Tag:

SELLA

COVADONGA, HEART OF ASTURIAS

by Admin

Cangas de Onís was the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias from which most of the important symbols of the Principality originate and it is also one of the favourite places for tourism in the region.

Based at the foot of the Picos de Europa and an entrance to the “Royal Site” of Covadonga, Cangas de Onís is one of the main gateways into this mountainous region. From here you can also enjoy the beaches of the eastern coastline of Asturias as it is just a short journey away by car.

You can access Cangas de Onís from the Airport of Asturias or the Airport of Santander, the later being the closest.

Cangas de Onis is a lively town and there are lots of services to avail from. It is also quite an enchanting town with historic buildings, churches and palaces in very picturesque surroundings. At the entrance of Cangas you will see one of the most important symbols of the region, The Roman Style Bridge with the replica of the Victory Cross, which was declared a historic monument in 1931. Another place to visit is the Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva which now functions as a luxury Parador hotel.

A short distance from Cangas de Onís is the religious sanctuary of Covadonga, which is considered to be one of the most important and historic locations when telling the story of Spain. It is here where King Pelayo managed to defeat the then ruling Moors (Circa 722AD) during the Battle of Covadonga and started the 770 year long campaign to recover the Iberian Peninsula back to Christian rule known as the “Reconquista”

Nowadays Covadonga is a place of pilgrimage for the devotees of the Virgin of Covadonga, known locally as “La Santina”. The statue of “la Santina” is housed in a Cave built into the rock surrounded by waterfalls. This together with the basilica which is a beautiful pink stone church makes this historic and religious site a place of peace, beauty and spirituality.

Covadonga is not only about religion or history; it is one of the main entrances to the stunning Picos de Europa. The Lakes of Covadonga and surrounding mountains where declared a National Park in 1918 which was one of the first dedicated national parks in Spain. The two lakes Enol and Ercina are great places for visitors to take in the wonderful landscapes of majestic mountains, valleys and meadows or, you can do a wide variety of sporting activities organized around this area. One of the most important peaks is the Peña Santa de Enol with a height of 2,476 metres. (8124 feet)

Due to it’s ideal location, Cangas de Onís is home to many outdoor pursuit companies who offer all kinds of sports and adventure activities such as trekking, mountaineering, climbing, mountain biking, quads, horses riding, canoeing, spelunking, etc….. basically everything to cater for even the most adventurous of spirits no matter the age.

Also, the rivers and mountains of this area are ideal for fishing and hunting. The Rivers Sella and Gueña are very popular and recognized internationally for the quality and quantity of salmon and trout, amongst other fish.

Other places to visit in the area are The Cave of Buxu, with examples of Palaeolithic Art and many beautiful country towns.

From Cangas de Onís you can also drive to some of the most amazing places in Asturias such as The Beyos Route and the National Park of Ponga, or the very popular Cares Route. It is also recommended that you visit the towns of Onís or Cabrales where you will find good places to eat and relax. You can also travel from the Picos de Europa towards the coast and enjoy the amazing beaches of the eastern Asturias.

During the month of May the International Cycling Tour to the Lakes of Covadonga takes place with more than 3,000 participants cycling from Cangas de Onís to the Lakes of Covadonga.

The gastronomy of the area is a traditional fare of Asturian food with a lot of emphasis placed on local style casseroles, beef, fresh fish from the rivers, and organic vegetables. It is highly recommended to sample the local cheeses on offer such as Gamoneu cheese, Beyos Cheese or the most popular cheese in Asturias “Cabrales”, which is an intense and unique blue cheese of extraordinary quality.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Tomás Fano

DISCOVER FEATURED HOME NATURE VIDEOS

THE PICOS DE EUROPA NATIONAL PARK

by Admin

The Picos de Europa National Park covers the south-western area of Asturias, separating it from the neighbour regions of León and Cantabria. It was the first National Park of Spain, and it was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2003 by the UNESCO.

