Hike to Bulnes Asturias | One of Spain’s Most Picturesque Villages
The Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain is home to towering limestone mountain peaks, beautiful alpine lakes, tranquil hiking trails, and some seriously stunning, picturesque villages.
One of the most beautiful and isolated villages in the Picos de Europa is Bulnes, found in the autonomous community of Asturias.
Bulnes Asturias can be reached from Poncebos, a small mountain hub with only a few hotels, but the gateway to loads of awesome hiking trails. Poncebos is also the access point for the Bulnes Funicular, which has an extremely small parking lot with limited spaces.
The hiking trail between Poncebos and Bulnes was the only way to reach the village until the year 2001, when the funicular was finally completed. The path connecting Poncebos and Bulnes is officially known as the Ruta La Canal del Texu, and makes for a lovely half-day hike in the Picos de Europa. The route is well-marked, scenic, and offers a memorable way to visit the quaint mountain village of Bulnes.
Here’s the complete hiking guide for the Poncebos to Bulnes hike, a map, useful details on how to reach the trailhead, what to see in Bulnes, and nearby things to do in the Picos de Europa National Park.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, be mindful of constantly changing trail conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- How to Get to Bulnes
- Poncebos to Bulnes Hike Map & Picos de Europa Day Hike Overview
- Trailhead to Hike to Bulnes Asturias
- La Canal del Texu Route (Poncebos to Bulnes)
- Things to See in Bulnes
- Where to Stay in Bulnes Asturias
- How to Return to Poncebos from Bulnes Village
- What to Do Near Bulnes
- Conclusion | Hiking to Bulnes Asturias
How to Get to Bulnes Asturias
To reach Bulnes, visitors will have to first stop in Poncebos.
The hiking trail from Poncebos to Bulnes can easily be reached by public bus during the peak season. The buses depart from the well-connected hub mountain village of Las Arenas de Cabrales.
How to Reach Poncebos by Bus
Those visitors who are exploring the Picos de Europa by car may also wish to park in Las Arenas de Cabrales. Finding a parking spot in Poncebos and near the Bulnes Funicular may be a headache, especially during the busy summer months and on weekends.
There is a free parking lot in Las Arenas near the Apartamento Llaneces hotel. This lot is conveniently located across the street from the bus stop that goes to Poncebos.
Buses drop off at the Bulnes Funicular parking lot. To reach the Bulnes trailhead from the lot, head towards the Hotel Garganta del Cares. It’s a casual 15-20 minute walk along the road. For safety, make sure to walk on the left side of the road.
🚐 Las Arenas to Poncebos | Bus Company: ALSA | Duration: 10 minutes | Bus Ticket Price: €1.55 | Bus Times: Buses depart Las Arenas on the hour from 8:00-13:00 & 17:00-19:00 / Buses run from June to mid-October | Check the ALSA Bus Schedule
How to Reach Poncebos via Taxi
If you don’t want to wait for the bus, call a verified taxi. The average taxi fare to Poncebos from Las Arenas is around €8 – €10.
| 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 |
A Note on the Bulnes Funicular
Although this is a hiking guide to reach Bulnes, the funicular in Bulnes is worth a mention. If the weather isn’t great, the trail is not passable due to snowfall or bad weather, or for any other reason, it is possible to ride the Bulnes Funicular to Bulnes.
The funicular was completed in 2001 and made this pueblo more accessible to visitors. Life was also easier for the 32 residents in Bulnes. Tourists can expect to pay a high fare for a short ride. The parking for the Bulnes Funicular is also extremely limited.
The only way to reach Bulnes is on foot or by riding the funicular. There is absolutely no road, so traveling by car to Bulnes is out of the question.
Poncebos to Bulnes Asturias Funicular | Company: ALSA | Duration: 7 minutes | Round-Trip Ticket Price: €22.16 | Departure: every 30 minutes from Poncebos with | Hours: High Season: 10:00-13:00 & 14:00-20:00 / Low Season: 10:00-12:30 & 14:00-18:00
Poncebos to Bulnes Hike Map
Bulnes Picos de Europa Day Hike Overview
- Out & Back Trail
- This route starts from Poncebos and ends in Bulnes
- Official Trail Name: Ruta La Canal del Texu (part of the GR-202 La Ruta de Reconquista)
- Trail Markers are Red & White Rectangles (Blazes)
- Difficulty: Moderate due to the steep ascent and sometimes narrow pathways
- The trail can be slippery and muddy in the rain
- Those who are fearful of heights may not feel comfortable hiking to Bulnes due to the narrow pathways looking down into the gorge
- One-Way Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
- Round-Trip Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
- Excursion Duration: The hike from Poncebos to Bulnes takes around 1 – 1.5 hours
- This Picos de Europa hiking route is best hiked before the snow falls and in the morning to avoid walking the cliffs without sunlight on the return journey. Avoid walking in the afternoon as there is little shade coverage on this route.
