Somiedo Natural Park & its Rural Villages Tour from Oviedo

Traveling through the green hills and rugged mountains of Asturias, Spain, can feel like stepping into a living postcard. This Somiedo Natural Park & its Rural Villages Tour from Oviedo offers a well-rounded taste of natural beauty, local culture, and traditional ways of life. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a peaceful escape, this experience promises a mixture of scenic views and authentic charm.

We’re here to give you a thorough look at what makes this tour special—highlighting the scenery, cultural stops, and practical details. The highlights include visiting UNESCO-protected landscapes, exploring traditional villages, and learning about regional trades like transhumance. While the price might seem modest at $88, understanding what you’re getting in return — from expert guides to memorable viewpoints — helps you decide if it’s right for your trip.

One thing to keep in mind is this tour’s physical aspect. It involves walking, some uneven terrain, and heights at viewpoints, so it might not suit everyone. But if you’re comfortable outdoors and eager to see Asturias away from the crowds, this could be a perfect match. It’s especially great for travelers looking to combine natural landscapes with cultural insights in a single day.

If you love scenic drives, exploring traditional villages, and discovering lesser-known parts of Spain, this tour could become a highlight of your Asturias adventure.

Good To Know

• Beautiful Natural Setting: The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Somiedo offers dramatic mountain vistas, lakes, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about traditional trades like transhumance and see authentic local dwellings like “cabañas de teito.”
• Comfortable Transportation: Roundtrip minibus transfer from Oviedo makes logistics easy and stress-free.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides, like the one praised in reviews, enrich the experience with stories and insights.
• Flexible Free Time: Ample time in Pola de Somiedo allows for tasting local cuisine and wandering at your own pace.
• Stunning Viewpoints: The El Príncipe Lookout offers panoramic vistas that are perfect for photos and taking in the scenery.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at the JOVELLANOS BUS STOP, a convenient central location in Oviedo. From there, a comfortable minibus whisks you away toward the mountains, giving you ample opportunities to relax and enjoy the changing scenery. The transportation aspect is straightforward, and the group size tends to be small enough to foster a personal experience, especially if you’re lucky like Sarah, who mentioned having a private guide and no other travelers around.

Alto de la Farrapona and La Cueva Lake

Your journey takes you through the Alto de la Farrapona mountain pass, a highlight for many visitors. The drive offers sweeping views of rocky mountains and open landscapes. Once at the pass, you’ll walk for about 30 minutes to reach La Cueva Lake, a tranquil spot framed by towering peaks. Expect breathtaking photo opportunities here, with clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains—a true postcard moment.

Las Veigas and the Eco-Museum

Next, the tour visits Las Veigas, home to the Somiedo Ecomuseum. This stop is more than just a photo op; it’s a chance to understand the region’s traditional trades and transhumance practices—seasonal livestock migrations that have shaped local life for generations. Visitors are often struck by the “cabañas de teito”, traditional thatched-roof dwellings that stand as a testament to historic building techniques. One reviewer called the eco-museum experience “what I liked the most,” highlighting the value of seeing how locals have lived and worked in harmony with nature.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pola de Somiedo

The regional capital, Pola de Somiedo, is a charming town that provides a good dose of local flavor. Its cobbled streets, 18th-century San Pedro Parish Church, and local cafes make it a pleasant place to stroll. Here, you’ll have free time to explore and sample regional cuisine, so bring your appetite and camera. Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to wander independently, soaking up the local atmosphere.

La Peral and El Príncipe Lookout

The final highlight takes you to La Peral, a tiny village perched at 1,200 meters altitude. Historically, La Peral was a “braña vaqueira”, a seasonal settlement for nomadic herders—a glimpse into a pastoral lifestyle that’s largely vanished elsewhere. The visit culminates at El Príncipe Lookout, where panoramic views of the valley stretch out in every direction. Reviewers describe the viewpoints as “spectacular,” a perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection on the day’s natural beauty.

Tour End and Return

After a full day, the bus brings you back to the original meeting point in Oviedo. The entire experience is designed to be manageable in a day, with plenty of opportunities for photos, learning, and relaxing.

The Value of This Tour

At $88 per person, this tour offers a lot of value if you’re looking for a balanced mix of nature, culture, and comfortable travel. The inclusion of a guided experience, visits to key sites, and free time in Pola de Somiedo means you’re not just rushing past sights but also gaining context and personal exploration opportunities.

Many reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, which greatly enhances the experience. One guest specifically mentioned how the guide’s insights made the landscapes and eco-museum come alive, transforming a scenic drive into a memorable storytelling session. Plus, the scenic viewpoints and authentic villages provide photo-worthy moments and cultural understanding that larger, more generic tours might miss.

However, note that meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or plan to enjoy local eateries during your free time. Also, the tour involves some walking, and the viewpoints are at heights, so comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing are recommended.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who are outdoor enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those eager to see lesser-visited parts of Asturias. It’s particularly good for anyone comfortable with walking and variable weather, given the outdoor nature of the stops. Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers seeking a peaceful day in nature will appreciate the relaxed pace and scenic highlights.

If your idea of a perfect day involves discovering local traditions and enjoying stunning mountain vistas, then this tour will meet and likely exceed your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation in a minibus from the JOVELLANOS BUS STOP is part of the tour.

How long is the tour?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, it’s designed as a full-day experience with stops, walking, and free time.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, outdoor clothing, water, and a camera are recommended for the day.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to purchase food during free time.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or those afraid of heights or vertigo due to walking and viewpoints.

Can I cancel?
Yes, cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What language is the tour in?
The tour is offered in both English and Spanish.

What is the group size?
Though not explicitly stated, reviews suggest small groups or private experiences are possible, especially when fewer travelers book.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of stunning scenery, authentic village visits, and knowledgeable guides makes this a memorable way to experience Asturias’ natural and cultural heritage.

Final Thoughts

The Somiedo Natural Park & Rural Villages Tour from Oviedo offers a well-rounded exploration of one of Spain’s most beautiful and lesser-known regions. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just a scenic drive — they want stories, history, and authentic local flavor. The inclusion of viewpoints, eco-museum visits, and traditional villages ensures you leave with a genuine appreciation for Asturias’ natural and cultural landscape.

You’ll love the personalized guide insights, the breathtaking views at El Príncipe, and the chance to walk through a landscape that feels almost untouched. The moderate price tag reflects good value, especially considering the expert guiding and immersive stops.

This tour is ideal for those craving a peaceful escape, keen on cultural stories behind the landscape, and eager to see a different side of Spain away from bustling cities. It’s a day that promises photos, knowledge, and a deeper connection to Asturias’ mountain traditions.

Embark on this journey to see the wild beauty and timeless culture of the Asturian mountains — a day well spent for anyone wanting a meaningful escape into nature.

You can check if your dates are available here: