The seven best hiking routes to do in the Picos de Europa according to their duration and difficulty

The Picos de Europa, the oldest national park in Spain, is a unique corner where nature is presented in its maximum splendor. This impressive mountain range, which extends between Asturias, Cantabria and León, offers not only magnificent landscapes to enjoy the outdoors, but also many charming towns that have managed to preserve their authenticity over the centuries.

For nature lovers, Picos de Europa is the ideal destination. Here, rugged mountains, deep gorges and green valleys combine to provide an idyllic setting for walking amidst a varied biodiversity. Species such as the brown bear, the wolf and the chamois live in its mountains, while beech, oak and chestnut trees grow in its forests, changing the tone of the landscape in each season of the year. In addition, the small towns that dot the surrounding area, such as Sotres, Bulnes or Caín among others, are true treasures that deserve an essential stop.

The Picos de Europa are a hiking paradise, with routes that adapt to all levels and styles of walkers, from paths that cross valleys and meadows to challenging trails that climb to the peaks. The Cares Route, the Lakes of Covadonga or the Naranjo de Bulnes may sound familiar to you, but there are many other places that are not to be missed. So here you have seven essential routes, each with its own charm and degree of difficulty, so you can find the one that best suits your tastes and abilities.

Care itinerary

This is one of the most popular and spectacular routes in the Picos de Europa. Also known as the “Divine Gorge”, the Cares Route runs between the towns of Caín (León) and Poncebos (Asturias), crossing a deep gorge along a path sometimes dug into the rock. Its origin? A channel dug into the rock to supply a power station in the 40s of the last century. We walk flanked by high stone walls and, although it is a long route, the path does not have great slopes, making it accessible to most hikers. Of course, it is important to be careful in some narrow passages.

Route de Sotres – Refuge du Pic Urriellu – Sotres

This is one of the most emblematic routes for mountain lovers, as it leads to the base of the mythical Naranjo de Bulnes (or Picu Urriellu), one of the most emblematic peaks of the Picos de Europa. The trail begins near the town of Sotres, the highest in Asturias, and crosses high mountain landscapes, alpine meadows and majestic gorges until reaching the Vega de Urriello, from where you will have spectacular views of this rocky mass. It is a demanding route, with steep passages, so it is not suitable for everyone. Of course, the most prepared will be able to live an unforgettable experience.

Archdeacon’s Path

The Senda del Arcediano is a historic route that connected Asturias and León, skirting the Beyos Gorge, connecting Cangas de Onís with Soto and Oseja de Sajambre through Amieva, the Toneyu Valley and Portillo de Beza. Today we can enjoy the route that goes from Amieva to Portillo de Beza, crossing beautiful oak and beech forests, with fantastic views of the mountain ranges. It is a perfect route for those who want to enjoy a quiet day of hiking, surrounded by nature and without major technical difficulties. Most of the route is quite accessible, making it an ideal option for families or beginner walkers.

Route through the lakes of Covadonga

The Lakes of Covadonga are one of the most emblematic landscapes of the Picos de Europa and its route is ideal for those looking for a shorter and more relaxed but equally striking hike. This circular trail goes around the Enol and La Ercina lakes, two glacial lakes located at 1,070 m and 1,108 m respectively, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. In addition, during the walk you can enjoy the green meadows where the characteristic brown cows of the mountains graze, which adds an even more picturesque touch to the experience. It is a simple and well-marked route, perfect for those who want to enjoy the tranquility of the mountain without complications.

Map of the Urdón-Tresviso route

The Urdón to Tresviso route is a short but intense walk that climbs from the Urdón River, in the Hermida Gorge, to the picturesque town of Tresviso, located at 907 meters above sea level. The path follows a series of bends on steep terrain, offering spectacular views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. Despite its short length, the accumulated slope is considerable, making it a route suitable for those who are used to walking in the mountains. Once we reach the top, we must take the opportunity to take a break and taste the famous Picón Bejes-Tresviso, a PDO cheese.

Fuente Dé Route – Picu Urriellu Refuge

This route combines two of the most spectacular points of the Picos de Europa: Fuente Dé and the base of the Naranjo de Bulnes. The walk begins after the ascent to the mountains with the Fuente Dé cable car, from where you access the heights of the central massif of the Picos. From here, the trail takes you through a magnificent alpine landscape to the Vega de Urriello, just below the Naranjo de Bulnes. Once here, if you wish, you can always connect with the route that takes us to Sotres and that we mentioned previously, thus completing a demanding but very enriching circuit, both for the beauty of the environment and for the majesty of the peaks.

Itinerary Hayedo de las Ilces

For those looking for a short and accessible route, suitable for doing with the family, the Hayedo de las Ilces is a perfect option. This small route begins in the town of Espinama and runs through a beech forest that, in autumn, turns reddish and golden, creating a landscape worthy of a postcard. It is an easy route and suitable for all ages, ideal for enjoying a relaxing walk surrounded by nature. A good example in addition to the fact that it is not necessary to climb the Picos massif to enjoy everything this place has to offer.