- Day Hiking Essentials for Poncebos Bulnes Hike
- First-Aid Kit always with at least one Emergency Blanket
- Small Day Hiking Backpack
- Water in a Reusable Water Bottle
- Trekking Poles, if you love them
- Hiking Boots or trail runners
- Headlamp, just in case
- Layered clothing and a rain jacket for the ever-changing mountain climate
- Euros for cafes and restaurants
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
Trailhead to Bulnes Asturias
This hiking guide focuses on the Canal del Texu route that connects Poncebos with Bulnes. Be mindful that there are alternative ways to reach Bulnes on foot, but not by car.
The trailhead for Bulnes is past all of the hotels in Poncebos. The trailhead not only marks the trail to Bulnes, but to one of the most popular hiking routes in the Picos de Europa, the Cares Gorge hike. The Ruta del Cares follows the Cares River all the way to Caín de Valdeón village in the Castile & Leòn region of Spain.
Both trails are marked with an information signboard. The trail section between Poncebos and Bulnes is part of a larger multi-day trek in the Picos de Europa, Ruta de la Reconquista (GR-202).
The GR-202 multi-day trek starts from the famous Covadonga Lakes and continues all the way to Cosgaya village. The complete Ruta de la Reconquista trekking route is 58.6 km (36.5 miles).
To get to Bulnes, follow the red and white blazes. The trail consists of a mostly dirt path with some sections of exposed limestone rocks. Some sections of the trail are pretty narrow. Also, be mindful of potential rockslides. If it’s raining, the stones can become quite slippery.
The Canal del Texu is well-marked and trotted.
La Canal del Texu Route (Poncebos to Bulnes)
To start on the trail to Bulnes from the trailhead, cross the Rio Cares (Cares River) via the Puente La Jaya, a lovely stone bridge. The trail continues to a wooden bridge.
Puente del Zardo
Cross over the wooden bridge of Puente del Zardo. After this, notice the more apparent uphill ascent. The trail continues with a few narrow sections.
The next point of interest will be a signboard, which marks an intersection for Bulnes Asturias.
Signboard (Intersection for Bulnes)
The green signboard with the Ruta de la Reconquista is a useful marker. Bulnes pueblo consists of two sections, Bulnes de Abajo and Bulnes de Arriba (El Castillo). The trail to the left leads to Bulnes de Abajo, which is the lower section of Bulnes. The trail to the right is much steeper and goes directly to Bulnes El Castillo.
For an easier and more enjoyable hike to Bulnes, follow the trail to the left. Don’t fret, it’s easy and worthwhile to visit both sections of Bulnes upon arrival.
🥾 Poncebos – Intersection | Distance: 2 Miles | Duration: + / – 45 min
The center of Bulnes de Abajo is a casual 15-minute stroll from here. The trail to lower Bulnes also passes by the exit of the Bulnes Funicular. From there, the path to Bulnes widens.
Things to See in Bulnes in Asturias
🥾 Poncebos to Bulnes de Abajo | Distance: 2.5 Miles | Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
Welcome to Bulnes, one of Asturias most lovely villages! In fact, Bulnes is listed on Los Pueblos mas Bonitos de España.
When first entering Bulnes de Abajo, stop by the main church. Take a peek into the nearby tiny chapel. Cross the Tejo River via the wooden bridge and stroll through the small town. For being so remote, the mountain town is artsy and has some serious character.
Those visitors planning to spend a few hours in Bulnes can enjoy a beverage or a meal from the few cafes and restaurants. All of the Bulnes restaurants and cafes boast outdoor seating. Be mindful that during the winter and outside of peak season, some places temporarily close, including a few of the Bulnes accommodation options.
More Photos of Bulnes Asturias
Take the Scenic Path to Bulnes El Castillo
From Bulnes de Abajo, there is a simple but beautiful path that leads to Bulnes de Arriba. Bonus: this path is not nearly as steep as the direct path from the signboard intersection.
The trail to El Castillo leads to El Caleyon, a guesthouse with a restaurant. Follow the road all the way to Bar Mirador Lallende, a wildly popular Bulnes restaurant that has a small outdoor patio that claims to be home to one of the best views in the Picos de Europa.