It crosses the municipalities of Amieva, Cangas de Onis, Onis, Cabrales, Peñamellera Alta and Peñamellera Baja . Its limits are marked by the river Sella on the west, and the river Deva on the East, with a total extension of 550 square kilometres only in Asturias. The highest point in the park is at more than 2600 meters high.

Here you can find some of the best sightseeing in Asturias, including the Pico Urriellu, the Sanctuary of Covadonga, the Lakes of Covadonga or the Cares Gorge.

Historically, Picos de Europa is one of the most important sites in Spain, as it was here where the “Reconquista” began with King Pelayo of Asturias and the Battle of Covadonga.

The Park is populated by many species of wildlife, such as the Western Capercaillie, the Iberian Wolf, the Cantabrian Brown Bear, the Cantabrian Chamois or the Spanish Ibex. All these species can be roaming the oak and beech forests and mountains that cover most of the territory of the park. There are also different species of trout and salmons in the different rivers that cross the Park. Picos de Europa has a representation of most of the wildlife present in Spain.

The geography of the park is very influenced by glacier modifications, giving the land its shape, divided in three different massifs separated by rivers that formed those glaciers: the rivers Sella, Cares, Duje and Deva.

There are plenty of wonderful places to visit in the National Park. The Marian shrine in Covadonga, where the “Santina” rests in her sanctuary carved in the mountain stone by a natural waterfall, is one of the most visited places in Asturias, and it is considered the “cradle” of the Reconquista, as the myth says that in that cave the Virgin Mary visited Pelayo and gave him the wooden cross that would lead him to defeat the Moors.

The Lakes Enol and Ercina in the mountains near Covadonga are another point of interest. The ascent to the lakes is made by mountain road that provides some of the best views of the Picos. The Vuelta A España Cycling Race has this ascent as its most iconic stage, and is present in the Race most of the years.

La Loja (Peñamellera Baja) is a cave where you can admire cave art made thousands of years ago. These paintings are carvings had been discovered in 1909, and have been studied by experts since then.

The “Interpretation Centre of the Picos de Europa” is located in Cangas de Onís, and will provide tourists with information about the National Park of Picos de Europa.

If you want to enjoy this Natural Paradise doing activities you have a wide variety of things to choose from:

The Cares Route (Cabrales) is a 12 kilometre hiking route carved in the stones of the gorge of the River Cares. Its ease of access makes it perfect for everyone.

The Mythological Route of the Beyu Pen (Amieva) is a route that goes though enchanted forests where you will meet the different characters of Asturian mythology, such as the Diañu Burlón (or “the joker devil”) , Busgosu (“the forest spirit”), or Xana (“the river fairy”), while you enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Picos de Europa is an area internationally known for its perfects sports for rock climbing, having one of the best climbing spots in Europe: the Pico Urriellu.

The rivers that give the Park its shape are perfect to practice canoeing and other activities such as rafting or canyoning. The River Sella hosts one of the most important river descents: the International Descent of the River Sella, which takes place on the first Saturday of August.

The gastronomy of the Picos de Europa is based on the traditional Asturian dishes. You can find stews like Fabada, Pote de Berzas or meat casseroles, natural cider, and, mostly, cheese. This mountain region is well known for the variety of the cheese that is produced, from the Cabrales, to the Gamoneu, both recognised with a PDO by the European Union, but without forgetting the rest of the varieties.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

ADVENTURE RIVER VIDEOS

THE INTERNATIONAL DESCENT OF THE RIVER SELLA

by Admin

The International descent of the River Sella is an annual canoeing event that takes place in Asturias around the first weekend in August. It’s one of the largest canoeing races of its kind in the world attracting participants from all over the globe to take part (over a thousand!!).

The race starts in the town of Arriondas which is nestled at the foot hills of the Picos del Europa and makes its way along a 20km stretch of the river Sella finishing at the seaside resort of Ribadesella.

