Las Arenas de Cabrales Asturias Travel Guide & 7 Worthwhile Things to See in the Picos de Europa Asturias
Las Arenas de Cabrales is a picturesque mountain village at the foothills of the incredible Picos de Europa National Park in Spain. As one of Spain’s top National Parks, the Picos de Europa is divided between the three autonomous regions of Asturias, Castile and Leon, and Cantabria.
Las Arenas de Cabrales is one of the best places to visit in the Asturias region of the park.
Las Arenas de Cabrales is known for its access points to the Ruta del Cares or the Cares Gorge hiking route. The village is the gateway to some of the most lovely Picos de Europa mountain villages, like Bulnes and Sotres.
Las Arenas de Cabrales name also implies its connection to the famous Cabrales Cheese, which is aged in the nearby limestone caves.
If planning on hiking the Picos de Europa for a few days, Las Arenas de Cabrales is an ideal place to base and is connected with frequent and convenient buses during the tourist season.
This is the complete guide to Las Arenas de Cabrales, and how to make the most of a visit to the Picos de Europa National Park from this mountain town.
Table of Contents
- Things to Do in Las Arenas de Cabrales Asturias
- Where to Eat in Las Arenas de Cabrales
- Gear Shops & Facilities in Las Arenas de Cabrales
- Las Arenas de Cabrales or Poncebos?
- Where to Stay in Las Arenas de Cabrales
- Conclusion | Las Arenas de Cabrales Asturias Travel Guide
7 Best Things to Do in Las Arenas de Cabrales Spain
Here are seven of the best things to do in Las Arenas de Cabrales, which include nearby day hikes in the Picos de Europa.
1 | Hike the Famous Cares Gorge
The Cares Gorge hike, or Ruta del Cares, may just be considered the most beautiful hiking route in the entire Picos de Europa National Park. This full-day hike connects the two picturesque mountain hamlets of Caín de Valdeón (León) and Poncebos (Asturias).
If staying in Arenas de Cabrales, the Ruta del Cares hike is accessible from nearby Poncebos.
The Cares Gorge hike is around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) each way and can easily be completed in a day. Although the route is mostly flat, this epic hiking trail in the Picos de Europa includes stunning views of the Cares River and rugged limestone cliffs. The Ruta del Cares hike boasts trickling waterfalls, unique bridges, cliff walkways, and some seriously curious and jovial goats.
The Cares Gorge hike is the most popular hiking route in the Picos de Europa and is an easy day trip from Las Arenas de Cabrales.
🥾 Cares Gorge Hike | Official Trail Reference: PR-PNPE 3, Ruta del Cares | Distance: Under 7.5 Miles Each Way (12 KM or 24 KM round-trip | Duration: 6 – 8 hours | Trail markers: Yellow & White Rectangles
How to Get to Ruta del Cares Trailhead from Las Arenas de Cabrales
There is a free parking lot in Las Arenas near the Apartamento Llaneces hotel and laundry mat. This large parking lot is close to the bus stop that connects Las Arenas and Poncebos.
If you have a car, it’s possible to park along the open stretch of road in Poncebos, although a spot is not guaranteed and is almost impossible to snag during the summer months.
Las Arenas de Cabrales to Poncebos is only a 10-minute drive.
Buses from Las Arenas de Cabrales to Poncebos
The bus company ALSA connects the small mountain hamlets of Las Arenas de Cabrales, Poncebos, Sotres, and Tielve. It also runs the Bulnes funicular. These buses run daily from June 1 to October 16 and often have a special schedule that coincides with Semana Santa in March or April (Holy Week).
| Las Arenas de Cabrales Departure Time |
| 8:15 |
| 9:15 |
| 10:00 |
| 11:00 |
| 12:00 |
| 13:00 |
| 17:00 |
| 18:00 |
| 19:00 |
The bus from Las Arenas de Cabrales only takes 10 – 15 minutes to Poncebos and will drop off at the Hostal Poncebos or at the nearby parking lot for the Bulnes Funicular.
Buses depart from Las Arenas here, and a ticket to Poncebos costs €1.55 for a one-way ticket. Pay the driver upon entering the bus.
