This large limestone formation extends approximately 40 km in length (east-west) and about 20 km in width (north-south) . Its composition subjects it to continuous erosion from rain and snow, which wear down its structure and carve out deep chasms that are very attractive to speleologists . Some reach depths of up to 1.400 meters. Morphologically speaking, the Picos de Europa are divided into three clearly differentiated massifs.
The three massifs: Cornión, Urrieles and Andara
The western massif (El Cornión), the central massif (Los Urrieles), and the eastern massif (Andara) are physically delimited by the gorges of the salmon rivers Sella, Cares, Duje, and Deva. The western massif , with its highest peak, Peña Santa de Castilla (2.596 m), is the largest and most varied of the three, and is particularly suitable for hiking . Lakes Enol and Ercina are located in this massif , and nearby is the Buferrera area, the environmental interpretation center of the Picos de Europa National Park. The easiest way to reach it is from the town of Covadonga , ascending a winding local road to the famous lakes, 12 kilometers further up, from where a number of recommended routes for all levels begin.
Lakes of Covadonga
Climbing to the Lakes of Covadonga is an achievement, especially if you do it by bicycle. It's a 12-kilometer climb … 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 in the Western Massif, near the Lakes of Covadonga, is the well-known Majadas Route . A fabulous journey through beautiful and evocative places, former shepherds' huts that often also serve as stunning vantage points between peaks, offering breathtaking views of the true silence of the Picos de Europa and their magnificent landscapes.
The route of the flocks
Few greens are as vibrant as those of mountain pastures and shepherds' huts. 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 sport for everyone: children, adults, and pets. A fun and sporting experience already enjoyed by millions… 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
Explore the three mountain ranges, staying in small hotels and the legendary Collado Jermoso refuge, and savoring the region's delicious cuisine… Read more
Vindio Picos de Europa ring with summits
Accommodation and half board in the mountain huts of Vega de Ario, Vegarredonda, Vegabaño and the Diablo de la Peña Hostel, and ascent to summits… Read more
Great return to the Picos de Europa
A comprehensive tour with accommodation included through the Picos de Europa. Five days to explore the spectacular landscapes of this national park in depth… Read more
The central massif is the most sparsely populated, and it contains the highest point of the three massifs and of northern Spain : Torre Cerredo (2,648m). The boundary with the western massif is marked by the famous and spectacular route through the Cares Gorge. Bulnes, the last village in Asturias with no external access, is also located in this massif and has always been a necessary stop for mountaineers on their way to Picu Urriellu or Naranjo de Bulnes (2.519m) , one of the greatest challenges for national and international climbers due to its extreme vertical walls.
Naranjo de Bulnes or Picu Urriellu
Idolized by mountaineers , climbs to its summit are considered feats of great merit. Read more …
The popular route to the foothills of Naranjo de Bulnes, also known as Vega de Urriellu , while a long and moderately strenuous hike, presents no major technical difficulties. It's an essential excursion for any serious mountaineer.
Vega de Urriellu
Picu Urriellu, also known as Naranjo de Bulnes, exerts a strong magnetic pull from long and medium distances, but… Read more
The village that gives its name to the unique Naranjo de Cabrales was once connected to the rest of the Cabrales municipality by a mule track, but a funicular railway was recently inaugurated , amidst considerable controversy, drastically ending the village's isolation. Access to the northernmost point of the Cares Gorge and Bulnes 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 is the second most visited national park in Spain after… Read more
Refuge Picos de Europa
There are a good number of mountain refuges in the Picos de Europa National Park , which… Read more
The southern face of the Picos de Europa can be reached from Potes, in Cantabria, and Posada de Valdeón, in León. From Potes, you can travel to Fuente Dé and take the cable car to an altitude of 1.800 meters. Throughout the area, this is the easiest way to gain altitude quickly for more alpine-style hikes. Posada de Valdeón is located at the southern end of the Cares Gorge , past the village of Caín.
The Cares route
Following the course of the Cares River in its upper reaches means venturing into a limestone gorge of … Read more
The S-cape Travel agency located in Arenas de Cabrales offers self-guided hiking trips in the Picos de Europa ; 12 and 8 day treks, 3 day getaways 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 fantastic natural 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 ...
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
![Route from Bulnes to Picu Urriellu [By Camburero]](http://asturias.com/asturiasbasica/imagenes/ruta-bulnes-picu-urriellu-1p.jpg)