The race is the center point of a four day festival that offers concerts and plenty of activities to do which attracts many visitors to the area, most of whom are just there to party and party they do!! Like at most big festivals inAsturias, the revelers tend to be easy going and out to have a good time. Despite the sheer numbers of people in attendance, the festival is good for families and all age groups.

The event of the Descent of the River Sella will be hold the first weekend of august. At the same time Asturias celebrates the International Week of Canoeing celebrating different canoeing events all over the region.

The International descent of the River Sella started back in 1929 when Dionisio dela Huerta made the recreational trip down the river with a few friends. Since then, the race has grown in popularity and is now recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage tourism event. The organizers have worked hard to develop the event and have made many changes including opening the race to disabled participants. They are also making use of social media to keep people informed about timings, winners and advice.

Asturias has had several very well-known canoeists such as Herminio Menendez who won 3 medals in the Olympics (1976 and 1980), Manuel Busto, who has won 8 World Titles in several specialties or the K-2 couple formed by Walter Bouzan Sanchez and Alvaro Fernandez Fiuza who are the winners of the International Descent of the River Sella for trhee years.

To the onlooker, the race has a wacky races feel about it. 1000 plus kayakers running to their boats in the hope to get a good starting push off amidst a cacophony of paddles smacking off each other and the roar of the crowd. Many take part to win but quite a few just do it for fun and no matter what position you come in, the general consensus is always the same…. “That was one crazy race!”

If you are a keen kayaker then you have to do this race at least once in your life… you won’t regret it.

For more information either contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

or check out the organisers website http://www.descensodelsella.com/

ADVENTURE GALLERIES RIVER

ENJOY CANOEING IN ASTURIAS

by Admin

Canoeing and Kayaking are hugely popular and well catered for in Asturias.

This sport has been present in Spain (and also in Asturias) since the beginning of the 20^th century when a man called Dionisio de la Huerta went for a paddle down the River Sella in a canoe.

Funnily enough, that short canoe trip 80 years ago started what is called “El Descenso del Sella” or the «International Descent of the River Sella» , which started as a friendly race between friends and as of today, is the biggest canoe race in the world with over 2,000 participants racing down the Sella River for 20 Km. Around the race there is a huge event that takes place at both starting and finish lines (Arriondas and Ribadesella respectively) making it the epicenter of an incredible party where thousands and thousands of people enjoy the race after spending all night long drinking and celebrating around this incredible event.

Canoeing and kayaking is therefore a sport with a very old tradition in Asturias and you can easily rent one in quite a few spots throughout Asturias and tour around the rivers, river mouths and even the sea when waters are calm.

The most famous one is obviously the Sella Descent where you can rent some big plastic canoes for 2 people upwards and spend a few hours floating down the river, stopping at natural pools, going for a swim, sunbathing and enjoying the incredible scenery this canoe route goes through. You can also rent canoes in places such as El Puntal (in Villaviciosa), Llanes, Ribadesella, Cangas de Onis, Arriondas, Pola de Laviana, Candamo, etc.

Other places to experience canoeing in Asturias are the Eo River, Nalon River or Narcea River as well as some reservoirs such as Trasona in Aviles, Serandinas in Boal or Villanueva de Santo Adriano.

Asturias has had several very well-known canoeists such as Herminio Menendez who won 3 medals in the Olympics (1976 and 1980) and Manuel Busto, who has won 8 World Titles in several specialties.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Where is Asturias, Federación Asturiana de Piragüismo and Turismo Asturias: José Suárez

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS GALLERIES

THE COUNCIL OF AMIEVA AND SAMES

by Admin

Amieva

In the area of the East of Asturias is very popular for tourism because of its privileged location between the magnificent Picos de Europa and beautiful sandy beaches. It is also well connected by the airports of Asturias (Ranon) and Cantabria (Santander) as this area borders between Asturias and Cantabria.

