Quirós

Quirós is a mountain municipality in Asturias that covers a large area of hilly terrain and reaches elevations exceeding 2,400 meters. The landscape consists of natural valleys, forests, and rocky peaks that shape the geography across roughly 40 villages scattered throughout the region.

The Castillo de Alba, a medieval fortress, now stands in ruins within the municipality and represents centuries of strategic importance in the region. This fortification was part of a defensive network that protected the mountain pass areas during the medieval period.

The people of Quirós maintain traditional Asturian ways of life across their scattered villages, where farming and livestock raising remain central to daily routines. These practices have shaped the region's identity and continue to define how communities live here.

The best way to reach this municipality is by car from Oviedo, which is approximately 30 kilometers away. The scattered villages have varying postal codes, and roads provide access throughout the area, though mountain terrain means some routes can be winding and steep.

The protected landscapes here are home to rare wildlife populations, including bears, wolves, and eagles that inhabit the forests. These animal populations make the area a significant refuge for species that are uncommon elsewhere in the region.