Roundtrip Posada de Valdeon Covadonga Ribadesella Ponga
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert Evert Kuiken
Last edit: 22-12-2020
Route Summary
This route is a combination of beautiful driving and sights. He starts in the Picos de Europa, goes through the viewpoint at Lago Enol and the church village of Covadonga to Ribadesella. There are beautiful beaches, a cave that you can drive through and a great place for lunch. Then you drive a bit through the beautiful mountains back to the Picos.
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Verdict
Duration
6h 41m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
276.03 km
Countries
Santuario de Covadonga
RouteXpert Review
From Posada de Valdéon you could walk to Covadonga. But we take the road and it goes south first. Via the viewpoint over the valley in which Posada de Valdéon is situated, with a beautiful view of the rocky mountains (RP 2). You drive via Desfiladero de los Beyos, a gorge, where a nice walk is possible and there is a small cheese shop (RP 3). Then continue to Puente Vidosa, where a nice waterfall can be seen (RP 4). You are now driving in Parque Natural de Ponga. You will see a lot more of that. Follow the road to an old bridge (RP 5). At Restaurante Orandi (RP 6) you can drink coffee. From here a tourist piece starts. Almost everything here is busy and touristy. This place was still quiet when we were there but the huge parking lot suggested it is normally busier. You can also drive to Covadonga or have a cup of coffee on top of the mountain, but then you will be considerably more expensive. You now drive up the mountain to and along Lago Enol, after which you can park on top of the mountain. There is plenty to do there. Lago Enol is fun. The viewpoint Mirador de La Picota is very beautiful (although we only saw fog ...) and you should also see Mirador del Principe de Asturias. You can eat at Restaurante El Casín (simple) or at Bar Maria Rosa (more luxurious). There is also a visitor center: Centro de Visitantes Pedro Pidal. When you are done, go down the narrow winding road back to Covadonga. Watch out for all tourist buses! If you want to photograph the beautiful church, stop at RP 8. There you have a beautiful view of the basilica. In Covadonga (RP 9) many terraces, pilgrims, a basilica, a cave and much more. Take your time if you feel comfortable among the tourists.
Then you slowly descend to sea level. If you have not eaten yet, you can have lunch in Posada de Llanes (RP 11). You will then come to a small monastery: Monasterio San Antolín de Bedón (RP 12). Then you drive along the sea and along the track. A great place to cool down or have something to eat (RP 13). Then you drive to Ribadesella. Here you can choose. Ribadesella is a great place to stop and have something to eat or drink. You can also first go to the cave that you can drive through.
The cave, Cuevona de Cuevas (RP 19) is a very special experience. A long drive through a rock in the dark. You can also walk through it, but beware of the cars and motorbikes. After the cave you go back to Ribadesella via the river Sella. Take a look at the view over the river Sella at the bridge (RP 20).
There is plenty to do in Ribadesella (RP 21). A fish market (Rula), cider cafes (for example the Astrurian Sidreria El Campanu), the tower Torre de l'Atalaya, a church by the sea (Ermita de la Virgen de Guía).
If you are tired of it, you can take the main road (N-632, becomes N-634) back into Ponga Park. If you prefer a small road, choose the AS-341 or the even smaller AS-342. Both start on the west side of the River Sella. If you want a really nice road, continue from Ribadesella further west and take the AS-260. In all cases you will arrive in Arriondas. You can stop there for a drink, although it is not a very nice town. When you stop, stop in the middle of the town on a small hidden square (Plaza de Peruyal). See the three marked restaurants.
After Arriondas you drive a long way along the river Sella on a rhythmically winding road. At Las Tercias you go back into the mountains along the Rio Tendi. Enjoy the view at Fontecha (Collado Moandi) before re-entering Ponga Park (RP 25). If necessary, walk a little further up the mountain. At Sellaño (RP 26) you can shorten the route by turning left to follow the Ponga River to Santillan. A very nice road through gorges and along mountain walls. Continue and you also follow the river Ponga, but then on another beautiful road. Maybe first have a drink at Bar El Puente?
In San Juan de Beleño you can visit the visitor center of the Ponga Park (RP 27). It is not much and is in an ugly concrete building. The town is the center of the park.
At RP 28 you can still go to a beautiful viewpoint over the mountains: Mirador de Les Bedules. The road there is narrow and concrete. So be careful. At the end is a parking lot.
This route gets 5 ***** stars from me. The roads are great, the surroundings are fantastic and there is a lot to see. You have to keep driving to finish the route. Well worth it!
Cuevas de Cuevona
Desfildadero de Sella
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Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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