Ponga: Beech Forests, Mountain Views and Traditions

The entire municipality of Ponga lies within the Ponga Natural Park. The nature park is distinguished by its ecological diversity and the remarkable preservation of its geological, plant and animal resources. Beech forests, peaks and valleys give the region its distinctive character—and offer a variety of ways to plan your trip.

Beech Forests and Views in the Nature Park

Bosque de Peloño is one of the largest and best-preserved beech forests in Asturias. It lies within the nature park and offers more than just woodland scenery: a route follows the historic Camín de los Arrieros and passes the Roblón de Bustiello, a monumental pedunculate oak and a landmark along the way.

The peaks also offer sweeping vistas. From Pico Zorro, the view extends across much of the Cantabrian Mountains and the Picos de Europa, over Ponga’s forested valleys and as far as the mountains of the neighbouring province of León. The ascent begins in the hamlet of Les Bedules and passes through beech forest, green mountain pastures and mountain passes with panoramic views. From Pico Pierzu, the Picos de Europa, Bosque de Peloño and the valleys of Ponga and Sella are among the sights.

Routes for Different Travel Plans

The route to Pico Pierzu starts at Collada Llomena, at an altitude of 1,000 metres; there is a small parking area and an information sign at the trailhead. The Pico Pierzu PR-AS 211 walking route is well signposted and offers views. For a hike with a different range of landscapes, try the approximately 10-kilometre Valle del Ponga PR-AS 213 route: its description highlights the signposting and the changing scenery of forests, rivers and villages. For both routes, check trail conditions locally.

A short visit to the Les Bedules viewpoint can be planned differently from a peak hike. There, a wooden walkway suitable for people with reduced mobility offers views of the Ponga valley and the Picos de Europa. You can drive to Les Bedules from San Xuan/San Juan de Beleño, heading towards Viegu. The walkway and the walking routes described are different ways to visit; the suitability for people with reduced mobility applies to the walkway itself.

You can also explore the landscape by bicycle. The Sellaño–San Juan de Beleño–Les Bedules cycling route starts in the village of Sellañu and runs for about eight kilometres upstream, parallel to the Ponga River. On the way to Les Bedules, it follows a well-signposted cement road; from there, it continues along an earth and gravel track through dense beech forest to Collada Granceno. The different surfaces provide a practical guide for planning your ride, without implying a journey time or difficulty level.

Villages, Exhibitions and Regional Traditions

In Cazo, you can visit the medieval tower. Sellaño is home to the 18th-century Iglesia de las Nieves. Both places offer cultural highlights alongside the natural attractions. In San Xuan/San Juan de Beleño, the Ecomuseo de Beleño focuses on wood. The Centro de Recepción e Interpretación del Parque Natural de Ponga has a permanent exhibition on the forest as an ecosystem.

The Fiesta de El Guirria y del Aguinaldo is a special opportunity to experience local tradition. It takes place every year on 1 January in San Xuan/San Juan de Beleño and is recognised as a festival of tourist interest by the Principality of Asturias. The theatrical celebration takes place throughout the village, both outdoors and indoors. San Juan de Beleño also hosts the Certamen del Queso de los Beyos every year on the first Sunday in December, with a cheese tasting. Check the latest dates and programme before visiting.

Queso Los Beyos is also a regional point of reference: the production area covered by the protected geographical indication includes Ponga and Amieva in Asturias, as well as Oseja de Sajambre in León. This connects a distinctive local flavour with a region that extends beyond municipal and provincial boundaries.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

The nature park’s main road connections include the N-625 between Cangas de Onís and Riaño and the AS-261 between Puente de los Grazos and Beleño, as well as local roads and tracks. Check current driving conditions before setting out. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip to Ponga, the places you plan to visit can help you choose where to stay—for example, the Les Bedules viewpoint, the trails through Bosque de Peloño or the traditions of San Juan de Beleño. First decide which of these experiences matters most to you.

Discover more destinations: Cazo, Taranes, San Ignacio, Sellaño, Teverga, Siero, Santa Eulalia De Oscos, Ponga.

For the main travel overview: Asturias.