A viewpoint at about 800 meters, trails of very different lengths and traces of a long history define Amieva. Visitors choosing the area as a destination can focus on its mountain landscapes, cultural heritage and regional specialties—and take planned excursions into account before choosing accommodation.
Mountain Landscapes and Viewpoints
From the Mirador de la Collada, the view stretches across the Amieva valley and the western massif of the Picos de Europa. The viewpoint is at an altitude of about 800 meters. Another vantage point is the Mirador de Cuadapipu, where there is a small recreational area and views of the Dobra, the Sella valley, the Olla de San Vicente and, again, the western massif of the Picos de Europa. Check the facilities and access conditions locally.
The Olla de San Vicente is a natural pool with emerald-green water. The Red de Toneyu is also one of the area’s natural features; the Picos de Europa National Park lists it as a natural monument. Another geological feature is a karst system carved into the rock by water, with galleries up to 600 meters deep and a total of 19 kilometers of passages.
Choose Trails by Length and Character
For a manageable outing, an easy trail leads from the Mirador de la Collada to the Chorco de los Lobos. The round trip is four kilometers in total and takes approximately three hours. The trail along the Dobra River to the Olla de San Vicente is also described as easy; the round trip is listed as 6.5 kilometers. The Beyu Pen is an easy, 5.48-kilometer circular round trip that brings together Asturian mythology, art, nature and tradition. The distances offer a concrete comparison; an approximate duration is given for the route from the viewpoint. Check local trail conditions before hiking.
The Senda del Arcediano tells a different story. It was a historic route between Asturias and León, passing through Amieva and the Toneyu valley and over the Portillo de Beza. The Senda de la Jocica starts at Collado de Angón, follows the middle and upper course of the Dobra and first leads to the La Jocica dam. From there, the section to Carombo runs along a narrow hillside trail above the river. Some sections can be difficult to follow; plan your route with this in mind and check conditions before setting out.
Another route leads from Collada Barcinera beneath the foothills of Peña Beza, through the forest to the El Navariego spring and onward to the Vegabaño mountain pasture. From there, a forest track takes you to Soto de Sajambre. Check conditions before your trip on this route near the border.
Villages, Buildings and History
Pen is a traditional village with stone houses and hórreos. It is home to a hórreo with 14 pegollos, regarded as the largest in Asturias. Casa Peri is also in Pen: the defensive late-medieval tower, dating from the 14th century, was converted into a house.
Santa María de Mián is the oldest religious building in the municipality of Amieva. A donation to the Church of San Salvador de Oviedo in 926 already mentions the building. It stands on elevated ground near a Neolithic dolmen that has since disappeared. Surviving details from its rural Romanesque building phase include geometric corbels beneath the eaves and anthropomorphic heads. The Church of San Román also has an architectural detail of note: its baptismal font has a rim with sawtooth motifs, possibly associated with the Romanesque period.
The name Camín de la Reina refers to a visit in the mid-19th century: Queen Isabella II of Castile used this route on her visit to Cangas de Onís. The Senda del Arcediano adds another historical perspective as a former link between two regions. Those interested in cultural history can explore different forms of heritage, from village architecture and individual architectural features to historic routes.
Queso Los Beyos and Getting There
Amieva is part of the production area for the IGP-certified cheese Queso Los Beyos. The area also includes the municipality of Ponga in Asturias and Oseja de Sajambre in León. The firm, compact cheese has no holes; its characteristics vary depending on whether it is made with cow’s, sheep’s or goat’s milk. This makes it a regional specialty whose origin extends beyond a single municipality.
The N-625 runs through the entire municipality of Amieva from north to south. Sames, the capital of Amieva, lies on the N-625, twelve kilometers from Cangas de Onís. Check road conditions before traveling. When choosing accommodation, it may be helpful to decide on your destinations and trail lengths in advance; this can help you make a choice that suits your planned outings without requiring a fixed itinerary.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Sames, Precendi, Comarca Del Nora, Coaña, Valle del Nalón, Camín Real De La Mesa, Degaña, Taramundi.
Return to the main travel overview: Asturias.