The River Sella is one of the most important Salmon Rivers of Spain and fishermen enjoy not only the quality fishing but the amazing scenery as well.

In Amieva you can enjoy activities such as trekking, paddling, canoeing, canyoning, mountain biking, spelunking, climbing, horse riding among others.

Also it is a very important area for its representation of Paleolitic Art and the examples of “Indiano Architecture” which shows the influence of the Emigration of Asturians towards Latin America and North America and it is displayed and explained in the “Museum of the Emigration” in Colombres.

The council of Amieva is pure of nature and beauty with most of the Council located in the Natural Park of the Picos de Europa. In Amieva you can practice hunting and fishing. Also you can do adventure sports and activities, especially climbing and trekking. One of the most beautiful routes in Amieva is the “Route of the Beyu Pen” where you’ll discover characters of Asturian mythology. The route finishes in the enchanting small village of Pen where you can find a medieval tower and some beautifully crafted Asturian food stores or “Horreos” as they are known locally

The gastronomy in Amieva is mix traditional and modern Asturian food, delicious Asturian reared beef, fish and seafood and it has a wide variety of local cheeses and desserts. Amieva is also part of the Route of the Cider so you can enjoy some crisp traditional cider as its best. You’ll also find cheeses such as the very popular Cabrales Cheese, Gamoneu or Beyos.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Turismo Asturias: Camilo Alonso and Martínez.

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS GALLERIES

THE COUNCIL OF PONGA AND BELEÑO

by Sustituto

The area of the East of Asturias is very popular for tourism because of its privileged location between the magnificent Picos de Europa and beautiful sandy beaches. It is also well connected by the Airport of Asturias (Ranon) and Cantabria (Santander) as this area borders between Asturias and Cantabria.

The River Sella is one of the most important Salmon Rivers of Spain and fishermen enjoy not only the quality fishing but the amazing scenery as well.

In this area you can enjoy activities such as trekking, paddling, canoeing, canyoning, mountain biking, spelunking, climbing, horse riding among others.

The council of Ponga lies in the The Natural Park of Ponga and offers plenty of nature and tradition in its mountains, forest and towns.

In Ponga the main town is called Beleñu and it was named after the God of the Celts, the Guirria, which appears at the beginning of the year and is celebrated in a large town party.

In Ponga you have access to plenty of routes to do such as “The Forest of Peloño” or the “Picu Tiatordos”.

The gastronomy in Ponga is mix traditional and modern Asturian food, delicious Asturian reared beef, fish and seafood and it has a wide variety of local cheeses and desserts. This area is also part of the Route of the Cider so you can enjoy some crisp traditional cider as its best. You’ll also find cheeses such as the very popular Cabrales Cheese, Gamoneu or Beyos.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Tomás Fano and Turismo Asturias: Mara Herrero and Kalo Soto.

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS GALLERIES

THE COUNCILS OF PEÑAMELLERA ALTA Y BAJA

by Sustituto

The area of Peñamellera in the East of Asturias is very popular for tourism because of its privileged location between the magnificent Picos de Europa and beautiful sandy beaches. It is also well connected by the Airport of Asturias (Ranon) and Airport of Cantabria (Santander) as this area borders between Asturias and Cantabria.

The River Sella is one of the most important Salmon Rivers of Spain and fishermen enjoy not only the quality fishing but the amazing scenery as well.

In Peñamellera you can enjoy activities such as trekking, paddling, canoeing, canyoning, mountain biking, spelunking, climbing, horse riding among others.

The council of Peñamellera Alta lies between the Cuera Mountains, the Picos de Europa and the River Cares. It has one of the most extraordinary examples of Cave Painting called Llonin Cave which has been declared a Heritage of Mankind but it can not be visited for conservation reasons.

In Peñamellera you can find medieval and roman architecture like the Church of San Pedro de Plecín or the bridge of La Vidre. Also examples of old Palaces, large country estates, religious buildings and Indiano architecture.