Mirador del Bulnes
The Mirador del Bulnes, or Mirador Picu Urriellu, is accessible from Bulnes de Abajo. The short walk is about 10 minutes, and on a clear day, expect to have stellar views of the most famous peak in the Picos de Europa National Park, Naranjo de Bulnes.
The distinctive peak of Picu Urriellu is 8,264 feet tall.
Visit Sotres Village
There is also an option to hike to Sotres from Bulnes. Sotres is the highest village in the Picos de Europa. From Bulnes Asturias, the hike to Sotres is around 5.5 miles and takes at least 3 hours.
Highlights of the hike from Bulnes to Sotres include: spectacular views of the Narranjo de Bulnes mastiff, hiking through the shepherd’s winter village of Invernales del Texu, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains in the Picos de Europa National Park.
Ambitious hikers can continue on from Sotres to Tielve village, making it a full-day hike that tours the best Asturias villages in the Picos de Europa.
Where to Stay in Bulnes Asturias
There are a handful of places to stay in Bulnes, if you wish to spend a day soaking in one of Spain’s most beautiful villages.
Again, if visiting the Picos de Europa during the off-season, always verify if the guesthouse is open.
Places to Stay in Bules de Abajo
➜ Albergue Villa de Bulnes | Budget-Friendly accommodation with shared dorm-like style rooms with prices starting at €18
➜ La Casa del Chiflón & La Casa del Puente
➜ Alojamiento Rural – La Aldea de Bulnes
➜ Apartamentos Turisticos El Caprichu de Bulnes
Places to Stay in El Castillo (Bulnes de Arriba)
How to Return to Poncebos from Bulnes Asturias
There are three main ways to return to Poncebos from Bulnes.
✔ Follow the same path back on the Ruta Canal del Texu from Bulnes de Abajo.
✔ From Bar Mirador Lallende in El Castillo, take the staircase and follow the path that leads to the signboard intersection. From here, follow the Canal del Texu path to Poncebos. This section of the trail skips past the Bulnes Funicular.
✔ Take the Bulnes Funicular down to Poncebos
What to Do Near Bulnes
If staying in Poncebos or Bulnes, there isn’t too much to do, besides doing some stellar day hikes. Poncebos has three hotels that each have their own restaurants and bars.
Don’t miss a chance to visit Camarmeña, a small village only 200 meters above Poncebos, which has lovely stone houses, one bar, and the Mirador del Urriellu. The Ruta del Cares trailhead is just down the road from Poncebos.
If looking for more cultural things to do in the Picos de Europa, stay in nearby Las Arenas del Cabrales, which is a little more connected. There are plenty of things to do in Las Arenas, like visit a cave cheese museum, experience an Asturian cider house, or hike the lovely Ruta Rio Casaño.
Conclusion | Hiking to Bulnes Asturias
In short, this is how to hike the Canal del Texu that connects Poncebos to Bulnes in the Picos de Europa National Park. The small and lovely village of Bulnes is one of Spain’s most remote villages and offers visitors a chance to enjoy the simplicity of the mountains.
The best way to reach Bulnes is to hike the scenic Canal del Texu trail from Poncebos.
Have you had the chance to visit cute Bulnes? Did you hike from Poncebos or take the Bulnes funicular? Anything that needs updating? Let me know what you think of this beautiful village in Spain.
Pack This Post for Later! Pin It!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
Hi lovely blog! had a quick question: So we will be driving to Poncebos. Then we thought of doing a multi-day hike starting with hiking from Poncebos to Bulnes. But we are a bit confused about where to park our car in Poncebos. Do you think we could park it at Poncebos Hostel overnight? especially if we stayed at the hostel the night before? and then pick it up when we return from our 3 day hike? Thx Chitra
Hey Chitra-
I’m not sure about parking and leaving cars at the Poncebos Hostel. They do have a parking lot, but not sure how they monitor or if they allow guests to leave cars there for multiple days. The people who own the hostel are amazing, friendly, and responsive. I would contact them directly.
When I stayed in Poncebos I took the bus. If visiting up until October and planning to do multi-day treks it’s easy to get around with public transit (ALSA) and verified taxi drivers. I have gone with a car once and used public transit only during my second visit.
Additionally, there is a free parking lot in Las Arenas de Cabrales, but many of the spaces were used by those who own motorhomes. I’m not sure if people leave their car unattended there for multiple days or what the regulations are with parking. I would contact the Las Arenas de Cabrales tourism information center to verify parking regulations. There are buses that run from ALSA from Las Arenas de Cabrales to Poncebos that run every hour with an afternoon break.
Enjoy the Picos ⛰