Picos de Europa: Spain's first national park

The Picos de Europa is an impressive mountain range in northern Spain and the country’s first national park. These are the best things to do in the Picos.

Table of contents hide

1 Discover the Picos de Europa

2 Things to see and do in Picos de Europa

3 Where to stay in the Picos de Europa

4 Book a trip to Asturias

5 Read more about Spain

Discover the Picos de Europa

I never imagined that, at the invitation of the Spanish Tourist Board, I would spend a night in the picturesque mountain village of Sotres, surrounded by the impressive Picos de Europa. Although my visit was unfortunately too short to explore the entire national park, it was enough to leave an indelible impression.

The Picos de Europa, which literally means “Peaks of Europe,” was so named for a reason. Sailors were the first to see this mountain range as they sailed back toward Europe, which gave the Picos their name.

Located in northern Spain on the border of the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and Leon, this rugged mountain range forms the highest part of the Cantabrian Mountains (Cordillera Cantábrica). The mountain range consists of three parts, the eastern, (Andara), central (Urrieles), and western (Cornión) massifs. The highest peak is the Torre Cerredo that is 2648 meters high.

What can you expect when you visit the Picos? A breathtaking landscape full of steep cliffs, picturesque villages, green valleys, and deep blue lakes. The area was declared Spain’s first national park in 1918.

Every year the Picos de Europa attract thousands of visitors who come to hike, climb, bike or simply enjoy the peace and beauty of this unique natural area. And rightly so! The park has a rich biodiversity, including the Cantabrian bear (which I unfortunately did not spot), ibex, and numerous bird species. The flora is also impressive, with unusual plant species that have adapted to the harsh climate.

The history of the Picos de Europa goes back centuries. The mountains have played an important role in the lives of local people since ancient times. For example, the valleys were used for agriculture and the mountain passes were used as trade routes. In the Middle Ages, monasteries were built, the ruins of which can still be found in the park.

During my short stay in Sotres, I caught only a glimpse of the beauty of the Picos de Europa. But that glimpse was enough to convince me of the unique appeal of this natural park and I would love to go back someday to get to know it better. In this article, I take you on a virtual journey through the park and share my experiences and tips.

Things to see and do in Picos de Europa

The Picos de Europa is a must-see during a tour in northern Spain and there is something for everyone to see and do. These are the best things to do and the most beautiful sights in the Picos.

Hiking

Hiking is without doubt the most popular activity in the Picos de Europa. There is an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from short, easy routes to multi-day treks for experienced mountain hikers. Some of the most famous hiking trails are:

Ruta del Cares: This spectacular route takes you through the impressive Cares Gorge, a narrow gorge with steep walls.
Los Lagos de Covadonga: A walk around the beautiful lakes of Covadonga.
Picu Urriellu: For the experienced mountaineer, climbing Picu Urriellu, also known as the Naranjo de Bulnes, is the ultimate challenge.

The best time to go hiking in the Picos de Europa is between mid-May and the end of September.

Roadtripping

Since I had limited time in the Picos, I mostly saw a lot of winding roads from the car. And although that did make me a little nauseous (so many turns), I enjoyed these drives immensely. It really gave me such a nice road trip feeling, behind every curve there was something beautiful to discover.

There are many viewpoints along the roads providing unforgettable mountain views. Perfect to do if you don’t have great mobility, or just enjoy driving.

View points

I mentioned them briefly, the Picos de Europa is bursting with beautiful viewpoints. Just search for mirador (viewpoint in Spanish) and you’ll have plenty to choose from. From my hotel in Sotres, I was able to reach several on foot, but along the roads, there are also many to explore. Very nice if you don’t have too much time (like me), but want to fully enjoy the Picos.

Other activities

In addition to the above highlights, there are plenty of other activities you can do in the Picos de Europa:

Climbing: The steep walls of the Picos de Europa attract climbers from all over the world.
Mountain biking: There are several mountain bike trails through the park, for both beginners and experienced cyclists.
Canyoning: For the adventurous, canyoning in the Picos is a unique experience. You descend through narrow gorges, abseil over waterfalls and jump into natural pools. You can book an adventurous canyoning tour here.
Wildlife spotting: With a little luck, you can spot wildlife in the Picos de Europa, such as the Cantabrian bear, ibex, and various bird species.

Most beautiful sights

In addition to the many activities, there are plenty of attractions in the Picos de Europa that are not to be missed.

