Attractions and Places To See around Parque Nacional de Picos de Europa - Top 20

The Ruta del Cares is often hailed as one of the most spectacular hikes, winding through a deep gorge with jaw-dropping views, tunnels, and bridges. The first 6 kilometers from Caín are particularly impressive. For other outdoor activities, you can explore various mountain hikes, MTB trails, and running routes listed in the Mountain Hikes around Parque Nacional de Picos de Europa guide.

For unforgettable panoramic views, take the Fuente Dé Cable Car, which ascends to an altitude of around 1,823 meters. At the top, the El Cable Viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the Picos de Europa, the Liébana Valley, and the Cantabrian Mountains. Additionally, the park is dotted with numerous viewpoints such as Mirador del Pozo de la Oración, Mirador de la Reina, and Mirador del Corzo.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Fuente Dé Cable Car provides an exciting ride and access to high mountain views without strenuous hiking, making it accessible for most. The Lakes of Covadonga offer beautiful, relatively easy walks around the glacial lakes, perfect for a family outing. Many viewpoints, including El Cable Viewpoint, are also easily accessible and offer spectacular scenery.

The region is rich in history. The Sanctuary of Covadonga is a significant historical and religious site, featuring the Holy Cave and an imposing basilica. The medieval village of Potes, considered the capital of Liébana, offers cobbled streets, historic stone houses, and sights like the Torre del Infantado. Santo Toribio de Liébana is an important pilgrimage site housing a relic believed to be a fragment of the Cross of Christ. You can also explore prehistoric caves with ancient paintings, such as El Pindal, La Loja, and Buxu.

The Picos de Europa are characterized by dramatic mountain landscapes, deep gorges, and glacial lakes. Notable features include the breathtaking Lakes of Covadonga (Enol and Ercina), the iconic limestone peak of Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu), and the highest peak, Torre de Cerredo. The spectacular Desfiladero de la Hermida is a 21-kilometer-long gorge offering a stunning scenic drive.

Beyond Potes, consider visiting Bulnes, a remote village only accessible by a funicular railway from Poncebos, offering a unique isolated charm. Sotres, the highest village in Picos de Europa, is known for its traditional character, stunning views, and Cabrales cheese production. Mogrovejo is another picturesque village with beautifully preserved historic buildings and a mountain backdrop.

Yes, along the Ruta del Cares, you can encounter the Dwarves' Tunnels, a series of 71 tunnels carved into the rock. Further along the trail, you'll find the Ruins of the Shepherds’ Settlement, an abandoned village in a unique canyon setting, often inhabited by mountain goats.

While the guide doesn't specify, generally, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to October) are ideal for hiking in Picos de Europa, offering more stable weather and snow-free trails at lower to mid-altitudes. However, conditions can vary, and higher elevations may retain snow longer. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.

The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain hikes, such as the 'Viewpoint – Horcados Rojos loop from Fuente Dé', detailed in the Mountain Hikes around Parque Nacional de Picos de Europa guide. For cycling enthusiasts, there are MTB trails like the 'Ándara Massif Trail' in the MTB Trails around Parque Nacional de Picos de Europa guide. Running trails, including the 'Lakes of Covadonga Circular Trail', are also available in the Running Trails around Parque Nacional de Picos de Europa guide.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the sense of adventure. The Ruta del Cares is loved for its spectacular views and immersive nature experience. The Fuente Dé Cable Car and El Cable Viewpoint are highly rated for their panoramic vistas and easy access to high mountain terrain. The diverse environment, rich in bird species, ibex, and other animals, also contributes to a memorable experience.

Cangas de Onís, once the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias, is a popular starting point for many hiking trails and features a famous Roman bridge. Potes, recognized as one of Spain's most beautiful villages, is another excellent base, especially for exploring the Liébana region and accessing the Fuente Dé Cable Car.