Picos de Europa

Spain's first national park, where limestone peaks meet deep gorges. Classic highlights include the Lakes of Covadonga, the Cares Gorge trail and the Fuente Dé cable car, and the mountains are famous for their cave-aged cheeses.

The Picos de Europa rise in the central Cantabrian Mountains of northern Spain, straddling the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and León just about 20 km from the sea. The Montaña de Covadonga National Park, created in 1918, was Spain's first national park and has since been expanded into today's Picos de Europa National Park, a landscape of limestone peaks, deep gorges and high mountain pastures that is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Key areas: on the western, Asturian side, Cangas de Onís is the base for the Roman bridge, the Holy Cave and Basilica of Covadonga, and the drive up to the Lakes of Covadonga. In the centre, Cabrales offers the Cares Gorge trail, the village of Bulnes, the Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu) and cheese caves. On the southeastern, Cantabrian side, Potes is the hub for the Fuente Dé cable car, the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana and the drive through the Desfiladero de La Hermida. To the south, in León, lie the Valdeón Valley and the Riaño Reservoir.

Getting there: the nearest airports are Asturias and Santander. A car is strongly recommended, as mountain bus services are infrequent. Allow 3–5 days, staying once on the western side and once on the eastern side.

Climate: June–October is best for hiking. In July–August private cars are restricted at the lakes and you must take the shuttle bus. Mountain weather changes fast and fog is common, so bring windproof and waterproof layers. In winter the high ground is snow-covered and some trails close.

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Itineraries