Desfiladero de la Hermida: This impressive gorge is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the park. You can also do canyoning here.
Covadonga: Visit the sanctuary of Covadonga, an important pilgrimage site in Spain. This is where the Moors were defeated by Pelayo in 722 and the moment the Reconquista began.
Teleférico de Fuente Dé: This cable car will take you to one of the highest points in the park and enjoy panoramic views.
Funicular de Bulnes: This cable car takes you to the remote village of Bulnes, one of the few villages in the Picos de Europa where no cars go.
The blue cheese: Another thing the Picos de Europa is known for: the strong (but delicious) blue cheese. The Queso de Cabrales is the most famous and it is aged in the caves in the Picos de Europa. Near Las Arenas, you can visit the Cueva del Queso de Cabrales, among others, where you can see how the cheeses are made. Very interesting!

Mountain villages in the Picos de Europa

The mountain villages in the Picos de Europa are also not to be missed when visiting the park. They are often hidden among the mountains and offer a unique insight into the lives of the locals. Each village has its own character and charm.

Sotres

Sotres is the place where I visited and also spent a night. This is one of the most remote and highest villages in Spain. In fact, it is located at an altitude of 1050 meters. I arrived at night in the dark and it was a treat to open the shutters in the morning and see the impressive mountains.

Sotres is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The village itself is small (only 75 people live there) and consists mainly of traditional stone houses. Here you can enjoy the peace and quiet while admiring the beautiful nature around you.

Sotres in the Picos de Europa - Asturias

Other interesting mountain villages

But of course, Sotres is not the only mountain village in the Picos. These are a few other fun places to visit.

Potes: This is one of the most famous villages in the area and is located on the eastern side of the Picos de Europa. From Cantabria, it is considered the gateway to the national park. Potes has a beautiful historic center with narrow streets and old buildings.
Cangas de Onís: This town is located north of the park in Asturias. This is another good base for the Picos. Cangas de Onís is known for its Roman bridge and the sanctuary of Covadonga.
Arenas de Cabrales: This village is best known for its blue cheese, the Cabrales. You can visit several cheese factories here and taste this special cheese.
Bulnes: This remote tiny village can only be reached by cable car or on foot. Bulnes is one of the most authentic villages in the Picos de Europa and has a unique atmosphere.

Where to stay in the Picos de Europa

The Picos cover quite a large area, so it is convenient to stay overnight in or near the park. A few recommendations:

Hotel Rural Casa Cipriano (Sotres) – This is where I stayed myself when I was in the Picos. It is a basic hotel with nice beds, mountain views and a restaurant. The owner is very friendly and can give you good tips on sightseeing in the area.
Hotel Rural Peña Castil (Sotres) – This is another fine place to stay in Sotres. It is slightly more modern and has its own restaurant where they serve traditional Asturian dishes.
Hostal La Ruta (Caín) – Located in a very photogenic spot among the rugged cliffs. Small scale and in a tiny, but oh so beautiful village.
Parador de Fuente Dé (Fuente Dé) – Paradores are special hotels you can find all over Spain. Usually, they are historic buildings with luxurious rooms. This one in Fuente Dé is also very nice; it has extra-large windows for the ultimate mountain views.

Check out Booking.com for more options, availability, and prices.

Book a trip to Asturias

As you can see, it is an amazingly beautiful natural park, I myself would love to go back and explore more. Would you like to visit the Picos de Europa as well? Although the mountains are in different regions, it is convenient to visit them from Asturias, then you can get between the eastern and western massif quite easily. These are useful websites for booking your trip to Asturias.

✈️ Visit Asturias by plane – The fastest way to get to Asturias is by plane and the region has a small international airport which is located near Avíles. From here, it takes about 2 hours to reach the Picos de Europa. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.

🚆 Visit Asturias by train – Are you interested in a more sustainable way of traveling? The bigger cities in Asturias are reachable by train. Check Rail Europe for train tickets.

🚘 Rental Car – Although you can reach places in Asturias by public transport, it is very useful to have a rental car. This makes it even easier to get to the more rural places and hidden beaches. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.

💊 Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.

🎡 Tours & activities – There are a lot of fun tours and activities to do in the north of Spain. Check Get Your Guide to find the best guided tours and activities in Asturias.

Picos de Europa: Spain’s first national park

Discover the Picos de Europa