Brown Bear Watching in Northwestern Spain

The pick-up point will be at Oviedo airport and we will drive for an hour and a half up to Somiedo Natural Park. We will go on a short tour of the town and then on to our first historical hotel; Palacio Florez Estrada. This first evening we will get our first chance of a potential sighting near the Pola de Somiedo location, which will invariably depend on the schedule. If we have enough time up our sleeves, there is a nice, easy path starting right from the hotel which can be taken to view the bears provided they want to be seen.

We will start the day early, leaving the hotel at about 7 am to drive a short distance to our bear-watching location. Mornings offer about a 3-hour window for sightings, with the possibility to try a second spot if needed. Dress warmly in drab colors to stay hidden and comfortable. In the afternoon, we will take a coffee break before exploring the Saliencia Lakes near the Farrapona road. This area is great for birdwatching, with species such as Wallcreeper and Alpine chough. Lunch will be in Veigas, and at dusk, we will try for another bear sighting before enjoying dinner back at the hotel.

We will start the day at dawn, hoping for more bear sightings around Somiedo. After a coffee break, we may search for wild cats in La Peral or explore Villardevildas and its valley. Alternatively, we could walk up to Braña de Mumian to see traditional shepherd huts. The day’s activities will depend on the group’s fitness and weather. We will aim for more bear sightings at dusk, followed by dinner in Pola de Somiedo, near our hotel.

Depending on our luck with bear sightings the previous day, we will either leave early for Valdeprado or try for another morning sighting in Somiedo. Valdeprado offers good bear-watching and birding opportunities, including Dartford warbler and Golden eagle. We will have lunch in Villablino, a town with a history of coal mining. After lunch, we will check into our hotel in Genestoso, rest, and prepare for an evening bear sit. Dinner will feature typical Asturian dishes.

After breakfast, we will drive up to Leitariegos for a short forest walk with stunning valley views. This route has historical significance as a trade path. Birdwatching opportunities include Black woodpecker and Bullfinch. We will have lunch at Chavola del Vallado and a siesta back at the hotel. In the afternoon, we will visit a local cheese factory before an evening bear sit. Dinner will be back at the hotel.

We will start the day at dawn with a bear sit near Fondos de Vega in Degaña Natural Park. Afterward, we will visit the traditional woodcraft center in Tablado, known for wooden clogs. Lunch will feature local cuisine, followed by a visit to the Monastery of Corias in Cangas de Narcea. Here, we will learn about the monks’ winemaking history and visit the wine museum. We will return to the hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner.

On our last morning, we will try for a final bear sighting near the hotel before breakfast. Then, we will drive back to Oviedo, possibly taking a short detour along the coast to see the ocean cliffs. We will arrive at the airport, completing our trip.