Guided reptile and amphibian walk in Somiedo, by day or with a torch

Somiedo runs from about 400 metres of altitude to over 2,000, and in that range there is room for Mediterranean-climate species, such as the ocellated lizard of the holm oak woods, and high-mountain ones, such as the alpine newt. Somiedo Experience has an outing dedicated to them: three or four hours looking for reptiles and amphibians with a specialist guide, walking slowly and alert to any movement.

Morning or night

In the morning, in March, April, May and July, reptiles are sought in the sun, along with some amphibians. In the evening, in spring and in October, the route includes a night section with torches to see amphibians, which is when they come out. In late winter and spring they gather in ponds to breed: there are egg masses, tadpoles and mating calls. The site changes with the month and the weather.

What you learn

How to tell a viper from a grass snake and a newt from a salamander; how they are studied and conserved; and their relationship with people. There is a chance to do macro photography with the guide's help, and sometimes abandoned buildings are checked to rescue trapped animals. On the company's list there are 21 species, among them the Seoane's viper, the only venomous snake in Asturias, and the golden-striped salamander, an endemic that lives only in Asturias, Galicia and northern Portugal.

Price and meeting

It costs €30 per person, VAT included, from age 8. You meet in front of the pharmacy in Pola de Somiedo around 8:00 or 18:00, and from there each group follows the guide in its own car.

It is a good alternative with children to the bear outing, which requires getting up early or coming back at night and a lot of stillness.