Natural and National Parks in Asturias

Asturias, on Spain’s northern coast, is often called the Natural Paradise thanks to its dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and rugged coastline. The region is home to both natural parks and a national park, each protecting unique landscapes and wildlife.

The jewel of Asturias is Picos de Europa National Park, shared with Cantabria and Castilla y León. It was Spain’s first national park (established in 1918) and features soaring limestone peaks, deep gorges, and alpine meadows. It is also home to Cantabrian brown bears, wolves, chamois, and a wealth of birdlife. Hiking, mountaineering, and visiting traditional mountain villages are highlights for visitors.

Asturias also boasts several natural parks. Somiedo Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is famous for its bear populations and traditional teito thatched houses. Redes Natural Park, another Biosphere Reserve, preserves dense forests, high mountain pastures, and glacial valleys. Other notable protected areas include Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park and Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña y Ibias Natural Park, both rich in wildlife and traditional Asturian culture.

Together, these protected areas showcase Asturias’ commitment to preserving its landscapes and biodiversity while offering visitors unforgettable nature experiences.

Redes Natural Park

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The Redes Natural Park is mostly covered by large wooded areas, among which its endless beech forests stand out and is located in the eastern central area of ​​Asturias.
  • Region: Asturias.
  • Park surface area: 37,700 hectares.
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1996.
  • Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; 2001.
  • Site of Community Importance.
  • Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA).
  • Towns and villages in the area: Caso, Sobrescobio.

Points of interest

The Redes Natural Park is mostly covered by large wooded areas, among which its endless beech forests are striking. It is located in the eastern / central area of ​​Asturias. At high altitude there is evidence of glacial erosion that occurred during the Pleistocene period. This glacier modeling allows you to see wide glacial cirques and valleys.

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The Picos de Europa National Park

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The Montaña de Covadonga National Park was established in Asturias in 1918, the first national park in Spain. The, now larger, park covers three major massifs – Western, Central and Eastern which are all part of the Cordillera Cantabria range. The dramatic Cares river canyon, which is 1,500m deep, divides the western and central parts.
  • Region: Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León
  • Province: Asturias, Cantabria, León
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1918 enlarged in 1995
  • Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 2003
  • Z.E.P.A
  • Park surface area: 64.660 hectares
Points of interest

The Montaña de Covadonga National Park ( now The Picos de Europa National Park) was established in Asturias in 1918, the first national park in Spain. The now much larger park covers three major massifs – Western, Central and Eastern which are all part of the Cordillera Cantabria range. The dramatic Cares river canyon, which is 1,500m deep, divides the western and central parts.

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Googles Doodle mentions the Picos de Europa national park!

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The Montaña de Covadonga National Park was established in Asturias in 1918, the first national park in Spain. The, now larger, park covers three major massifs – Western, Central and Eastern which are all part of the Cordillera Cantabria range. The dramatic Cares river canyon, which is 1,500m deep, divides the western and central parts.

Today’s Doodle celebrates Picos de Europa National Park. Spread across 11 villages in northern Spain, the park is home to meadows, lakes, and a steep, sloping mountain range. On this day (the 17th of September) in 2001, the Bulnes cable car was inaugurated, which ended the isolation of the town of Bulnes which is located … Read more

Fuentes del Narcea y del Ibias Natural Park

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Fuentes del Narcea y del Ibias Natural Park

Points of interest The Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Park (in Asturian Parque Natural de les Fontes del Narcea, Degaña y Ibias ) is a protected natural area located in Asturias. It borders to the south with the Cantabrian mountain range in Cangas del Narcea, and to the east with the Somiedo natural … Read more