Licensed Taxi Drivers in Las Arenas de Cabrales
Alternatively, there are plenty of certified and licensed taxi drivers in the Cabrales region that offer their services. The standard fare from Las Arenas de Cabrales to Poncebos is around €8.
| License Number | Phone Number |
| 1 | 616 961 201 |
| 2 | 616 961 201 |
| 5 | 608 182 242 |
| 6 | 625 201 900 |
| 9 | 662 547 265 |
| 13 | 662 166 060 |
| 14 | 616 191 996 |
| 16 | 660 190 561 |
| 17 | 630 916 032 |
2 | Visit the Mountain Village of Bulnes
One of the most special villages of Asturias is Bulnes. Although small, Bulnes is a picturesque mountain hamlet that boasts an Albergue Villa de Bulnes, a few cafes and restaurants, a small church, and multiple viewpoints.
The village of Bulnes has a population of 34 residents but is filled with an artistic and eclectic vibe. This is one of the more unique places to see in the Picos de Europa, as the village can not be accessed by car.
Bulnes is actually made up of two hamlets: Bulnes de Arriba (High) and Bulnes de Abajo (Low). The two hamlets are connected via a scenic path, and both offer incredible viewpoints.
There is a diverse range of hikes from Bulnes; some are easy, and some are tough. For a short hike, head to the Mirador de Bulnes. For something a bit more challenging, head to Sotres.
Two of the toughest hikes from Bulnes include the trek to Refugio Vega de Urriellu and Refugio Jou de los Cabrones, the highest mountain hut in the Picos de Europa. These two hikes from Bulnes are strenuous and are recommended to be split over two days, with the option to sleep at the mountain huts.
How to Get to Bulnes from Las Arenas de Cabrales
There are two popular ways to reach Bulnes: either hike or ride the Bulnes funicular, which was completed in 2001. Remember, from Las Arenas de Cabrales, you’ll need to first go to Poncebos and then Bulnes.
Hike to Bulnes from Poncebos
The hike from Poncebos to Bulnes is an enjoyable uphill climb through the jagged limestone cliffs. The trail is just under 3 miles and takes about an hour or so. The trailhead starts close to the Cares Gorge trailhead from Poncebos, but be mindful that the trail is narrow and there are no guardrails.
The trail from Poncebos to Bulnes is known as La Canal del Texu.
🥾 Poncebos to Bulnes | Distance: 2.8 Miles | Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours | Trail markers: Red & White Rectangles | Canal del Texu Hike Map
Take the Bulnes Funicular
The Bulnes Funicular takes only 7 minutes to reach Bulnes once it departs Poncebos. The funicular is run by the company Alsa and costs 22.16 Euros for a round-trip ticket( 17.61€ one-way). The Bulnes Funicular departs Poncebos every half hour.
Here’s the current schedule with ALSA and more helpful information.
3 | Understand the Unique Cabrales Cheese
Cabrales Cheese is unique to the Asturias region and is registered as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Cabrales Cheese is a strong Spanish blue cheese that is made from blends of milk from cows, sheep, and goats that roam free high in the small mountain zone of Asturias and the Picos de Europa.
Cabrales Cheese must be produced and come from livestock only in the 9 small municipalities of Cabrales.
The cheese is aged in the limestone caves for two to five months. The natural limestone caves are cool, yet humid, and are ideal for creating the strong blue cheese. This distinctive cheese pairs perfectly with the cider that is popular in the Asturias region.
There are two places to sample and understand the Cabrales cheese-making process right in Las Arenas de Cabrales.
Cueva del Queso de Cabrales
The Cueva del Queso de Cabrales is a unique opportunity to learn about Cabrales Cheese right where aging happens, in a cave! The entire tour is in the cave and explains the life of the shepherds, the tools for making the cheese, and how the cheese-making process has changed over the years.
During this cheese tour, it’s possible to see the actual Cabrales cheese aging on wooden shelves in the cave.
The cave must be visited as a guided tour and includes a sampling of the cheese that is paired with a local cider. All tours are in Spanish, but the guide provides a tablet with a complementary tour in English.
