Picos de Europa

October 30, 2025

Exploring Picos de Europa National Park

Straddling the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León, Picos de Europa National Park was Spain’s first national park, created in 1918. Covering over 67,000 hectares, it encompasses some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on the Iberian Peninsula.

The park is characterized by limestone peaks, deep gorges, and glacial valleys, with the highest summit being Torre Cerredo (2,648 m). Its ecosystems include alpine meadows, beech forests, and rugged cliffs inhabited by chamois, brown bears, and golden eagles. Traditional mountain villages, pastures, and transhumant culture remain an integral part of its landscape.

Popular access points include Covadonga, Fuente Dé, and Arenas de Cabrales, offering routes such as the Cares Gorge Trail. The park is also known for its cultural heritage, including local cheeses and shepherd traditions. Picos de Europa stands as a symbol of Spain’s mountain identity - wild, steep, and enduring.

Must See / Must Do

1. Covadonga Lakes (Lagos de Covadonga) – the park’s most iconic viewpoint, with reflections of the mountains mirrored in glacial lakes.

2. Cares Gorge Trail (Ruta del Cares) – a breathtaking hike along a narrow cliffside path carved into the rock.

3. Fuente Dé Cable Car – ascend 750 m in minutes to the high peaks of Cantabria for panoramic views.

4. Visit Bulnes – one of Spain’s most remote mountain villages, reachable by funicular or on foot.

5. Taste Cabrales cheese – made in limestone caves by local shepherds, it’s the flavor of the mountains themselves.

Park Essentials

📍 Region: Asturias, Cantabria, and León (Spain)

📏 Area: 646 km²

🗻 Highest point: Torre de Cerredo (2,650 m)

🌳 Landscape: Limestone massifs, deep gorges, alpine meadows, glacial lakes

🌿🐐 Flora and Fauna: Beech and oak forests, chamois, wolves, griffon vultures, golden eagles

📅 Best time to visit: May – October

🚪 Main gateways: Cangas de Onís, Poncebos, Fuente Dé, Posada de Valdeón

Where the Pirineo spirit gives back

At Pirineo, we believe that adventure goes hand in hand with responsibility. Through our YourParks program, we proudly support the stewardship of Spain’s national parks, promoting sustainable exploration and the protection of our most treasured landscapes. Every journey with Pirineo is an opportunity to connect with nature—and to help preserve it for generations to come.

Your purchase. Your park.

Recommended Hiking Trails

1. Ruta del Cares (Cares Gorge Trail)

Duration: 5–7 hours round trip
Distance: ~12 km (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate

Overview: The park’s most famous trail — carved into the cliffs above the Cares River between Caín and Poncebos. Expect dramatic drops, tunnels, and unforgettable views.

2. Lakes of Covadonga Circuit