Mountains
The Picos de Europa Mountains rise up with imposing limestone peaks only 20km from the sea. With elevations up to 2500 meters they are snow capped for much of the year. They have deep, abrupt valleys and a working landscape, filled with lush green pastures and old stone shepherds huts.
Outside the National park, there are smaller mountain ranges nearby, which offer different options for day trips and walks. There are also many walks that can be enjoyed directly from Pulieru, without the need to get in the car.
Enjoying the mountains can be as gentle or as strenuous as you wish. From easy walks through secluded valleys, old fashioned villages and beech or chesnut forests, or taking more challenging, but very rewarding routes in the high mountains.
Picos de Europa
The most famous route in the Picos, is the spectacular Ruta Del Cares which follows the valley dividing the West and Central Massif. From the trail you will feel in awe of the towering rocks above and the sheer drops down to the river below. The route is relatively easy, although it is quite long at 21km and takes roughly six hours. A perfect solution to this, is to walk in one direction, and have a 4×4 adventure through the heart of the Picos in the other.
Another must see destination is the Lakes of Covadonga. From the immediate area near the lakes you can absorb the landscape with the emerald water, snow-capped peaks, accompanied by the gentle sound of cowbells. An impressive Mirador sits between the two lakes, which is worth a visit. Nevertheless we recommend taking a relatively easy walking trail, of a couple of hours, where you can quickly lose the crowds. The walk winds past Majadas (old shepherd huts), a beech forest, a plethora of wild flowers with a backdrop of the high peaks such as Pena Santa.
There are other hikes from the lakes that take more time but offer immense vistas and opportunities to see local wildlife such as chamois. These walks are very much recommended. The hike to Vega Ario for instance winds through the mountains to a meadow above the Cares Gorge with impressive views over to the Central Massif. Another route, heads in the opposite direction, up to the Mirador de Ordiales. From here are impressive views over to Ponga Natural park, not to mention the birds-eye view over the Amieva valley. If you’re lucky you might also get to appreciate close up flybys of Griffin vultures and Alpine choughs.
From Pulieru
There are some beautiful walks directly from Pulieru.
It’s possible to walk to Cangas de Onis on a number of routes at different levels. From them, you can enjoy Picos views, chestnut forests, wild flower meadows or the Güeña valley.
In the opposite direction, along the valley you can walk to Benia de Onis, with stunning mountain views. Passing through villages, such as Llenin and Taranu, you feel like you have stepped back in time.
There are short walks near the farm such as to the villages of Labra, Tresanu and Zardon.
For more energetic hikers you can walk up to the Peñas (peaks) of Cebia or Amanil, just behind Pulieru.
Our favourite is a relatively long, but very rewarding walk to Monfrechu. This is a peak that offers impressive views, not only of the Picos but the Sueve mountains and over to the coast of Ribadasella.
The Sueve
The small Sueve mountain range offers a different perspective, being only 4km from the coast. Again there are driving and walking options. On a clear day far-reaching views can be had, up and down the coast. You can visit he Fitu Mirador in the car, and it offers an amazing perspective of both the coast and the surrounding mountains.
Ponga
Ponga Natural Park is located to the west of the Picos. The area is sparsely populated, with abandoned villages, and offers some beautiful hikes and driving routes. Ponga is recommended, particularly in high season, if you really want to get away from it all.