Sotres, Exemplary Town of Asturias 2024

Deep in the heart of the Picos de Europa, Sotres, in the council of Cabrales, has been recognised as the Exemplary Village of Asturias 2024. The jury of this prize, which is awarded annually by the Princess of Asturias Foundation, has deemed it worthy of this distinction "for having preserved and promoted, in a high mountain area, a traditional activity based on extensive and sustainable livestock farming, complemented by a quality agri-food industry and tourism. All this, with the support of a thriving and young associative movement that maintains an interest in the preservation of heritage, the conservation of the landscape and the improvement of infrastructures, as well as a notable socio-cultural dynamic".

In the heart of the Picos de Europa and with an altitude of 1050 metres, Sotres is one of the highest villages in Asturias. Moreover, its geographical location places it in the Picos de Europa National Park, an area declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Located in the council of Cabrales, Sotres offers unbeatable views of the majestic peaks of the Picos de Europa. This charming village, with its stone houses, has become an essential destination for mountaineering and nature lovers.

In Sotres, every corner tells a story of life in the mountains, where the harshness of the environment has been transformed into a sublime beauty that captivates all who visit.

The surroundings of Sotres offer endless opportunities for nature lovers. The trails recovered by the association are ideal for exploring the beauty of the Picos de Europa. Among the most recommended routes are:

• Camino de Pandébano: A trail that offers spectacular views and access to the most hidden corners of the natural park.
• Route from Collau Timón to La Caballar: Perfect for enjoying the local flora and fauna, as well as breathtaking panoramic views.
• Sotres circular route: A hike that allows you to discover the diversity of the landscape, ideal for the whole family.

Sotres also stands out as the gateway to the Picu Urriellu and the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa. From the village, you can take the turn-off to Vegas de Sotres and Pandébano, which is the most popular area for accessing the Vega de Urriellu and the emblematic Picu. This makes Sotres one of the best known villages in the region, ideal for those looking to venture into the majestic mountains.

In addition, Sotres is a starting point for emblematic routes leading to the eastern massif of the Picos de Europa, also known as Andara. For climbers, the Peña Fresnidiello area is particularly popular, offering both classic and sport climbing in an environment of excellent rock and easy access.

A viewpoint has also been built at one end of the village, which promises to be the perfect place to watch the sunset over the mountains.

One of the greatest treasures of Sotres is its rich cheese-making tradition. Here, in the heart of the mountains, some of the best Cabrales cheeses in the world are made. This cheese, internationally renowned, is the result of the know-how of the families of Sotres, who have passed down the secrets of its production from generation to generation.

One of the main characteristics of Sotres is sustainability, largely encouraged by shepherding and linked to the production of Cabrales cheese. Nowadays, several young people work as shepherds of cows, goats and sheep, whose surplus milk is used to make cheese, which is cured in the five caves that are still active.

In the village there are two cheese dairies registered under the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) for Cabrales cheese: the Dionisia López Cheese Factory and the Maín Cheese Factory. The latter offers guided tours, where you can visit the cave where the cheeses are matured and taste the best Cabrales, as well as buy it in the shop.

During the visit, you can discover how Cabrales cheese is made in the traditional way with raw cow's, sheep's and goat's milk, and how it matures in natural caves in the mountains, where it acquires its unique flavour and texture. These visits not only allow visitors to appreciate the art of cheese making, but also to understand the importance of this product in the local economy and culture. At the end of the tour, visitors can taste and buy the cheeses directly, taking home an authentic gastronomic treasure from Asturias.

Don't miss a visit to a cheese factory, it's a real experience!

You cannot visit Sotres without enjoying its gastronomy. The local restaurants offer typical dishes made with fresh local ingredients. From the famous Cabrales cheese to traditional stews that soothe the cold of the mountains, the culinary offerings are a reflection of the town's culture.

It is also a good place to buy local handicrafts, where the locals offer handmade products preserving ancient techniques, ideal as souvenirs of an authentic journey.

Sotres is much more than a tourist destination. It is a village that has been able to maintain its roots, positively facing the challenges of modernity. The people of Sotres have preserved the community life and collaborative spirit that are essential in such a demanding environment as the high mountains. Livestock farming continues to be the economic driving force, with special emphasis on the production of Cabrales cheese, an activity that is a symbol of identity and pride for the region.

Throughout its history, the inhabitants of this town have been able to overcome the many vicissitudes of life in a high mountain village.

The Sotres Neighbourhood Association, created in 2006 with the aim of looking after the interests of its inhabitants and preserving their traditions and heritage, has developed an outstanding activity in recent years -especially encouraged by young people-. Under the slogan "The heart of the Picos de Europa", among its most outstanding projects is the organisation of the Sotres Cultural Fest, which has held exhibitions, concerts, workshops, theatre and film screenings. All these cultural activities take place in the old schools, which have been recovered by the residents themselves after two decades of closure. The defence of the environment has also led the association to recover old paths and trails that were in poor condition, such as the Pandébano path, the route from Collau Timón to La Caballar and the circular route of Sotres, as well as the construction of a viewpoint at one end of the village.

The recognition of Sotres as Exemplary Village of Asturias 2024 is a well-deserved tribute to a community that has managed to preserve its identity and its natural environment in an admirable way. This small corner of the Picos de Europa invites everyone who visits to immerse themselves in a world where nature, tradition and hospitality intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

We invite you to discover Sotres, in Cabrales, with its impressive landscape, its rich cheese-making culture and the warmth of its people. At the highest point of Asturias, a unique place that jealously guards the best of our land awaits you.