This large limestone formation extends approximately 40 Km. Long (east-west) and about 20 Km. Wide (north-south). Her constitution forces her to continually submit to the demanding erosion of rain and snow, which take their toll on her constitution and excavate deep chasms that are very attractive in the world of speleology. Some reach 1.400 meters depth. Morphologically speaking we find in Los Picos de Europa three clearly differentiated beds.
The three massifs: Cornión, Urrieles and Andara
The western massif (El Cornión), the central massif (Los Urrieles), and the eastern massif (Andara). They are physically delimited by the gorges of the salmon rivers Sella, Cares, Duje and Deva. The western massif, with its highest point, Peña Santa de Castilla (2.596 m.), is the largest and most varied of the three, and it is particularly suitable for hiking. In this massif The lakes of Enol and Ercina are located, and very close to the Buferrera area, the environmental interpretation center of the Picos de Europa National Park. The easiest way to approach him is from the town of Covadonga, ascending a local and winding road to the famous lakes, 12 kilometers further up, from where a good number of recommended routes for all audiences depart.
Lakes of Covadonga
Climbing the Lagos de Covadonga has merit, especially if you do it by bicycle. They are 12 kilometers ... Read more
It should be noted that the end of summer and beginning of autumn, as well as spring, are usually the best times for a walk of this type, since the heat is neither excessive nor the presence of hikers.
One of the most beautiful and spectacular routes that can be done in the Western Massif, in the area near the Covadonga Lakes, is known as Route of the Majadas. A fabulous tour through beautiful and evocative places, refuges of shepherds, which very often are also intense watchtowers between peaks, from which to discover the true silence of The peaks of Europe and its landscape plenitude.
The route of the flocks
Few greens are as intense as those of the sheepfolds and pastoral ports. Beautiful places and… Read more
An excursion that we can do guided by hiring the following activity.
Ascent to the Lakes and guided route
Water, nature, fun and sports for everyone: children, adults and pets. A sporting and recreational experience that millions of people have already experienced…. Read more
One of the most interesting points of the route is access to Vega Maor, an idyllic place from where we have one of the most wonderful views of some of the peaks and channels of the Western Massif.
Trekking Picos de Europa 5 days
Tour the 3 massifs, sleeping in small hotels and in the mythical refuge of Collado Jermoso and enjoying the rich gastronomy of the area…. Read more
Vindio Picos de Europa ring with summits
Accommodation and half board in the shelters of Vega de Ario, Vegarredonda, Vegabaño and the Diablo de la Peña Lodge, and ascent to peaks… Read more
Great return to the Picos de Europa
A comprehensive tour with accommodation included through the Picos de Europa. Five days to get to know in depth the spectacular landscapes of this national park…. Read more
The central massif he is the most uninhabited, in him we find the highest point of the three massifs and northern Spain: Torre Cerredo (2,648m.) The boundary with the western massif is drawn by the famous and spectacular route that runs through the Cares gorge. Bulnes the last town of Asturias without external communication, is also found in this massif and was always a must for climbers on the way to Picu Urriellu or Naranjo de Bulnes (2.519m), one of the biggest challenges for national and international climbers due to its extreme vertical walls.
Naranjo de Bulnes or Picu Urriellu
Idolatered by climbers, the climbs to its summit are counted as feats of great merit. Of … Read more
The popular route to the foot of Naranjo de Bulnes or Vega de UrrielluAlthough it is a long excursion with moderate effort, it does not have major technical difficulties. It is an essential excursion for every self-respecting mountaineer.
Vega de Urriellu
The Picu Urriellu or Naranjo de Bulnes produces great magnetism from long and medium distances, but… Read more
The town that gives its name to the unique Naranjo was connected to the rest of the Cabrales council by a mule trail, but a new funicular train until the town, accompanied by a good number of controversies, that came to break drastically the isolation of the village. Access to the northern point of the Cares and Bulnes gorge is via Poncebos, a few kilometers from the town of Arenas de Cabrales.
The most beautiful towns in Picos de Europa
The Picos de Europa National Park the second most visited national park in Spain after … Read more
Refuge Picos de Europa
In the Picos de Europa National Park there are a good number of shelters, which … Read more
The southern face of the Picos de Europa is reached from Potes, in Cantabria, and Posada de Valdeón, in León. From Potes you can go to Source of and take the cable car up to an altitude of 1.800 m. In the whole area this is the easiest way to gain altitude quickly for excursions of a more alpine character. Posada de Valdeón is located in the southern point of Cares Gorge, after the town of Cain.
The Cares route
Following the course of the River Cares in its high sections involves entering a calcareous throat ... Read more
The agency S-cape Travel located in Arenas de Cabrales offers in Picos de Europa self-guided hiking trips; 12 and 8 day trips, 3 day trips and trips for families.
S-Cape Travel
S-Cape Travel is an agency … Read more
What to do as a family in the Picos de Europa
In the municipality of Onís we have an extraordinary natural space that invites you to enjoy with the family. We suggest river routes, have a good time on a farm with native animals or watch birds and learn about their habitat and customs. Plans that will put us in contact with a 100% rural ecosystem.
Fun activities with children in Onís
Onís is a great nature classroom for children, an enviable ecosystem. An excellent place to… Read more
Sleep in the Picos de Europa
In the Picos de Europa area there is a wide and varied offer of rural houses, apartments, hostels and hotels to fully enjoy everything that this unique environment offers. Discover them in our link ...
Accommodations Picos de Europa
The best rural houses, apartments and hotels in the Picos de Europa. Offers to enjoy in a unique environment. #TourismAsturias… Read more
Information:
To get to Fuente Dé:
In the town of Unquera, just at the easternmost tip of the Principality, we will take the detour to Potes. Once in Potes we continue along the road that leads to Espinama and Fuente Dé. From the Santander bus station we can pay a ticket to the same Fuente Dé. Although this is only possible in summer, because in winter they end their journey in Potes.
To get to Sotres:
From Cantabria: take the deviation towards Panes in Unquera. Once in Panes, take a detour towards Arenas de Cabrales from where the road to Poncebos starts. From Poncebos we can take the road to Sotres.
From Asturias: 1/ from Cangas de Onís, taking the county road that leads to Benia and continues to Arenas de Cabrales. From there, as already mentioned, to Poncebos and Sotres.
2/ From Posada de Llanes: in the Llanisca town of Posada we take the road that leads to Alto de Ortiguero. There is a crossroads with the road that connects Cangas de Onís and Arenas de Cabrales. We take the direction of Arenas-Poncebos-Sotres
To get to the Lakes of Covadonga:
Go to Cangas de Onís, where the road leaves for the Shrine of Covadonga, less than 10 kilometers away. From Covadonga we take the road that goes up to the Lakes. Everything is perfectly indicated.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
