Those choosing Taranes for a stay will find hiking trails, views of the Picos de Europa and traces of different eras. The village is one of the rural settlements highlighted within the landscape of Ponga Natural Park. For planning a hike, it is worth comparing the moderately difficult Vallemoro route with the longer hike to Tiatordos: the distance and time required differ considerably.

Hiking to Vallemoro and Tiatordos

The Vallemoro route PR-AS-214 is a moderately difficult 10-kilometre out-and-back hike. It starts at Collada de Taranes and leads from the upper part of the village to this mountain pass. Along the way, views open up over the natural park and the western massif of the Picos de Europa. The trail also passes through the beech forest known as La Faeda and continues to Collada de Llués; from there, the panoramas extend towards Piloña. The route thus combines forest, mountain passes and different viewpoints, without specifying a separate walking time for each section.

The hike from Taranes to Tiatordos is listed as 16 kilometres and seven hours. It therefore takes longer than the 10-kilometre Vallemoro loop. Weather and personal fitness affect the conditions and time required for the Tiatordos hike. Foz de la Escalada is visible from Taranes and marks the beginning of the classic route to the summit of Tiatordos. Before setting out, check local trail conditions and plan your schedule according to the route you choose.

The church is also a landmark for accessing the Vallemoro route: after walking through Taranes, you reach the route via the church, where you can leave your vehicle. Check local parking conditions before your hike. Mirador de Taranes can be reached via the AS-261 towards San Juan de Beleño. At Mestas, after about ten kilometres, the road turns right onto the PO-4 towards Taranes; the distance given is approximate. Check road conditions before setting off for any temporary restrictions.

Landscape and viewpoints

Mirador de Taranes lies at the foot of Peñas Taranes and Sobancio, the Tiatordos massif and the Foz de la Escalada gorge. From the Taranes valley, there are views of the Picos de Europa. Together with the views along the Vallemoro route, this creates a landscape to take in both from the viewpoint and along the way. The rivers also form part of the regional landscape: the Taranes River and the Valle Moro River are among the main tributaries of the Ponga River.

Architectural heritage and regional cuisine

The village’s history is also reflected in different forms. El Castiello de Taranes is a protohistoric archaeological site. Barrio de la Barraca is one of the village’s representative architectural ensembles; Taranes also has notable examples of contemporary architecture built by returning emigrants. An inscription in the sacristy of the Church of Santa María de Taranes commemorates the building’s construction in 1779. These historical features sit alongside the hiking routes and give the village a distinctive cultural focus.

For a taste of local cuisine, look beyond Taranes to the villages of Ponga. There, Los Beyos cheese is made and matured using goat’s, sheep’s or cow’s milk. This regional tradition complements the area’s landscape and cultural attractions without being associated with just one village.

Discover more destinations: Sellaño, San Ignacio, Cazo

View the full travel overview: Ponga.