Ponga: Holiday Apartments and Houses

Ponga is completely shaped by the Ponga Natural Park: The nature park encompasses the entire area of the municipality of Ponga. At the same time, it has a high level of ecological diversity and a remarkable degree of preservation of its geological, plant and animal resources.

Those considering Ponga for their own stay may want to find a holiday apartment there.

Nature and mountain landscapes

One of the area's notable natural sites is the Bosque de Peloño, one of the largest and best-preserved beech forests in Asturias. As a natural area, it lies within Ponga Natural Park. The route through the forest follows the historic Camín de los Arrieros and passes the Roblón de Bustiello, a monumental pedunculate oak and a landmark of the route.

The ascent to Pico Zorro begins in the hamlet of Les Bedules in Ponga. It leads through beech forests, green high-altitude pastures and mountain passes with panoramic views. From the summit, the view extends across large parts of the Cantabrian Mountains, the Picos de Europa, the valleys of Ponga with their extensive forests and as far as the mountains of the neighbouring province of León.

Pico Pierzu also offers far-reaching views of the Picos de Europa, the Bosque de Peloño and the valleys of Ponga and Sella. The Pico Pierzu PR-AS 211 hiking route is well signposted and offers spectacular views; it begins at Collada Llomena at an altitude of 1,000 metres. There is a small car park and an information sign at the start of the route.

Trails and viewpoints

At the Les Bedules viewpoint, there is a wooden boardwalk suitable for people with reduced mobility, with views of the Ponga Valley and the Picos de Europa. Les Bedules can be reached by car from San Xuan/San Juan de Beleño in the direction of Viegu.

The Valle del Ponga PR-AS 213 route is a hiking trail approximately 10 kilometres long, with clear signposting and varied landscapes among forests, rivers and attractive villages.

Cycling route and river valleys

The Sellaño–San Juan de Beleño–Les Bedules cycling route begins in the village of Sellañu and runs for approximately eight kilometres upstream, parallel to the Ponga River. It follows a well-signposted cement path to Les Bedules and then continues along a dirt and gravel track through a dense beech forest to Collada Granceno.

Another cycling route leads from Cangas de Onís to Sobrefoz. After passing through the Foz del río Ponga, it reaches Sobrefoz in the heart of Ponga Natural Park.

Culture and cuisine

The Visitor and Interpretation Centre of Ponga Natural Park has a permanent exhibition focusing on the forest as an ecosystem. The Ecomuseum of Beleño in San Xuan/San Juan de Beleño is also dedicated to the subject of wood.

In the village of Cazo, you can visit the medieval tower. Sellaño is home to the 18th-century Iglesia de las Nieves, which is also worth a visit. In Ventaniella, south of the parish of Sobrefoz, there is a meadow, a hermitage of medieval origin and a Casería.

The Fiesta de El Guirria y del Aguinaldo is recognised as a festival of tourist interest by the Principality of Asturias. It takes place in San Xuan/San Juan de Beleño every year on 1 January and is celebrated throughout the village, both outdoors and indoors, as a theatrical event.

The production area of the IGP Queso Los Beyos includes the municipalities of Ponga and Amieva in Asturias, as well as Oseja de Sajambre in León. The Certamen del Queso de los Beyos takes place every year on the first Sunday in December in San Juan de Beleño and offers a tasting of the cheese.

Geographical location

The park's main road connections are the N-625 between Cangas de Onís and Riaño and the AS-261 between Puente de los Grazos and Beleño; there are also local roads and paths.

Other places: San Ignacio, Taranes, Cazo, Sellaño

For the higher-level travel overview: Asturias.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Pesoz, Villaviciosa, Muros De Nalón, Siero.