Asturias and the Picos de Europa

How is Asturias?

Asturias has some of the most beautiful rural scenery in the whole of Spain. As well as spectacular snow topped mountains such as the Picos de Europa, there are deep valleys, rolling foothills and an outstanding coastline, much of which is a protected landscape situated on the northern coastal strip of the Iberian Peninsula,
The Picos de Europa are probably the best known mountain range of the area, but there are many other mountain ranges of outstanding beauty. The unspoilt Ponga mountain range to the west of the Picos de Europa, and the much smaller mountains close to the sea.

Picos de Europa a small description

In the north of the Spain, the high Cantabrian mountain range forms a natural barrier separating the parched central plateau from the northern coastal strip known as Green Spain. To the north of the central section of the Cantabrian mountain chain, lie the Picos De Europa, a limestone range approximately 40 km in length (E-W) and 20 Km wide (N-S).The scenery in the Picos de Europa is spectacular. Immense slopes and dramatic gorges, green valleys and beautiful forests, crystal clear streams and peaks dominating the horizon.

The hiking-River Dobra to Hoya de San Vicente

A pleasant ramble along the River Dobra, though short sections of the walk are rocky under foot. The water is crystal clear, with several river-pools for swimming, and a natural stone beach at the end of the walk.

The hiking-Circular walk around the Lakes of Covadonga

The beautiful mountain lakes of Enol and Ercina are one of the main access points to the Picos de Europa, so can be quite crowded in high season, but this short circuit takes you away from the crowds, through woodland and traditional settlements.

The hiking-Puerto Piedrashitas to Collado Viejo and Jario peak

A good varied walk on the southwest side of the Picos de Europa, with excellent views of the southern aspects of the central and western massifs, as well as the Ponga mountains. This walk starts at a height of 1450m, so is often above the cloud when there is low cloud on the north side of the range.

The hiking-Ordiales viewpoint and Pico Cotalba

Ordiales viewpoint is a rock balcony at 1000m above the Angon valley and facing the Ponga Mountains! Another Picos de Europa classic walk. For the further ascent to Cotalba some scrambling is necessary.