El Alto de la Farrapona is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in Asturias and a natural gateway to the Saliencia Lakes, within Somiedo Natural Park. Located at 1,708 metres above sea level, it marks the boundary between Asturias and León and offers wide, open high-mountain panoramas, especially striking in autumn and winter.

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A high-mountain landscape

Surrounded by limestone peaks, mountain pastures and old mining remains, the area conveys a sense of vastness and silence that is hard to find elsewhere. It is an ideal place for landscape photography, wildlife watching and experiencing the mountains in their purest form.

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Access and route: how to get there from Villa Caunedo

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Several iconic routes start from the Farrapona:

• Direct access to the Saliencia Lakes (Lake Calabazosa, Lake Cerveriz and Lake La Cueva).

• Sections of the historic Camín Real de la Mesa.

• A legendary climb for cyclists, frequently featured in stages of the Vuelta a España.

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1️⃣ Departure from Villa Caunedo

• Leave Caunedo heading towards Pola de Somiedo on the AS-227 road.

• Drive through the village, always following the signs for Valle del Lago / Lagos de Saliencia.

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2️⃣ Pola de Somiedo → Valle del Lago

• Continue along the AS-227, a fully paved and scenic mountain road.

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3️⃣ End of the road: Alto de la Farrapona

• Follow the AS-227 to its very end, where you will reach the Farrapona Pass / Alto de la Farrapona, with parking areas and access to hiking routes.

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Useful tips

• In winter or after snowfall, access may be restricted or closed. It is advisable to check road conditions before setting off.

• In peak season, arrive early to find parking more easily.

• Bring warm clothing, even in summer: this is high-mountain terrain.

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An essential place to understand the grandeur of Somiedo and one of the most photogenic spots in the park.