Ponga Natural Park encompasses the entire territory of Ponga. In 2018, it was recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve.
Those wishing to travel to Ponga may be planning to rent a holiday apartment.
Nature
In Ponga Natural Park, 37 % of the area is covered by forests, particularly beech forests. There are also stands of oak, birch, ash and alder. The Peloño Partial Nature Reserve is one of the largest contiguous beech forest areas in Asturias.
The Desfiladero de los Beyos is one of the most spectacular narrow river valleys in Ponga Natural Park. The Ponga Biosphere Reserve lies entirely within the brown bear's current range and forms the western boundary of the eastern population. It is also home to occupied capercaillie mating grounds.
Experiences
The route through the Bosque de Peloño begins at the Les Bedules viewpoint, which is equipped with a wooden walkway adapted for people with reduced mobility. It follows the old Camín de los Arrieros into the beech forest.
The route to Pico Pierzu (PR-AS 211) is a moderately difficult 10.16 km out-and-back hike from Collada Llomena. From the summit of Pico Pierzu, there are panoramic views of the Picos de Europa, Bosque de Peloño, and the valleys of Ponga and Sella.
The Valle del Ponga route (PR-AS 213) is approximately 10 km long, clearly signposted, and leads through forests, along rivers, and through picturesque villages.
Multiaventura Vidosa in the Desfiladero de los Beyos offers seven via ferratas. These include high-altitude zip lines and Tibetan bridges, including the approximately 80 m-long Puente de las Nubes, 350 m above the Sella River.
The Mestas recreation area offers a viewpoint, opportunities for hiking and swimming, parking spaces, tables, barbecue areas, and a spring.
Culture and History
Torre de Cazo dates back to the Middle Ages and is one of the oldest buildings in Asturias. Its strategic location above the Ponga River valley and its solid construction indicate a military and defensive character.
Ponga has traditional architecture and vernacular buildings such as palaces, manor houses, churches, community buildings, granaries, hay barns, stables, and simple mountain huts that blend into the mountain landscape.
The Centro de Recepción e Interpretación del Parque Natural de Ponga has a permanent exhibition focusing on forest ecosystems and local life.
Ventaniella was once a venta and also served as a hospital. Today, Ventaniella continues to serve as a venta and mountain refuge for excursionists.
Local Life
The Certamen del Queso de los Beyos takes place every year on the first Sunday in December in San Juan De Beleño and offers the opportunity to taste the cheese. The Fiesta de El Guirria y del Aguinaldo takes place every year on January 1 in San Juan De Beleño and is a festival of tourist interest of the Principality of Asturias.
Ponga's traditional cuisine includes Pote asturiano, preserved meat products, and seasonal game dishes such as beans with wild boar, wild boar stew, and game meat.
In Mestas, at the confluence of the Ponga and Taranes rivers, there are two thermal springs that supply a traditional thermal bath. The Casa de Baños in Mestas has three hydromassage tubs and a large swimming pool supplied by the thermal springs.
Geographical Location
The main road connections to Ponga are the N-625 and the AS-261. Local roads and paths also connect numerous settlements and higher-altitude areas.
