Route 3 of 5 – From Soncillo to Arriondas: The great Cantabrian journey between mountains, valleys and unforgettable viewpoints.

The third stage of this adventure through the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian Mountains is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular and comprehensive of the route, featuring stunning natural landscapes, mountain roads that invite you to drive calmly, villages that preserve the rural essence of northern Spain, and a succession of viewpoints that turn the journey into a moving natural gallery.

This journey takes us from Soncillo to Arriondas, and it's difficult to describe it without feeling emotional. From the very beginning, as we leave Soncillo behind with the Ebro Reservoir on our left, the journey begins to take on a special tone. The fresh morning air, the reflection of the calm water, and the mountain horizon announce what will be a route full of contrasts and beauty. Here, wild nature blends with the hospitality of the Pasiego villages, and every kilometer becomes an experience for the senses.

From Soncillo to the heart of Pasiego
We set off for Puerto de la Magdalena, one of those natural gateways that connect communities and landscapes.
Here we leave Castile and León behind to enter Cantabria,
And we do it in the best possible way: through undulating mountains and generous curves that already show us part of the Cantabrian personality.

From there, we head toward the Collada del Asón Natural Park, a protected area where the vegetation seems to embrace you at every turn. We pass through Puerto de Alisas, where the greenery multiplies in every direction, and descend toward La Cavada and Liérganes, two villages that are picture-postcards. Liérganes, with its traditional architecture and its legend of the fish man, reminds us that in this land, history and nature always go hand in hand.

The route continues flowing alongside the Miera River, which accompanies us to La Pedrosa, and from there to Selaya, the heart of the Pasiego valleys. Here we make a mandatory stop. Not only to stretch our legs, but also to savor the local cuisine: quesadas, sobaos, and a traditional cuisine that revives the energy of any traveler. Selaya is one of those places where time seems to stand still, and its streets, its mountains, and its people make you feel right at home.


The Lookouts.

With our stomachs satisfied and our souls even more full, we resumed our journey toward the La Braguía Viewpoint. If there's one thing that defines this route, it's the succession of viewpoints that offer a constant perspective of the natural spectacle surrounding us. At La Braguía, it's worth stopping, taking a deep breath, and allowing yourself to be mesmerized by the seemingly endless greenery.
The road climbs to Puerto de la Braguía, and from there we head to N-623 to reach Puerto del Escudo, another of the legendary passes in this mountain range. There, the wind blows strongly and the horizon opens up in panoramic views that seem straight out of a painting. We see the Ebro Reservoir again, this time from a different perspective, and we skirt it along the CA-171, a road that is a hidden gem among mountains, pine trees, and silence.

Reinosa, Espinilla and the balcony to heaven.

Upon reaching Reinosa, one of the most important towns in this area, the landscape changes slightly, but without losing its power. From here, we head towards Espinilla and begin the ascent along the CA-280 toward one of the most magical spots of the day: the Balcón de La Cardosa. As its name suggests, it's a true natural balcony from which you can contemplate miles and miles of undulating mountains, with light that changes depending on the time of day.
The La Cardosa viewpoint not only offers views, but also serenity. It's a place to sit for a moment, leave your vehicle aside, and simply observe. This is where you understand why the Cantabrian Mountains have that magnetism that captivates anyone who discovers them.

Heading to the hanging villages and deep Asturias
We continue along the same road until we reach Valle, where the landscape becomes more rugged and full of contrasts. Shortly after, we reach the Mirador de la Asomada del Ribero, another of those places that seem made specifically for photography lovers. From here, you can see, like a giant nativity scene, towns like Carmona and San Pedro, nestled in the mountains, surrounded by meadows and crisscrossed by small winding roads.

From here, the excitement of the journey is already at its peak, but we still have one of the most unforgettable stretches ahead: the ascent to Collada de Hoz, a mountain pass that crosses a nearly untouched landscape, where cows graze freely and villages seem to cling to the slopes. The descent toward Panes is gentle, enveloping, as if the mountain itself were slowly bidding us farewell.

Once in Panes, we take the road to Cangas de Onís, now in Asturias. There we make a brief stop to see the unusual "stone motorcycle," a peculiar sculpture that has become a symbol and anecdote for those traveling on two wheels or by car.

Arrival in Arriondas: a destination with soul
And so, little by little, we reached our final destination for the day: Arriondas. Here, a well-deserved rest awaits us after an intense but wonderful day. A small town full of charm, where the Sella River brings life and freshness to its streets, and where tranquility is the perfect companion to end the day.
We checked into our hotel, physically tired but refreshed inside. This stage was much more than a road trip: it was an emotional journey, a succession of landscapes that will remain etched in your memory and in your heart. It offered everything: nature, excitement, culture, gastronomy, and a sense of freedom that can only be experienced in the mountains.