñas is home to several protected and endangered species, including the Cantabrian Brown Bear and the Cantabrian Capercaillie. While spotting these animals is rare, it is quite common to find evidence of their presence throughout the park. Visitors may also observe numerous birds of prey and mammals, including red deer, wolves, roe deer, wildcats, and stoats.
Culture in the Park: Museums, Villages, and Traditional Architecture
The mountain range also shelters charming villages with a unique character. Picturesque settlements such as Ronderos, Xomezana, and Tuíza de Arriba welcome visitors amid stunning mountain scenery.
You will find excellent examples of traditional Asturian architecture, including hórreos (raised granaries), corros, and teitos (thatched-roof buildings), which can be seen along the Teverga Mountain Pastures Route and the Vaqueira Route. The park is also home to some of the most important Romanesque monuments in Asturias, including Santa Cristina de Lena, San Pedro de Arrojo, and the Collegiate Church of San Pedro de Teverga.
To delve deeper into Asturian history and culture, visit the Quirós Ethnographic Museum and the Teverga Prehistory Park, where you can learn more about Asturias' past and traditions.
Mieres del Camino is the perfect destination from which to discover the heart of Asturias. The Hotel Mieres del Camino is a modern hotel in the center of Mieres featuring spacious and bright rooms, a buffet breakfast, restaurant-cafeteria, and laundry service. It is located just over 30 minutes by car from Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park.