Holiday in Picos de Europa
Area in Spain — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇸
Country
Spain
Type
Area
Best time to travel
June–September (high summer can be hot)
Budget/day
50–85 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Santander, Bilbao, or Asturias (Oviedo), then rental car. The national park has several entrances.
About Picos de Europa
The Picos de Europa are Spain's oldest national park and a spectacular limestone mountain range between Asturias, Cantabria, and León. Deep gorges like the Garganta del Cares, peaks over 2,600 meters, and emerald-green mountain lakes make this mountain range one of the most impressive hiking areas in Europe. The Picos are only 20 kilometers from the coast — nowhere else in Spain do high mountains rise so close to the sea. The Cares Gorge is the park's most famous hiking trail: A path carved into the rock leads 12 kilometers through a limestone gorge up to 200 meters deep between Poncebos and Caín — an experience referred to as the “Divine Gorge.” The cable car from Fuente Dé takes visitors to an altitude of 1,823 meters in just four minutes, from where hikes to the Hotel de Áliva or the summit of Peña Vieja begin. The mountain lakes Lagos de Covadonga (Enol and Ercina) are nestled in a pastoral landscape and are among the most photographed sights in northern Spain. The Basilica of Covadonga, built into a natural rock cave, marks the site of the first Christian battle against the Moors in 722. The surrounding villages such as Potes, Sotres, and Bulnes (accessible only on foot or by funicular) preserve a traditional mountain culture. The region's cuisine features Cocido Lebaniego (mountain stew), Cabrales cheese (aged in caves), and Asturian Sidra (apple cider).
Top 5 highlights in Picos de Europa
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Ruta del Cares
The spectacular “Divine Gorge” is a 12 km hike along a path carved into the rock walls – a must for every hiker.
Lagos de Covadonga
The two glacial lakes Enol and Ercina at 1,100 m are surrounded by green mountain meadows and limestone peaks – a postcard motif.
Fuente Dé Cable Car
The gondola overcomes 753 meters in altitude in just 4 minutes and takes visitors to 1,823 m – from there, numerous high mountain routes begin.
Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu)
The iconic limestone monolith (2,519 m) is the landmark of the Picos and a dream destination for climbers.
Basilica of Covadonga
The chapel built into a cave is the site where the Reconquista began in 722 AD – a pilgrimage site of national significance.
Hotels in Picos de Europa
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Picos de Europa
Recommended travel time
June–September (high summer can be hot)
Summer
Changeable, 15–25 °C in the valleys, cooler at altitude
Winter
Cold, 0–8 °C, snow from 1,200 m
How much does a holiday in Picos de Europa cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
25–40 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
50–85 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
120–250 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Picos de Europa
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The Ruta del Cares is 24 km round trip – alternatively, arrange a transfer at the other end.
The Lagos de Covadonga are only accessible by shuttle bus in summer (July 15 – September 15) – private vehicles are prohibited.
Cabrales cheese is aged in the caves of the Picos – a cheese factory tour in Arenas de Cabrales is recommended.
Weather can change quickly – even in summer, bring warm layers and rain gear.
Potes in the Liébana valley is the best starting point for the Cantabrian side of the Picos.
Food & drink in Picos de Europa
These specialties you must try!
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