Cueva del Queso de Cabrales | Find it here: AS-264, 6, 33554 Las Arenas Asturias | Tours: 10:15-13:45 /16:15-19:45, tours are every half hour and approximately 45 minutes | General Admission: €6 | Official Website
Quesería Vega de Tordín
The Quesería Vega de Tordín is another artisan cheese maker that explains how Cabrales Cheese is produced. While this tour in Las Arenas de Cabrales isn’t in a cave, it shows more details about the animals and the milking process.
As this tour involves animals, the Quesería Vega de Tordín tour is one of the best things to do in Las Arenas de Cabrales with kids. Children are provided with tools to feed and care for the livestock during the tour.
There is also a tasting of Cabrales Cheese at the end of the tour.
Quesería Vega de Tordín | Find it here: Barrio La, Cam. de la Ería | Tours: 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30 | Guided Tours are approximately 45 minutes | General Admission: €8 | Official Website
4 | Village & Riverwalk
Las Arenas de Cabrales boasts a lovely river walk along the Rio Casaño. Of course, don’t miss twisting and turning through the streets lined with stone houses in the village itself.
There are plenty of Sidrería (Cider Houses) and small plazas to enjoy while strolling through the village.
5 | Sample the Local Asturian Cider
Don’t leave the Picos de Europa without sampling a typical cider from a Sirería (Cider House). Cider is a popular drink found throughout much of northern Spain. In the Basque Region, places like Astigarraga showcase the Basque cider culture, but the cider of Asturias is much different.
Typical cider houses in Asturias serve the local cider with a fun escanciador, or a manual pourer that mimics the typical 45-degree angle pour. Asturias cider is typically poured high from the glass to help awaken the true essence of the drink.
Asturias cider is always served in a large bottle and is best shared with friends, as the bottles are typically larger than a wine bottle.
6 | Hike the Ruta de Casaño
Another fantastic day hike in the foothills of the Picos de Europa is the Ruta Rio Casaño. This scenic hike follows the Casaño River and twists through an enchanted chestnut forest, passes waterfalls, and includes views of the stunning limestone cliffs.
This day hike is easily accessed from Canales, which is a short taxi or bus ride from Las Arenas de Cabrales.
The Ruta de Casaño starts from the small village of La Molina and is a hidden gem hike in the Picos de Europa.
How to Get to La Molina Asturias from Las Arenas de Cabrales
Drive, take a bus, or hail a taxi from Las Arenas de Cabrales to Canales de Cabrales
Driving to La Molina
The village of La Molina does not allow outside vehicles in the hamlet. There is a small designated parking area with only a handful of parking spots, maybe for six to eight cars. Parking is one of the biggest challenges.
In my opinion, it’s best to bus to Canales de Cabrales or taxi directly to the trailhead.
Buses to Canales from Las Arenas de Cabrales
🚐 Las Arenas de Cabrales to Canales de Cabrales Bus Information | Bus Company: Alsa | Duration: 10 minutes | Bus Ticket Price: €1.55 | Morning Bus Times: 7:30, 8:25, 9:00 | Check the Alsa Bus Schedule Here
From where the buses drop, you’ll need to walk 1.5 miles, or 2.5 kms, to the trailhead along the road.
Taxis to La Molina
Alternatively, a verified taxi is fast and convenient. Taxis drop right at La Molina village in around 15 minutes. The taxi fare is around €11 for the entire van. With more people, the price decreases.
7 | Spend the Afternoon in the Highest Village of the Picos de Europa, Sotres
Another popular day trip from Las Arenas de Cabrales is to Sotres, the highest elevated mountain village in the Picos de Europa. At an altitude of 3,445 feet (1,050 m), the small village of Sotres Asturias has a population of only 130 people.
Sotres is connected now by a road, but has plenty of hiking routes that lead to the village. A few cheese shops sell Cabrales Cheese. Sotres also has a handful of restaurants and accommodation options.
The colorful buildings make the town a delightful place to enjoy for a few hours at a relaxing pace.
