Picos de Europa

The Picos de Europa National Park is located at the tri-border region of Cantabria, Asturias and Castilla y León. It is part of the Cantabrian Mountains, which stretch across Northern Spain. Their most famous peak is Naranjo de Bulnes. The nearby village of Bulnes has become accessible no earlier than 2001 by a funicular which runs through a rock tunnel. Within the national park there are various mountain hiking trails. The Ruta de Cares — a canyon path — is also highly recommended. Another highlight is the Grotto of the Virgin of Covadonga with its basilica which commemorates the Battle of Covadonga in 722 — the victory of the Christians over the Muslim troops. Not far away from Covadonga, the charming mountain lakes of Enol and Ercina are located.

The following photographs were taken during a short excursion while walking on the Camino de la Costa. The city of Llanes provides a car rental in order to get from the coast into the national park.

Distance

Llanes (Camino de la Costa) — Bulnes, Sotres, 51 kilometers

Llanes (Camino de la Costa) — Canga de Onís, Covadonga, Lagos de Enol / de la Ercina, 58 kilometers

Bulnes, Sotres – Canga de Onís, Covadonga, Lago de Enol / de la Ercina, 63 kilometers