The trail crosses some of the most representative landscapes of the eastern massif of the Picos de Europa. As hikers gain elevation, they are rewarded with sweeping views of valleys, limestone peaks, and expansive alpine pastures that transform with the changing seasons.

With a moderate level of difficulty and well-marked tracks and paths, the route is suitable for most hiking enthusiasts. Along the way, it is common to encounter livestock grazing freely and traditional shepherds’ buildings that reflect the long-standing connection between local communities and the surrounding mountains.

One of the highlights of this hike is reaching the Áliva meadows, a unique mountain landscape surrounded by some of the most iconic peaks in the national park. The area offers a sense of openness and tranquillity that contrasts with the busier sections of the Picos de Europa.

The route is also an excellent choice for wildlife observation and landscape photography. The changing light across the mountains, particularly during sunrise and sunset, creates breathtaking scenery that attracts photographers and nature lovers alike.

The Sotres to Áliva Trail is a fantastic way to discover the true character of the Picos de Europa. Combining spectacular mountain views, traditional pastoral heritage, and peaceful natural surroundings, it provides an unforgettable hiking experience in one of northern Spain’s most beautiful regions.

La entrada Route Sotres Aliva se publicó primero en Hotel La Rivera.

The lakes can be reached from the Royal Site of Covadonga via a winding mountain road that climbs through forests and rolling hills. During certain times of the year, vehicle access is restricted in order to protect the environment, and visitors are encouraged to use the shuttle bus service that operates between Covadonga and the lakes.

Once at the lakes, visitors can enjoy several walking routes suitable for different fitness levels. One of the most popular options is the circular trail linking Lake Enol and Lake Ercina, an easy and enjoyable walk that allows visitors to fully appreciate the area’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Beyond their spectacular scenery, the Covadonga Lakes are also known for their long-standing pastoral tradition. It is common to see cows grazing freely across the mountain pastures, creating the quintessential image that has become synonymous with this protected landscape.

The area also holds great cultural and historical significance. Just a short distance away lies the Sanctuary of Covadonga, one of Asturias’ most important landmarks. This combination of natural beauty, history, and local tradition makes the visit especially rewarding for travelers.

Whether you are a hiking enthusiast or simply looking to admire one of Spain’s most remarkable landscapes, the Covadonga Lakes offer an unforgettable experience. Their dramatic setting within the Picos de Europa makes them one of the most photographed and admired destinations in Asturias.

La entrada Lakes of Covadonga se publicó primero en Hotel La Rivera.

The hike to Bulnes starts in Poncebos, where a well-marked trail follows the course of the Tejo River. Along the way, hikers pass through narrow gorges, cross picturesque bridges, and walk through beautiful natural scenery that showcases the region’s rugged beauty. Although a funicular railway also connects Poncebos and Bulnes, reaching the village on foot provides a much more rewarding experience.

The traditional route is considered moderately challenging and covers approximately 4 kilometers each way. The elevation gain requires a reasonable level of fitness, particularly during the warmer months. However, the spectacular views and peaceful surroundings make the effort worthwhile from start to finish.

Upon arriving in Bulnes, visitors can wander through its charming stone-paved streets, admire the traditional stone houses, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a village that remained largely isolated from the outside world for centuries. Several local establishments also offer the opportunity to sample traditional Asturian cuisine while taking in the impressive mountain scenery.

The hike to Bulnes is also an excellent starting point for exploring other areas of the Picos de Europa. From the village, several mountain trails branch off into the surrounding peaks and valleys, allowing visitors to discover even more of this remarkable natural environment.

Whether you are looking for a scenic hiking route or hoping to visit one of Spain’s most unique mountain villages, the hike to Bulnes offers a memorable combination of nature, history, and local tradition in one of the most beautiful corners of northern Spain.

La entrada Climb to the town of Bulnes se publicó primero en Hotel La Rivera.

The route follows a historic path originally built to maintain the hydroelectric canal that links the two villages. Stretching for approximately 12 kilometers each way, the trail passes through tunnels, narrow pathways carved into the rock, and bridges suspended above dramatic cliffs, creating an unforgettable hiking experience.

Although the trail does not involve significant elevation gain, its overall distance requires a reasonable level of fitness. As it is a linear route, many hikers either complete it as an out-and-back walk or arrange transportation between the two endpoints to avoid retracing their steps.

Throughout the journey, the scenery continually changes. Towering limestone cliffs, the sound of the river flowing far below, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the gorge make every section of the trail a memorable experience for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

The Cares Trail is suitable for hikers with a moderate level of experience and offers one of the best ways to explore the heart of the Picos de Europa. The area’s unique geology, abundant wildlife, and sense of scale leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits.

Whether you are exploring Asturias for the first time or returning to discover more of northern Spain, the Cares Trail is an essential adventure that showcases the extraordinary beauty and grandeur of one of the country’s most remarkable natural landscapes.

La entrada Route of Cares se publicó primero en Hotel La Rivera.

The magnetism of this mountain is something inexplicable. It is popularly known as Naranjo de Bulnes, although the real name of this 2,518 meter high giant is Picu Urriellu. That said, we are within the Picos de Europa National Park. Specifically, we are going to enter the so-called Central Massif or Urrieles Massif in Asturian territory. And, although we are not facing its highest peak, we can say that it is one of the most emblematic peaks of the National Park.

Starting point: The easiest way to get to the Urriellu refuge is from Collado de Pandébano.

It is a technically simple route that runs along a very marked path but that covers about 900m of elevation gain over a distance of around 7Km. Keep in mind that we will reach almost 2000m altitude.

La entrada Climb to Urriellu or Naranjo de Bulnes se publicó primero en Hotel La Rivera.

How to get there: From Arenas de Cabrales take the road that goes to Sotres. Pass through the town towards Tresviso until you reach the hill and to the Jito de Escarandi signposted car park, 3.5km from Sotres.

We are going to recommend a beautiful route within the Picos de Europa, in the eastern area. This route is good to do if you are near Arenas de Cabrales and if you have already done the Cares path or if you want something more “exclusive” in terms of solitude on the way.

La entrada Andara Circular se publicó primero en Hotel La Rivera.