The council of Peñamellera Baja is its neighbour and it is also very important for the Cave Paintings of the Loja Cave which is open to the public

It is easy to access nature in Peñamellera and there area a wide variety of forest walking routes to do.

Here you will also find the Museum of Asturian bowling (Bolos), where you’ll be able to find out about this historical and cultural past time of the Asturian people.

The local gastronomy is mix traditional and modern Asturian food, delicious Asturian reared beef, fish and seafood and it has a wide variety of local cheeses and desserts. This area is also part of the Route of the Cider so you can enjoy some crisp traditional cider as its best. You’ll also find typical cheeses from the East of Asturias such as the very popular Cabrales Cheese, Gamoneu or Beyo.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Tomás Fano and Camilo Alonso.

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS GALLERIES

ONIS

by Sustituto

The area of the East of Asturias is very popular for tourism because of its privileged location between the magnificent Picos de Europa and beautiful sandy beaches. It is also well connected by the airports of Asturias (Ranon) and Cantabria (Santander) as this area borders between Asturias and Cantabria.

The River Sella is one of the most important Salmon Rivers of Spain and fishermen enjoy not only the quality fishing but the amazing scenery as well.

In this area you can enjoy activities such as trekking, paddling, canoeing, canyoning, mountain biking, spelunking, climbing, horse riding among others.

In Onis you can find numerous examples of religious art, large Asturian country houses and examples of popular architecture such as The Tower of Sirviella considered of cultural interest. In Onis are also ethnographic centres of asturian food stores called “Horreos” and “Paneras” which are beautifully crafted out of wood and raised off the ground on stilts.

In Onis also you have access to several routes such as “The Route of the Asturian country houses” and many of the routes through out the Picos de Europa.

You can also visit the “Interpretation Centre for the Glacier Fauna of the Picos de Europa” in the location of Avin, or the Biodiversity and Sustainability Centre called “The Mounains of the white-tailed eagle” in Benia de Onis.

The Gastronomy in Onis is traditional Asturias based in casseroles, Asturian reared beef, fish from the rivers or the sea, shellfish, organic vegetables and traditional desserts. But the emblem of the council and the area is the very much appreciated Gamonedo Cheese. This is cured in very characteristic caves. Sometimes they also use this caves for doing music concerts.

In Onis at the beginning of August they celebrate a very painteresque traditional market.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Ayto de Onis, Fotonis, Camilo Alonso and Arnaud Spani

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS GALLERIES

THE COUNCIL OF PARRES AND ARRIONDAS

by Sustituto

Arriondas is a vibrant and busy village in the Council of Parres. It is very popular for tourism because of its privileged location just beside the Picos de Europa and between The Sueve Mountain Range and the beaches of the eastern Asturian coastline. In the Sueve Mountains you can find other symbols of Asturian identity, the asturcón horse which are the purebred Asturian black horses that live wild in these mountains.

It has also made a name for itself for hosting one of the largest International canoeing events in the world called “The International Descent of the River Sella” or “Las Piraguas”. Arriondas is the starting point for the race which follows the river Sella for 20 km ending at the town of Ribadesella. The festival also hosts many live open air concerts and the atmosphere during the festival can be only described as rambunctious!

In the village of Arriondas and its surroundings area you will also find examples of “Indiano” Architecture like “Villa Juanita” or the chapel of San Antonio. Asturias suffered large scale emigration at the end of the nineteen century and the beginning of the twenty century to America, especially Cuba, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela and the US. The emigrants eventually returned with a very cosmopolitan and American style of architecture. You will find these very characteristic buildings in Llanes, Colombres, Ribadesella and throughout the whole region.

Arriondas is considered to be an area of significant importance for Palaeolithic art and cave paintings. The council of Parres is home to the wonderful Cave of the Taragañu and is also in close proximity to the Caves of Tito Bustillo in Ribadesella or The Cave of Buxu in Cangas de Onís.

