The north of Spain is a popular destination for Spanish and international travellers.
Asturias especially has unrivalled scenic beauty, with greenery abounding throughout the year. Moreover, the region is famous for its excellent food and charming villages that seem straight out of a fairy tale.
Among them is Sotres, a small village at more than 1,050 metres above sea level, right in the heart of the Picos de Europa: the highest village in Asturias.
A hiking paradise
Sotres, known as the "last village of Asturias", is in Cabrales. This small village of barely 100 inhabitants, surrounded by the impressive Picos de Europa, is a true paradise for hikers and walkers, who will find a multitude of trails where they can enjoy Asturias' delights, such as the Naranjo de Bulnes trail.
In fact, Sotres is one of the stops on the Reconquista Trail, named after the historic route that the Muslim troops followed after their defeat at Covadonga. During the Reconquest, this village played an important role as a refuge and watchtower. The traces of its past can be seen in the old Pasiega huts and on the paths that cross the village.
A fairytale setting
Sotres is surrounded by mountains, including Picu Urriellu (2,519 metres), Picu de la Padierna (2,446 metres) and Picu de Tres Marías (2,424 metres). Its views of the Cantabrian mountain range make it a unique place that looks like something out of a fairy tale, making it well worth visiting at any time of the year.
- Find accommodation in Sotres, Asturias' highest village
Like any good Asturian village, the houses in Sotres are stone and have red-tiled roofs. Its narrow, cobbled streets give it a rustic charm that transports you to another era, making this spot the ideal place to enjoy a good dose of rural charm.
A village with first-class cuisine
Sotres' gastronomy is another of its attractions. In the local restaurants, you can try traditional Asturian dishes, like the famous Cabrales cheese, produced in the region and one of Spain's most highly rated cheeses. This Asturian delicacy is matured in caves open to visitors in the village. If you're interested in learning more about cheese, remember this name: Quesería Maín.
Also, don't miss the chance to try the fabada asturiana, a delicious white bean stew with sausages that tantalises your taste buds, or the cachopo asturiano, breaded veal fillets stuffed with cheese and ham.
Sotres recommendations
If you are thinking of making a getaway to Sotres, here are some tips:
- The village is located in a mountainous area, so wear comfortable clothes and footwear.
- The best time to visit Sotres is during spring or autumn when the weather is milder, but winter and Christmas can be magical when covered in snow.
- If you're going hiking, make sure you check the weather and take the right equipment with you.
How to get to Sotres, the last village of Asturias
Getting to Sotres is quite an adventure. The best way to visit this charming place is from Arenas de Cabrales. From there, you drive towards the Poncebos road, the starting point of the famous Desfiladero del Cares trail. The route from Poncebos to Sotres takes you up a steep 11-kilometre ascent, crossing a beautiful valley well worth seeing.
Houses for sale in Sotres, the highest village in Asturias
If you've fallen in awe of this village, you can find flats and houses for sale in Sotres, Cabrales and the surrounding areas that are steeped in that welcoming northern spirit.
For example, this 293 m2 detached house is for sale for €280,000. It has eight bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, a living-dining room leading to a large terrace and a garage.
Another property for sale that we can find in the area is this 351 m2 detached house for €150,000. It has ten bedrooms, two bathrooms and a plot of 1,563 m2. It is a perfect property for renovation and to acquire a fabulous house in one of the most charming villages in Asturias and Spain.
You can also find some real bargains with lots of potential in Sotres and the Cabrales area, such as this village house available to buy for €60,000. The 172 m2 house, distributed over three floors, has four bedrooms and is ready for renovation.
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