The Sueve mountain range, just 4 km from the coast of Colunga , rises above sea level to over 1.100 meters, its highest point reaching 1.159 meters: Picu Pienzu . This is the highest and closest peak to the sea on the entire Asturian coast . Reaching this summit, accessible to any hiker, rewards you with one of the best panoramic views of the entire Cantabrian Sea.
In front of us is the sea, a vast stretch of coastline that practically covers the entire eastern part of the region. It's the closest thing to an aerial view. Behind us, the imposing Picos de Europa mountains come into view.
In the same mountain range, a protected area of 81 square kilometers, we might stumble upon a herd of fallow deer grazing nearby. And if we're lucky, the Sueve becomes an unexpected wildlife observatory, offering the chance to witness the rutting season in autumn—a truly spectacular sight . The famous Asturcón ponies also roam here , one of the oldest and purest horse breeds in the world, with historical records dating back 2.000 years. It's a unique breed, with a vigor disproportionate to its size (an average height of 1,25 meters), a strong constitution, and a dark coat . They have Celtic origins, and just as in their early stages of development, they live wild in these mountains. In ancient times, they were highly valued by warriors, as they guaranteed surprising agility. Their fame spread throughout Europe, and they were exported to other highlands, including the Alps.
Routes to the rutting season in Asturias 2025
We offer you the possibility here… Read more
These mountains of the Sueve range were once the last refuge of an Asturcón pony herd. Only the efforts of a few breeders, along with a growing awareness of the need to preserve this breed, allowed for its recovery. In the 70s, their numbers dwindled to just 40. Every year during the month of August, all the foals are branded with their owner's initial at the Majada d'Espineres (accessible via Alto de La Llama ), and an attempt is made to break in one of the adults. What was once a matter for livestock farmers is now a grand festival declared of Regional Tourist Interest : the Asturcón Festival.
Birds of prey can also be seen soaring overhead , completing a spectacular wildlife scene both on land and in the air. Livestock—cows, goats, sheep, horses, and foals—share the slopes of the Sueve mountain range.
Sierra del Sueve and Alto del Fitu
The best way to reach the summit is to head to the Mirador del Fitu viewpoint . This vantage point alone will amaze you with its spectacular views of the Cantabrian Mountains. From there, you can see the municipalities of Colunga, Caravia, Villaviciosa, Ribadesella, and Llanes at a glance, so imagine what you can see from a little higher up.
All the information about Ribadesella can be found at ribadesella.com
Route to Picu Pienzu
The hike to and from Picu Pienzu takes approximately 5 hours , with the final stretch to the summit becoming slightly more challenging. The route is clearly marked from El Fito. The path leads to a mountain pasture known as "El Bustacu." From this point onward, the hike becomes more strenuous, but easily manageable with water in your canteens and some energy supplements. This route is marked as PR-AS 71.
The entire mountain range is somewhat isolated from the rest of the Asturian mountain landscape thanks to the boundary formed around it by the Sella river valley . And for this reason, it remains particularly unique and striking. It stands out for its limestone composition, as its base merges with the coastal plains.
Mirador del Fitu
On one of the most famous mountain passes in the Sierra del Sueve stands an old concrete watchtower … Read more
Sueve Days
Every year at the end of summer and beginning of autumn, the Jornadas del Sueve take place, organised by the Colunga Town Council in collaboration with the Sierra del Sueve Interpretation Centre. Guided tours to various locations in the area, cultural itineraries and outings to enjoy the rutting season are organised, these being the most popular. We provide you with all the information at this link.
XXVIII Sueve Conference 2025
From the 1st to the 31st… Read more
Rally uphill to Fitu
Every spring the International Hill Climb to Fitu takes place, a motor racing event that counts towards the European Hill Climb Championship.
It is a competition that has many followers, and is worth it given the beauty of the area.
54º Ascent to Fito 2026
From the 8th to… Read more
Information:
The Sierra del Sueve has huge possibilities for low mountain activities. The only precaution that should be noted is the special microclimate that the area has with unexpected fog banks due to its location close to the sea.
Road accesses start from the N-634 that runs through the interior of the region, and from the N-632 that links Ribadesella and Gijón along the coast. Both communicate through the regional road AS-260, which starts in Arriondas if we go inland or close to the town of the island (Colunga) by the coastal side. The intermediate point of this county road is the aforementioned Mirador del Fito, where the route begins on foot.
We can also ascend to the Sierra at the height of the Majada de Espineres. You have to do it from the High the Flame. The tour is of great beauty and will take between one and two hours walking. To get to the Alto la Llama, take the AS-259 road that connects the town of Colunga and Villamayor, in Piloña.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
