Asturias & Picos de Europa
Asturias is Spain's best-kept secret: A narrow region between the Cantabrian Mountains and the coast, proud of never being conquered by the Moors ("Asturias, patria querida"). Green pastures, dramatic limestone peaks, wild coasts, and a cider culture like no other.
The crown jewel is the Picos de Europa National Park — Spain's oldest national park (since 1918) with limestone peaks over 2,600 m high, deep gorges, mountain lakes, and one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Europe. Plus, brown bears, griffon vultures, wolves, and chamois.
Plan at least 4–5 days for Asturias: 2–3 for the Picos, 1–2 for the coast and the capital Oviedo.
💡 Tipp
Asturias is Spain's rainiest region — even in summer, unexpected downpours can occur. Always pack a rain jacket. The best time is June to September, with July/August being the driest months. The Picos can also be shrouded in clouds in the morning during summer — starting early is worth it!
Picos de Europa — Highlights★★★
★★★ Ruta del Cares (Cares Gorge)
The most famous hike in Spain: 12 km (one way) through a gorge up to 2,000 m deep, on a path carved into the rock, with tunnels, bridges, and dizzying precipices. From Poncebos to Caín (or vice versa). Easy to moderate, but not for those with a fear of heights.
Round trip 24 km, about 6–7 hours. Alternative: From Caín only 4 km to the narrowest point and back (2 hours). No entrance fee. Parking in Poncebos 5 €.
★★★ Fuente Dé — Cable Car
The Teleférico de Fuente Dé overcomes 753 meters of altitude in just 3 minutes and takes you to 1,823 m — right into a surreal lunar landscape of limestone. At the top, hiking trails lead to the Refugio de Áliva (1 hour) or back to the valley via the Horcados Rojos viewpoint.
Round trip 21 €, one way 14 €. Daily 9–18 (summer until 20). In high season, queues can be up to 2 hours — arrive early (before 9) or book online!
★★ Lagos de Covadonga
Two mountain lakes (Enol and Ercina) over 1,000 m high — postcard-perfect, surrounded by green meadows with free-roaming cows and sharp limestone peaks. In summer (July 15 – September 15), the road is closed to private vehicles; instead, a shuttle bus from Covadonga (9 €, every 15 min).
★★ Covadonga
A sacred place for Spain: Here in 722, the Reconquista began with Don Pelayo's victory over the Moors. The Santa Cueva (Holy Cave) with the Virgen de Covadonga and the neo-Romanesque basilica (1901) are pilgrimage destinations. Freely accessible.
Coast & Oviedo
★★ Oviedo
Asturias' elegant capital (220,000 inhabitants) with a beautiful car-free old town, pre-Romanesque churches (UNESCO World Heritage: Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, 9th century), and an excellent cider scene. The El Fontán market is an experience.
Tip: In Calle Gascona (Cider Boulevard), Sidrerías line up one after another. 1 bottle of cider (70 cl) from 4 €, traditionally "escancado" — poured from 60 cm height into the glass.
★★ Playa de Gulpiyuri
A beach without a sea — or rather: an inland beach, 100 m from the coast, connected to the sea through underground channels. Only 40 m long, but one of the most unusual beaches in Europe. Swimmable at low tide.
Near Llanes, free access, 500 m walk from the parking lot. Best to come at high tide when there's water.
★ Cudillero
One of the most picturesque fishing villages in Spain: Colorful houses cling to a steep amphitheater slope above the harbor. Excellent fresh fish in the harbor restaurants (Menú del día from 12 €).
★ Playa del Silencio
One of the most beautiful wild beaches in Asturias — gray cliffs, turquoise water, no infrastructure. 15-minute descent via stairs. No lifeguards, bring a towel and provisions.