Somiedo Natural Park Day Trip Review: Gijon or Oviedo

Alright, so you’re pondering a day trip to Somiedo Natural Park from either Gijon or Oviedo? Very nice. It’s almost like stepping into a different part of Spain, where things slow down, nature is very much in charge, and the views, those mountain views, are just absolutely killer. We can walk through what you might expect, very useful advice and perhaps some things to watch out for. Think of it as a heads-up from somebody who’s been there, you know, someone who actually experienced the bus ride, the winding roads, and breathed that amazing crisp air. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill tourist spot; it’s genuinely an escape.

Why Choose Somiedo? Is that really a good question?

Basically, Somiedo is different. Unlike some places jam-packed with tourists snapping photos every two seconds, Somiedo has a certain calm to it. It’s not like those other parks that look like every other mountainous area, there’s a feeling you get when the air hits your lungs in the morning that makes you know where you are. It is in a way, really a special park that showcases Asturias at its very best, arguably, you know. You get lakes sparkling in the sunshine, mountain peaks that seem to touch the sky, and these tiny villages that seem to have existed forever. Seriously, it’s like time stands still, too it’s almost magical. It’s where you go to, I mean genuinely disconnect and just breathe. You can find brown bears still walking free, listen to birds that you can’t very easily find in your backyard, and experience a tranquility, like your bones almost forget about stress.

And you might find this too, it’s incredibly photogenic. Every turn you take feels like a postcard picture begging to be snapped. It’s one thing looking at snaps online but it’s so different when your very eyes see the land and sky. So you’ll have so many stunning views with all of that crisp air. Plus, there’s hiking, should you want to give that a shot. Trails, arguably for every level of walker, from gentle strolls around a lake to something rather more challenging. You may think there’s nothing else to it than snapping views and breathing crisp air but you’ll love the calm here. The biggest bonus to being there, too it’s almost impossible to get lost on the routes that lead you around.

Getting There: Gijon vs. Oviedo

Alright, so which is that your very best launchpad, Gijon or Oviedo? Basically, they’ve each got their pluses. You might find that Oviedo, being closer to the park, can shave off some travel time. We know the journeys get boring for most tourists wanting a taste of Spain so don’t rush, get your hotel in order! That can often mean an earlier start and bit more time actually spent in Somiedo. This could be very key to getting those crisp pictures in the morning. Gijon, just a little bit further away, often arguably comes with more tour options. Very convenient pick-up points and maybe package deals. Both are rather well-connected by public transport. It’s quite important to figure out which aligns better with, arguably, your travel style. Remember you may have lots of bags to keep with you, for pictures too it’s almost key that they come too!

From Gijon, for example, the drive very typically takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, and the bus will take longer. That means a rather long day, and very early start and possibly getting back at odd times too! Now, Oviedo to Somiedo is probably closer to around 1.5 to 2 hours by car. So it might save you a small amount of time on that trip! Keep your plans smart and be very aware that it is long trips by travel so plan around this to maximise the hours in the sun. Also keep water on your person. I do think that getting caught out dehydrated is a serious risk that must not happen on your trip! If, just if, you are thinking public transport, make plans very well because you want everything timed very easily, even by the very minute.

What to Expect on Your Day Trip: Views, Hikes, and More!

Ok, so you arrive, right? The very first thing that hits you is, basically, the air, I find. Its almost beyond words when you step off your transport, the first smells, the sounds and just being there! Super fresh, almost, maybe invigorating and pure. Then comes the landscape, and that really hits you, you know, as you can actually understand all the landscape that it’s, almost like you’ve gone through a screen. Keep in mind, Somiedo offers rather varied terrains. Gently roll hills or steep rocky climbs and some of the greatest lakes you’ll lay your eyes on. There are walking routes of all kinds to keep yourself on.

Just be very aware, for sure, your footwear should always match your fitness levels. Remember, comfortable footwear is also key to remember when you’re, arguably, seeing nature! The parks are all around great walking spots but they require some endurance, I can stress enough, remember water! Also a small pack, full of food or whatever equipment you need for getting those wonderful pictures! Very remember that if you can’t plan around it the enjoyment value may go down! Be very aware, arguably, of the season that you plan. Basically it is often great in the summer but maybe this would be peak visitor season, you have to plan! Either way, the trip and walking really does change with seasons and all of this is very rewarding for walkers looking at a little bit of difference on those beautiful views. Just make sure, that you plan around what you wanna walk to get there and be rewarded!

The Villages of Somiedo: More than Just a Pit Stop

I reckon Somiedo’s little villages is more than the place to refill and get moving. Alright? They’re so important. These tiny, picturesque hamlets offer, for sure, a window into the region’s history and what they stand for! Things almost standing in time, as everyone lives with some form of unity that is unheard of now, almost. These places may all contain things to do such as old churches, tiny restaurants but very beautiful streets!

Argueably these hamlets show very hard rural lives are like now with local cultures which is, maybe, a massive attraction. People working local industries so remember if you wanna take a break to help them people and sample their local foods, too! Almost every place might offer special traditional goods, local treats, possibly more personal compared to anything elsewhere. I would almost advise asking about any old tales as they provide insight into how these people lived with the harsh areas! The key here is, arguably, this shows the essence and the history and all things that this landscape makes what is Somiedo Natural Park.

What to Bring on Your Trip

• Comfortable walking shoes: Should be pretty obvious, yeah?
• Layers of clothing: Weather in the mountains might be pretty changeable!
• Water and snacks: Keeping energy and hydration levels are absolutely very important!
• Camera: Don’t miss any photo moments!
• Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days! The clouds aren’t protection alone.

By the way you should pack smart because this does help when travelling those longer distances! It does mean getting more, arguably, from your trips as everything is considered before you do anything, you know!

Final Thoughts: Is Somiedo Worth It?

Arguably, 100% yes! If you value natural views, calmness and a chance to disconnect, Somiedo will definitely tick all the boxes! Basically going out to Somiedo does involve some effort in planning those transfers from the airport and hotels but its is pretty worth seeing that beauty on your travel. Maybe choose your hotel to what you want on the day! Pick a date now because there isn’t nothing you’ll forget!