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Wild & Beautiful Asturias
Spain’s northern coast, the Costa Verde (‘Green Coast’) is fully deserving of its name - lush hills and pastureland tumble down to grassy cliffs which in turn frame secluded beaches of virgin sand. Behind all this rise the Picos de Europa Mountains whose jagged limestone peaks provide a striking backdrop while you walk and explore in this alluring region. Posada del Valle, Collia In February 2008, Joann and Nigel of the Posada del Valle won the 'Organic Food & Biodiversity Award' from the Spanish Ministry of the Environment, for their outstanding efforts in not only using organic produce in the hotel's restaurant, but also in growing most of that food themselves on their farm. Inntravel is passionately committed to the principles of Responsible Tourism - click here to find out more. Walking and sightseeing Sueve Sierra: starting at the magnificent Mirador del Fito viewpoint nearby, you walk across the flanks of three small peaks of the Sueve range, in good weather enjoying views of the Picos de Europa and of the coast between Llanes and Gijón. The semi-wild Asturcon ponies that are native to the area can often be spotted here. Before returning to your car, you have the option of climbing to the summit of Pico Pienzu (1,159 metres), an ascent that is rewarded with another breathtaking panorama. (11km, 3.5hrs)
The heart of the mountains: from Poncebos in the Picos you can walk along the spectacular Cares Gorge, also known as the Divine Gorge, surrounded by towering, craggy limestone peaks. At first the path remains high above the river, but the further you walk along the gorge, the closer you get to the water. If you walk all the way to Caín, the gorge opens up to reveal an unrivalled view of jagged peaks. Alternatively, if the weather is good, you can follow paths leading into the high mountains for views of the famous peak, El Naranjo de Bulnes (the ' Orange'), a strangely shaped, orange-tinted mountain. (up to 16km, 6hrs) Prices & travel 2008
*Price includes: 3 nights' bed & breakfast, plus 1 dinner; 3 days' category A car hire from any of the recommended airports > Any queries? Let us call you back  |
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Immersed in the rugged peaks of the Sueve Natural Reserve on the western fringes of the Picos, the welcoming 3-star Posada del Valle is a great base for both walking and exploring. Your host is the enthusiastic Nigel Burch, an Englishman whose knowledge of the region and its many footpaths is unrivalled. With his wife, Joann, Nigel has created a charming small hotel and built up a loyal Spanish clientele for the restaurant too, which uses mainly local produce, including vegetables and a rare breed of indigenous lamb produced on the hotel’s own organic farm. The bedrooms are well-equipped and comfortable and, like the lounges and restaurant, are no-smoking areas. We know numerous excellent restaurants in the region - including several in idyllic coastal villages and a Michelin-starred restaurant in nearby Arriondas - and provide recommendations in our documentation so that you can try somewhere different on your second and third nights (dinner is included at the hotel on your first night). 
There is a similarly wide choice of ways to spend your days. Walk through the hills of the Sueve Sierra enjoying fabulous mountain views, head along the path through the incredible Cares Gorge, or enjoy a circular route down to the coast. Alternatively, you may prefer to use your hire car to visit the region’s colourful fishing villages, the famous lakes at Covadonga, or the Wednesday cheese market in Cangas de Onis, a fascinating experience. The documentation you receive suggests various cultural visits, as well as the following walks: 
Playa la Vega: from the hotel you descend
along good tracks through the hills of the Sierra del Fito, enjoying good
views to the sandy, unspoiled beach of Playa la Vega. Relax on the sand
for a while before returning to the Posada by taxi (pay locally). (14km, 5hrs)