The Integral Natural Reserve of Muniellos is a spectacular natural area that is in the southwest of the Principality of Asturias, specifically between Cangas del Narcea and Ibias. It is within the Fuentes del Narcea and Ibias Natural Park and occupies an area of almost 60 square kilometers that is distributed between the Muniellos, La Viliella and Valdebois mountains.
This place is the largest oak grove in all of Spain and one of the best preserved on the European continent, a reason that led it to be declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2000. Being able to visit it is not very simple since it only allows 20 visitors a day and You need an authorization from the Ministry of the Environment of the Principality of Asturias, but requesting permission in advance will not run into any problem. It is open until 9pm throughout the year.
The flora and fauna of Muniellos is spectacular and very varied. As for the flora, the dominant and most famous species is the sessile oak. You can also see many pink oaks, beech, hazelnut, maples, ash, willow or alder. At the highest levels there is a birch forest that is impressive.
As for the fauna, there are both birds and mammals that are worth seeing. The species of birds that arouse the most interest and that have a very special bond with the forest are the urugallo and the black woodpecker, although the most abundant are the parrots. As for mammals, the brown bear, the wolf, the otter, the fox and the wild cat are the ones that attract the most attention. In the area there are guides specialized in fauna and flora who can take you on a tour of the most interesting of the entire park.