Sotres is located in Picos de Europa National Park and is a gateway to the Andara Massif. For hiking enthusiasts, the named routes offer different destinations. For two of the route descriptions, distance and approximate walking time can also be considered together when planning.

Mountain Scenery and Views

Picos de Europa National Park, where Sotres is located, is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Mirador de los Jorcaos is in the vicinity of Sotres, also within the national park. The viewpoint is equipped for public use and is in good condition. Check for current information about the viewpoint before visiting. While the national park provides the broader landscape setting, the Mirador offers a specific viewpoint destination.

Hiking Routes by Distance and Time

The PR-PNPE-20 Monte Camba route connects the cheese-making villages of Tielve and Sotres and passes along Monte Camba. The full circular route is 14.1 kilometres long and takes about four hours and 30 minutes. The first stage of the GR-202 Gran Ruta de la Reconquista connects Sotres with Poncebos and covers 11.9 kilometres, with an approximate duration of four hours and 15 minutes. It also passes along the foot of Picu Urriellu (Naranjo) and through the village of Bulnes. In direct comparison, the Monte Camba circular route is 2.2 kilometres longer; its approximate duration is around 15 minutes longer than the GR-202 stage.

The approximate times are close, but the waypoints differ: the GR-202 passes along the foot of Picu Urriellu and through Bulnes, while the PR-PNPE-20 connects Tielve and Sotres and passes along Monte Camba. This means you can compare the routes not only by their duration, but also by the destinations mentioned. Check local conditions before hiking; for the GR-202, also pay attention to access information.

Another option is the PR-PNPE-21 Vega de Urriellu route. It leads from Sotres via Collado de Pandébano to the Urriellu refuge and opened in 1986. Check conditions before hiking this route as well.

Cheese-Making and Tasting

Quesería Maín offers a guided tour of the cheese dairy. The different stages of cheese-making, drying and labelling are shown. Afterwards, a walk leads to a natural cave where the cheeses mature. The visit ends with a personalised tasting of cheeses at different stages of maturity. It includes tomato jam, apple dessert, water and cider. The different stages of maturity make the tasting a distinct part of the visit. Check the booking arrangements before your trip.

San Pedro Church

San Pedro de Sotres Church is a place of worship of medieval origin, with simple rural mountain architecture. Its history and architectural style add a cultural point of interest to the landscape and route themes.

Discover more destinations: Naves, Coya, Cuerres, Priede, Borines, Triongo, La Pesa, El Tejedal.

For the broader travel overview: Oriente De Asturias.