How to Visit Sotres from Las Arenas de Cabrales
It’s possible to drive to Sotres, take the bus, or hike to Sotres. With the convenient and frequent bus system, it’s now easier than ever to reach Sotres. The bus from Las Arenas de Cabrales has access to Sotres.
Buses stop in Poncebos, where you transfer to a small minibus. The bus route is Las Arenas de Cabrales ➜ Poncebos ➜ Tielve ➜ Sotres. This route takes about 45 minutes and costs €2.60 for a one-way ticket.
| Las Arenas de Cabrales Departure Time |
| 8:15 |
| 9:15 |
| 10:00 |
| 11:00 |
| 12:00 |
| 13:00 |
| 17:00 |
| 18:00 |
| 19:00 |
Hiking to Sotres from Poncebos
Alternatively, it’s possible to follow the hiking route from Poncebos ➜ Bulnes ➜ Sotres. This awesome and full-day hike is about 8.25 miles and takes at least 6 hours. The complete Poncebos hiking circuit also includes the village of Tielve and returns to Poncebos.
The hike to Sotres boasts stunning views of the Narranjo de Bulnes mastiff.
What’s unique about this hiking route is the chance to pass through Invernales del Texu, a cluster of abandoned huts that shepherds use for shelter in the winter for their livestock.
Where to Eat in Las Arenas de Cabrales
There are lots of awesome places to eat and drink in Las Arenas de Cabrales.
Santelmo Restaurante Cafetería is an excellent restaurant and cafeteria that offers typical Asturian cuisine, bocadillas (sandwiches), meat and cheese trays of local provisions, tapas, and a fully stocked bar. The staff here is extremely friendly and was even so kind as to arrange a taxi for me to the Ruta Rio Casaño trailhead.
Grab a seat at the cafeteria bar for snacks and tapas or enjoy a hearty menu del dia from the restaurant.
Panadería Cafetería Cideres is a yummy, fresh bakery in Las Arenas de Cabrales that has delicious pastries, cakes, and fresh bread. There is indoor or outdoor seating available. Excellent coffee options in a cozy atmosphere.
La Cabraliega is a restaurant and bar that also has a small shop selling local provisions connected to it. There are a few outdoor tables that have a covered awning, as well as a few places to sit inside. This is an ideal place to sample Cabrales Cheese and cider or make an impromptu charcuterie board. There is a full menu that includes heaping portions of Asturian cuisine.
➜ Psst… La Cabraliega also has one of the best hotels in Las Arenas de Cabrales.
Gear Shops & Facilities in Las Arenas de Cabrales
While the town of Las Arenas de Cabrales is small, there are quite a few shops that provide everything from jackets, rain gear, hiking sticks, hats, boots, and any other item you might have forgotten for hiking in the Picos de Europa.
The shops also carry hygiene products, groceries, and local provisions for picnic lunches. The main gear shops are found on the main street of Las Arenas de Cabrales, right across from the town’s bus station.
Since Las Arenas de Cabrales is connected via one of the main roads through the park, it makes for an ideal place to visit for those on a Picos de Europa National Park road trip. Those who are traveling by RV can enjoy the free parking near the hotel; however, be mindful that there are no services for water or loading/unloading.
Las Arenas de Cabrales or Poncebos?
Las Arenas de Cabrales is easily connected to Poncebos, so which one should you stay in to make the most of your time in the Picos de Europa? Well, that depends.
If looking to experience more of a cultural aspect, stay in Las Arenas de Cabrales. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, cider houses, and lots of accommodation options. Those traveling with kids will have a lot more things to do, including a playground and a nice river walk.
The Rio Casaño hike is also more convenient to reach from Las Arenas.
Serious hikers should opt to stay in Poncebos, since there are multiple day hikes and multi-day treks that start right from Poncebos.
Be mindful that Poncebos has only three hotels that each include a restaurant and bar. The food is more limited, and there is no nightlife. If staying in Poncebos, make sure to have most of your provisions, gear, and supplies ready to go.
☛ Psst… Hostal Poncebos is an awesome place to base in the Picos de Europa National Park, especially for hikers!
Where to Stay in Las Arenas de Cabrales
There are many diverse places to stay in Las Arenas de Cabrales. Find everything from Hotel Rurals, Apartments, and a wide range of hotel options.
