North
Burgos Cathedral
Check out our full guide to the world famous Burgos Cathedral, one of the most spectacular gothic-style cathedrals in Spain, and perhaps the world. … Read More
Picos de Europa
- NATIONAL PARK
9.4/10
Picos de Europa National PArk - Visitors Guide
The Picos de Europa are a mountain range in northern Spain, that stands out because of both the hight of the mountains and their proximity to the ocean. It is one of Spain’s 15 national parks It is currently the second most visited national park in Spain, the first being the Teide national park in Tenerife.
The range spans over three regions of northern Spain: Cantabria, León, and Asturias and features several different peaks of over 2500 m and the park span over 67 455 hectares.
The Urrieles cluster is the ranges tallest point with several summits of over 2600 the tallest being Torre Cerredo that stands 2650 m tall.
The name Picos de Europa or in English “the Peaks of Europe” is said to come from the renaissance era sailors returning from the Americas on ships. As they would approach the coast of Spain, the first thing that was visible was the enormous peaks of the mountain range and that meant that they were back in Europe.
The real name of the beach is Playa de las Aguas Santas (beach of sacred waters) though you should better call it Playa de las Catedrales if you ask for directions since it is the way everybody knows it.It is not clear when the beach started to be called like this, though the reason becomes obvious after having enjoyed the 30 meter high cliffs that nature draw and humans emulated in some of Spain´s Gothic cathedrals (including the nearby Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela)
Picos de Europa Guide
Where to stay in the Picos de Europa?
The way to make this decision is to consider what area of the rage of the park you want to visit. There are 3 distinct areas of sectors to the park: the Cantabrian portion, the Asturiano portion, and the Leonés portion.
If you are interested in the more northern sector of Cantabria, the best place to stay in the village of Potes. If you are headed to Asturias, Cangas de Onís is your best bet, and if León is your objective, head on over to Posada de Valdeón.
All of these villages are reasonably big, with good access and with all the services you might need.
How long to visit los Picos de Europa?
Ideally, you should set aside at least 2 or 3 days for a proper visit. If you can take a week, you won’t regret it.
Where are the Picos de Europa?
They are located in northern Spain, very close to the Cantabrian coast of the country. At it’s closest, the Picos de Europa is just 15 km from the ocean.
Best routes through the Picos de Europa
There is a great number of different hiking routes through the park. Here is a list of our expert guides top picks:
- Summiting the base of mount Urriellu (Asturias). A simple and beautiful trek, suitable for even the most novice hikers. You can make it up and back down again in the same day or, if you so choose, spend a night at the Refugio de Urriellu, a mountain refuge / hostel.
- Summit Torrecerredo (Asturias). This is the tallest peak of the range located in the region of Asturias, but don’t be too worried, it is a rather simple trek. You can do the full rout in a day if you really try but it’s probably better to take your time and spend 2 days on the trail.
- Summit Collado Jermoso (León). This route offers some of the more spectacular views in the whole park. Hikers usually take about two days to complete the full route and spend the night in the Collado Jermoso refuge.
- Picos de Europa inner circle. This is the most challenging route on the list and should take about two or three days. It is the most comprehensive route you can take in the park and you will end up knowing the range like the back of your hand.
Fuente Dé Cable Car
This cabale car station is located in the beautiful town of Potes. It easily the quickest and most comfortable way of getting into the heart of the park.
- Schedule: The station is open every day from 9:00 to 20:00 during the summer months and the rest of the year between 10:00 and 18:00. The last car leaves 15 minutes before closing.
- Pricing: Tickets cost 11€ one way and 17€ round trip.
The ride takes just 4 minutes to get all the way up to 1823 meter. From here you can either set off on your voyage through the mountains or just enjoy the amazing views from here.
More interesting things in Northern Spain
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Galicia
Cíes Islands
This chain of small islands are located off the coast of Galicia in northwestern Spain. The go from the Vigo estuary to Arousa. Within the park there are four distinct archipelagos the islands of Cíes, Ons, Sálvora y Cortegada. The islands are gorgeous, with a unique ecosystem, but the true richness of the park is located underwater.
The biodiversity of sea dwelling creatures in this coastal area is almost overwhelming. In addition, many legends and rumors swirl around these islands, making the all the more interesting and mysterious. The park, created in 2002, spans over 7.200 maritime hectares and 1.194 hectares on land. … Read More
North
Caves of Altamira in Cantabria
Check out our guide to the famous Caves of Altamira in Cantabria. These spectacular caves feature some of the oldest cave painting ever found. … Read More
North
Cabarceno Park in Cantabria
Check out our guide on Cabarceno Park, a beautiful nature park in Cantabria in northern Spain, home to over 120 species that live freely in the park … Read More