Attractions and Places To See around Peñamellera Alta - Top 20

Peñamellera Alta is rich in natural beauty. A central feature is the Cares River, known for its dramatic gorge. You can experience the stunning Cares Gorge (Garganta Divina), which forms part of the Picos de Europa National Park. The region also borders the Sierra del Cuera Protected Landscape to the north, offering diverse mountain scenery, forests, and alpine flora. Don't miss the crystal-clear streams that feed into the Cares River.

Yes, Peñamellera Alta offers several historical and cultural points of interest. The Church of San Pedro de Plecín near Alles is the oldest surviving medieval structure in the municipality, showcasing Romanesque architecture. The Cueva del Quesu (Llonín Cave) is an important archaeological site with Paleolithic paintings and engravings. You can also explore traditional Asturian villages like Oceño, Rozagás, Ruenes, and Mier to experience local culture and heritage.

The region is a hiker's paradise, especially with its proximity to the Picos de Europa. The most renowned is the Ruta del Cares. The first 6 km on the Ruta del Cares from Cain are particularly spectacular, offering incredible views and nature. The entire Cares Gorge (Garganta Divina) route is a challenging but rewarding experience, carved into limestone mountains. For other outdoor activities, you can find numerous routes for cycling, gravel biking, and road cycling in the surrounding area.

The best time to visit Peñamellera Alta for outdoor activities and exploring its natural beauty is generally from early summer to early autumn. During this period, the weather is more favorable for hiking and enjoying the landscapes. Many local festivities in the villages also take place from early summer to early autumn, offering a chance to experience traditional culture.

While many of the natural attractions involve hiking, which can be enjoyed by active families, the traditional villages like Alles, Oceño, and Mier offer a glimpse into local life that can be interesting for all ages. The nearby Llanes Old Town and Harbour, a charming fishing town, is also considered family-friendly with its historic sites and coastal atmosphere.

Peñamellera Alta, particularly within the Picos de Europa National Park and Sierra del Cuera Protected Landscape, is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot protected species such as chamois, deer, roe deer, wolves, foxes, and wild boars. The area also boasts a recovered population of griffon vultures, golden eagles, and Egyptian vultures, making it excellent for birdwatching. Mountain goats are often seen around the Ruins of the Shepherds’ Settlement on the Ruta del Cares.

The municipality is known for its delicious local products. Be sure to try Peñamellera cheese, a traditional artisan cheese. Other regional specialties include salmon from the Cares River and local honey, often used in desserts. Like the rest of Asturias, cider is the traditional drink and a must-try.

Absolutely! The mountainous terrain and scenic roads around Peñamellera Alta are ideal for cycling. Komoot offers various guides for cycling, gravel biking, and road cycling, featuring routes with varying difficulties and stunning views, including loops around the Cares River and into the Picos de Europa.

The Ruins of the Shepherds’ Settlement on the Ruta del Cares is an abandoned settlement located in a unique canyon landscape along the famous hiking trail. It's a fascinating historical site where you can see remnants of traditional stone structures, often inhabited by mountain goats, offering a glimpse into the past life of the Picos de Europa shepherds.

The Cares Gorge (Garganta Divina) is a breathtaking natural monument within the Picos de Europa National Park. It features a path carved directly into the limestone cliffs, winding between mountains over 2,000 meters high. This route offers spectacular views, crosses bridges, and passes through tunnels carved into the rock, showcasing an amazing natural spectacle formed by the Cares River.

Yes, Peñamellera Alta is home to several charming traditional Asturian villages. Alles, as the capital, offers a good starting point to see traditional architecture. Other notable villages include Oceño, Rozagás, Ruenes, and Mier, where you can experience the local culture and heritage in a tranquil rural setting.