☛ Outside of town, there are camping options available at Camping Naranjo de Bulnes
Top -Rated Places to Stay in Las Arenas de Cabrales, Spain
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Las Arenas de Cabrales Spain
Conclusion | Las Arenas de Cabrales Travel Guide
In short, this is the complete guide to Las Arenas de Cabrales, Spain. This village is an excellent option to explore the Asturias section of the Picos de Europa National Park.
Las Arenas de Cabrales is a picturesque mountain village that sits along the river and is nestled between the limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa in Spain.
There are plenty of awesome things to do in Las Arenas de Cabrales, from worthwhile day hikes, cheese tours, visiting mountain villages, and sampling the local Asturian gastronomy.
Las Arenas de Cabrales offers plenty of amenities and is well-connected with public transportation. Alternatively, if driving through the Picos de Europa, Las Arenas is perfect to utilize the free parking lot.
Las Arenas de Cabrales is a spectacular town to enjoy the many things to see in the Picos de Europa National Park.
Have you visited the Picos de Europa in Spain? Did you visit Las Arenas de Cabrales? What did you think of the Principality of Asturias section of Los Picos? Any updates I should know about? Let me know in the comments below!
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This is very helpful! I have a couple questions about transportation, as that is the piece of the puzzle that I can’t quite figure out.
The free lot in Las Arenas – can one leave their rental car there for a week? And same question about the lot that’s on the way to Poncebos… The rental cars look very affordable on Auto Europe, but I have no idea if the quotes accurate (I’ve never rented a car in Europe). I just worry about leaving a car for a week.
I’d *love* to not rent a car, but the bus times to/from the Austurias Airport that I’ve seen are so varied that I can’t tell how long it’ll actually take to get around without a car. I’d have to take at least three taxis/shuttles during the trip, but can’t tell how easy it is to get those. Do you have any tips or info on this? Here is where I’d be looking to connect:
-Asturias Airport to Las Arenas
-Las Arenas to a seaside town, either Llanes or Ribadesella (or do you have a suggestion? 🙂 )
-The seaside town to Asturias Airport
Thank you!
Hey Jenna-
Sorry for the delayed response. Honestly, I didn’t use the parking lot as I relied on public transportation the second time I visited the Picos. The hotel may be a good place to contact.
I would also feel a little uneasy about leaving a car in a lot for a week unattended. Be mindful that most cars in Europe are manual, so if you’re used to automatic is comes at a higher price rate, too.
Las Arenas is well connected with Llanes. I caught the bus from there. It runs at least once a day. You can also connect from Cangas de Onis. I talk a little about this here on this post
I also loved the seaside village of San Vicente de la Barquera if you have time. A little gem found on the north Camino route and it’s just special… on a clear day you can see the Picos towering in the backdrop quite dramatically.
The best company to check for the Picos is Alsa. You can check all their routes on their site.
I’m not sure about the airport… I have only flown in and out of Bilbao.
Enjoy the Picos!
Hi, great write up. Will be in Arenas in May and was wondering if you took any of the taxis you’ve mentioned? I was thinking about doing Ruta de Cares from Poncebos. Did you see any taxis waiting in Poncebos or near the trailhead?
Thanks
Hey Ricardo-
I didn’t see any taxis at the trailhead, but the three times I’ve visited the Picos, it has always been in the off-season. I did take a taxi to the Ruta de Castaños from Cabrales, but the local bar just called a taxi for me, so I’m not even sure which one it was! Remember the bus connects Arenas de Cabrales to Poncebos and runs frequently.
Hope this helps!
Megs
My husband and I are visiting the Picos area, renting a car from Madrid, staying at Hotel Picos de
Europa in June. We would like to drive the entire road that goes around the park. Do you know
if that is possible and how long it would take?
Hey Mary!
There are quite a few hotels called Hotel Picos de Europa, are you staying in the one within the park limits? I spent around 3 days driving the loop around the park, which included a few stops and hikes along the way. I’m not sure your time frame, but I summarize a road trip with ways to extend it and things to see nearby here.
Enjoy your time! It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Spain.