A rewarding half-day hike on Matarredonda delivers sweeping views from the Bay of Biscay to the Picos de Europa.
At 843 meters, Matarredonda rises directly behind the eastern Asturian coast, offering hikers an unusually direct transition from sea-level villages to open limestone ridges. The summit provides 360-degree views that take in the Cantabrian Sea, the Picos de Europa massif, and the green valleys of the Sierra de Cuera on clear days.
Most walkers start from the small hamlet of Alles in Peñamellera Alta. A well-marked trail climbs steadily through mixed woodland and limestone meadows, passing traditional stone huts and spring wildflowers. The route is straightforward but involves some steep sections on loose rock near the top; allow three to four hours round-trip for the 8 km out-and-back.
Stronger hikers can combine Matarredonda with the neighboring peak of Pico Turbina via a longer ridge walk that begins near the village of Llonín, adding another two hours and more solitude.
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) bring mild temperatures and fewer clouds than the summer months. Winter visits are possible but require checking for ice on the upper slopes. Avoid the summit on days when the coastal fog rolls in, which can happen quickly even when the valley remains clear.
After descending, spend time in the nearby Cueva del Pindal to see Paleolithic paintings or continue west along the coast to the beaches and cider houses of Llanes. The dramatic gorge of the Río Cares is only 30 minutes inland by car, offering a dramatic contrast to the open summit of Matarredonda.
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The standard route is moderate for fit walkers; it gains 700 m over 4 km with some rocky sections near the top.
Older children accustomed to mountain paths can manage it, but the final rocky scramble is not ideal for young kids or unsteady walkers.
No. Bring all food and water; the nearest bars and shops are in Alles or Panes.
No public road reaches the top. The trailhead is reached by narrow local roads from the AS-114 highway.
Griffon vultures, chamois on the higher slopes, and a variety of orchids in spring are common sightings.
Climb this accessible peak near Aller for sweeping views across Asturias’ high valleys and rugged ridges.
A rewarding climb through oak woods and rocky ridges to panoramic views across western Asturias.