In Arriondas you can also find medieval fortresses such as La Forcada, El Picu Mancobiu and El Torexon de Fius.

As you travel deeper into the mountains, you will come across one of the most famous viewing points of Asturias called “El Fito viewing point” with breathtaking views of the Picos de Europa, the neighbouring Sueve Mountains and the Cantabric Sea. There are lots of routes in the area for walking and trekking as Parres is in close proximity to all the routes of the Picos de Europa and the very popular “Route of Cares”.

The River Sella is one of the most important Salmon Rivers of Spain and fishermen enjoy not only the quality fishing but the amazing scenery as well.

In Arriondas and the area of the Sella River you can practice many sports and adventure activities such as paddling, canyoning, mountain biking, spelunking, horse riding, climbing, etc., but the most popular sport in Arriondas is without any doubt canoeing, and the “International Canoeing competition of the River Sella” is testament to that.

It’s a challenging race for serious canoeists but also great fun for the whole family.

The local gastronomy is mix traditional and modern Asturian food, delicious Asturian reared beef, fish and seafood and it has a wide variety of local cheeses and desserts. Arriondas is a popular place to eat and boasts two Michelin Star restaurants.

Arriondas is also part of the Route of the Cider so you can enjoy some crisp traditional cider as its best.

You can get to Arriondas either from the Airports of Asturias and Cantabria (Santander), the later been the closest one.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Tomás Fano and Turismo Asturias: Camilo Alonso.

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS GALLERIES

PILOÑA (PILONA)

by Sustituto

The Council of Piloña in the East of Asturias and the Sueve Region is very popular for tourism because of its privileged location nearby the magnificent Picos de Europa and between the Sueve Mountain Range and beautiful sandy beaches. It is also well connected by the airports of Asturias (Ranon) and Cantabria (Santander) as this area borders between Asturias and Cantabria.

The River Sella is one of the most important Salmon Rivers of Spain and fishermen enjoy not only the quality fishing but the amazing scenery as well.

In Piloña you can enjoy activities such as trekking, paddling, canoeing, canyoning, mountain biking, spelunking, climbing, horse riding among others.

In the Sueve Mountains you can find other symbols of Asturian identity, the asturcón horse which are the purebred Asturian black horses that live wild in these mountains.

Also Piloña it is a very important area for its representation of Paleolitic Art and the examples of “Indiano Architecture” which shows the influence of the Emigration of Asturians towards Latin America and North America and it is displayed and explained in the “Museum of the Emigration” in Colombres.

Piloña is an area has plenty of traces of history from the Palaeolithic or the Stone Age era to the Celtic Settlements and the medieval times. One of the most important cave in Piloña is the Sidrón Cave where you can see examples of drawings of classical asturian horses and Palaeolithic art. This Cave is very important in the world of prehistoric research due to the discovery of high quality fossilised material which was a key part of the Neanderthal Genome Project. In Piloña, also you will find examples of religious and civil architecture such as the Tower of Lodeña of Palaces and Large country Estates, some of which have been renovated into luxury hotels.

There is also an important ethnographic centre of popular architecture and well preserved and crafted asturian food stores called “Horreos” and “Paneras”. There are other interesting buildings in Piloña in the town of Espinareu from the 18^th and 19th centuries. In Espinareu you can also enjoy the magical forested area of the Rio Infierno or Hells River

Here there are plenty of routes to do and moments to enjoy as the surrounding nature is at its purest. Some of the more popular routes in Piloña are the “Royal Walk of the Sellón” which is part of an old Roman road or “La Pesanca-Foz de Moñacos”.

The Piloña gastronomy is mix traditional and modern Asturian food, delicious Asturian reared beef, fish and seafood and it has a wide variety of local cheeses and desserts. The Councils of Caravia and Pilona are also part of the Route of the Cider so you can enjoy some crisp traditional cider as its best.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Tomás Fano and Turismo Asturias: Camilo Alonso and Albonoz y Asociados