Picos de Europa National Park

Picos de Europa National Park is the largest protected area in Spain, with 64.660 hectares in size. It consists mainly of three big mountain massifs which occupy part of the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla –León. In 2002 it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

There are more than 200 peaks which are over 2000metres above sea level, impressive canyons, chasms, and caves that have been carved with the force of karstic erosion. Which has also formed two distinct and famous lakes: Enol and Ercina in the park, known as Covadonga Lakes because they are a short distance from Covadonga Basilica, a popular place for pilgrims.

Many visitors to stay near the coast and make a day trip to Picos de Europa. Others stay at nearby towns as: Potes, Cangas de Onís, Cabrales, Espinama…

Geography

The park essentially consists of 3 main mountain massifs: western, central (the most mountainous) and eastern massif. All three of them are mainly composed of limestone creating a large variety of karstic formations, such as: caves, canyons, gorges, underground rivers …that offer plenty for walkers, climbers and cavers of all skill levels.

The central massif is perhaps the most impressive and abrupt. The highest mountain of the whole park lies here; Torrecerredo 2648m, Naranjo de Bulnes standing at 2519m (locally known as Urriellu) is another classic mountain challenge in Europe, at the foot is the Vega de Urriello refuge.
The southern part of the central massif has virtually no vegetation making it seem somewaht as a lunar landscape whilst the northern side is much greener and holds interesting flora which brings thousands of flora enthusiasts every year.

The main access points into the park are:

Southern access points: Fuente Dé, 28 km from Potes, is where you can access via the cable car. Posada de Valdeón, Oseja de Sajambre are other access points in Cantabria on the southern side of the park
Eastern access points: Panes, Beges
Northern access points: Cangas de Onís, Arenas de Cabrales.

Climate

The park is quite mountainous, so the climate depends on what part of the park you are in. It is advisable to go prepared for the cold because in the mountains you never know what the weather will be like, it can change at the drop of a hat.
Weather changes extremely rapidly in Picos, you could find yourself going through all four seasons in just a one day trek. And although summer months generally provide good weather, the foggy clouds descending rapidly and leaving very little visibility can always can occur.

Flora

There are more than 2000 documented plant species in the park. But as you climb higher there are fewer. Visitors wil find luxuriant woods full of trees: oak, ash, beech, chestnut and holly. An interesting collection of orchids can also be found there.
April, May and June are probably the best months to visit the park, as everything is in bloom there is a glorious variety of colour.

Fauna

Thanks to a recovery programme in the park it is now possible to see different species of birds like: the Golden eagle, the bearded vulture, the common vulture and the Egyptian vulture. They nest in the walls of the mountain. Capercailles are also in the park, but they are not so easy to see they tend to hide in leafy forest areas.
Although The most characteristic animal in the park, without a doubt, is the chamois. There are several brown bears who go round in pairs, but it is difficult to see them. There are also wolves, wild boars, roe deer, wild cats, pine martins, weasels, stoats, otters etc.
There are two rivers, the Cares and the Deva, which run through the Peaks of Europe National Park. They are the main salmon rivers in the Iberian peninsula.

Activities

A wide range of activities are available within and around the National Park.

• Trekking is probably the most popular as is climbing. There are hundreds of different walks suitable for all ages and degree of fitness.
• Climbing
• Canoeing
• Canyoning
• Quad biking
• Mountain biking
• Hot air balloon rides
• Wildlife observation
• Fishing. You will need a permit issued by the local governement to allow you to fish in the National Park rivers.
• Cultural visits

Trekking Tips

• Take plenty of drinking water, even though we are in green Spain, water can be almost impossible to find in some of the higher parts of Picos.
• It is highly reccommendable to take a good trekking map. You can buy a decent map in towns in the vicinity of Picos de Europa National Park (Cabrales,Panes,Potes,Llanes,Cangas de Onís). The best and most complete trekking map is probably the Adrados Map
• Mobile phone coverage is variable. Some areas of the park are covered, most are not.
• If walking off track beware of cracks and holes. They could lead into a deep cave that can difficult to get out of.
• Trekking independently is perfectly safe if you stay on the marked route, however a local guide will provide you with much more information and possibilities.
• Camping is not allowed in the park, although there are a number of refuges that offer basic accommodation if you are stuck in the middle of the mountain for the night. There is also a hotel in the Áliva area (southern section of the central massif) open during the summer months. Accommodation is widely available although not massified around surrounding towns.
• Some hotels and cottages offer a pick up taxi service, that is: you start your trek at point A and finish at point B; your taxi will take you first to point A and later collect you at point B.
• There is a cable car in Fuente Dé that takes you right up to 1850m in just a few minutes. It is certainly a great option for day treks or even “Across Picos” treks
• Wear comfortable footwear to avoid burns and blisters.
• Weather can change rapidly in Picos. Always take a waterproof jacket in case it starts raining
• Tell your accommodation manager where you are trekking, what route you are planning to take. It may help to locate you if in need