Stretching for 647 sq km (250 sq miles), this national park straddles three regions and is crowned by the Picos de Europa. These beautiful mountains were reputedly christened the “Peaks of Europe” by returning sailors for whom this was often the first sight of their homeland.
t Verdant plains surrounding the Lago de la Ercina, fringed by the Picos de Europa
Experience Asturias and Cantabria
t Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga
Encompassing deep winding gorges and verdant valleys, the Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa is rich walking territory. A dramatic footpath follows the Desfiladero del Río Cares gorge in the heart of the Picos, passing through tunnels and across high bridges. If this sounds too energetic, a cable car makes the 753-m (2,470-ft) ascent from Fuente Dé to a wild rocky plateau pitted with craters and offering a spectacular panorama of the Picos’ peaks and valleys. Other highlights include the Naranjo de Bulnes – a tooth-like crest, the sparkling Lago de la Ercina and the town of Covadonga, the site of Pelayo’s historic victory.
Did You Know?
Cabrales – the celebrated creamy blue cheese – is made in the park.
EXPERIENCE Asturias and Cantabria
Pelayo the Warrior
A statue of this Visigothic nobleman who became king of Asturias guards the basilica at Covadonga. It was close to this site, in AD 722, that Pelayo and a band of men – though vastly outnumbered – are said to have defeated a Moorish army. The victory inspired Christians in the north of Spain to reconquer the peninsula. The tomb of the warrior is in a cave which has become a shrine.