Las Ubiñas - La Mesa Natural Park

Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park is one of the largest protected areas in central Asturias, spanning more than 42,000 hectares across the municipalities of Teverga, Quirós and Lena. The park takes its name from two defining landscape features: the Peña Ubiña massif and the La Mesa ridge, which mark its northern and southern boundaries.

What does the park's landscape look like?

The park occupies a mountainous territory with pronounced contrasts in relief. It is dominated by the Peña Ubiña massif, the second-highest mountain range in the region after the Picos de Europa, rising above 2,400 metres. On the border with the neighbouring Somiedo park stands the La Mesa ridge, where the highest points — Alto de la Cugurza and Peña Negra — reach 1,830 metres. Between these two ranges lie deep river valleys, creating a landscape of striking contrasts, from rocky high-mountain peaks to fertile valley floors.

Why is the park's nature so significant?

The park's ecological value rests above all on its biodiversity and the excellent state of conservation of its habitats. More than half of all plant families found in Asturias are present within its boundaries, and over a third of its surface is covered by mature forest, dominated by beech woodland. These old-growth deciduous forests, in many places barely touched by human activity, are one of the main reasons the park holds such a high level of protection.

Among the mammals found here, the most emblematic is the brown bear, listed as an endangered species. Notably, the municipality of Quirós hosts the park's main breeding nucleus for the brown bear population — this is where females most often den and raise their cubs, making the area one of the key sites for the species' conservation across Asturias.

What international recognition has the park received?

In 2012, Las Ubiñas-La Mesa was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This recognition confirms that the area combines outstanding natural values with the preservation of a traditional, sustainable way of managing the mountain landscape, practised by local communities for generations.

What should visitors know before planning a trip?

Since the park stretches across three municipalities, the starting points for trails differ depending on which part of the area one wishes to explore. Quirós, home to the park's main brown bear stronghold, is especially interesting for those keen on wildlife observation and the traditional mountain landscape of northern Spain. Given the area's protected status and the presence of endangered species, visitors are advised to stick to marked trails and exercise particular caution during the animals' breeding periods.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the park located? In central Asturias, Spain, across the municipalities of Teverga, Quirós and Lena.

What is the park's highest point? The Peña Ubiña massif, rising above 2,400 metres.

Can you encounter bears in the park? Yes, the park is home to the brown bear, and its main breeding site lies within the municipality of Quirós.

What protected status does the area hold? Since 2012, the park has been recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.