Where to Stay in the Picos de Europa National Park In Spain
The Picos de Europa is one of Spain’s most beautiful National Parks. Tucked away in Northern Spain, this natural paradise is home to jagged limestone cliffs, numerous hiking trails, and authentic villages that are filled with history and culture.
If looking to see a different side of Spain, the Picos de Europa National Park won’t disappoint.
I’ve been privileged to visit the Picos de Europa numerous times, and it remains one of my favorite places in Spain. After multiple trips via foot (yes, I have walked TO the mountains from the sea), car, and public transportation, I’ve stayed in numerous areas and villages both inside and near the park border.
This is a brief overview of where to stay in the Picos de Europa. I’ve included my favorite villages along the foothills of the Picos de Europa and hidden gems inside the park. With the three main villages, I’ve also included some nearby highlights and things to do.
Here are my favorite places to base when exploring the Picos de Europa.
Table of Contents
- A Brief Overview of the Picos de Europa
- Best Villages to Base to Explore the Picos de Europa
- Where to Stay in the Picos de Europa Inside the National Park
- More Places to Stay to Explore the Picos de Europa
- Conclusion | Best Places to Stay in the Picos de Europa
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.
A Brief Overview of the Picos de Europa National Park
The Picos de Europa National Park is located in northern Spain. The Cantabrian Mountains are only 15 miles from the Bay of Biscay. The stunning mountains are divided into three massifs or mountain ranges: Macizo Central (Central / Los Urrieles), Macizo Oriental (Eastern /Andara), and Macizo Occidental (Western / Cornión).
Another interesting thing is that the National Park spans across three autonomous regions in Spain: Cantabria, Asturias, and León (Castilla & León). Each region has a different culture, cuisine, and history, making each region unique. The region was once home to the Vadiniense tribes, people who lived in the mountains and were some of the last to withstand the Roman conquest.
The summer months in the Picos de Europa are busy as many domestic tourists exchange the heat of the south for the crisp freshness of the mountain air. However, you can still find snow in the mountains in June, and the weather can change fast. I find the shoulder months of September and October a lovely time to visit the Picos de Europa.
The easiest way to visit the Picos de Europa is by car. An ideal way to appreciate the park is by taking a road trip through the Picos de Europa. I did this the first time and spent my time between the three main villages, all while adding in hikes and viewpoints along the way.
➤ If traveling from the United States, make sure to have an International Driving Permit
However, you can find public transportation to the three main villages. From there, you could focus on one or two mountain ranges of the park. Be mindful that buses can be limited, especially during the offseason. Even during the busy season, buses run infrequently, sometimes only once a day.
Best Villages to Base to Explore the Picos de Europa
The villages of Las Arenas de Cabrales, Potes, and Cangas de Onís are the three main villages of the Picos de Europa. All three villages are located in the foothills of the Picos de Europa and are just outside the National Park borders.
All three villages have all the necessities, from hotels, restaurants, bars, hiking gear shops, specialty stores, pharmacies, and laundry facilities. However, there is still a charm to the villages. Cangas de Onís is the largest village with a population of under 5,000 residents.
If you are seeking to delve into the culinary delights and still be close to main attractions and hiking trails, the villages of Las Arenas de Cabrales, Potes, and Cangas de Onís are the best places to stay.
Browse the Best Villages to Stay in the Picos de Europa
1 | Las Arenas de Cabrales (Asturias) | Gateway to Central Massif
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.
If looking to experience a cultural aspect that’s quieter, stay in Las Arenas de Cabrales in the Asturias region. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, cider houses, and lots of accommodation options. This area is famous for its cheese (similar to a blue cheese), and you can visit the caves it ages in, or stop by a local farm to see the animals that produce it.
Those traveling with kids will have a lot more things to do, including a playground and a nice river walk.
Las Arenas de Cabrales is close to some of the most popular hiking trails in the Picos de Europa, like the Ruta del Cares. The Cares Gorge actually acts as a natural border between the Central and Western Massifs. The Rio Casaño hike is also more convenient to reach from Las Arenas and is a lovely forest trail.
Las Arenas de Cabrales offers plenty of amenities and is well-connected with public transportation. Those who want to appreciate the coast can stay in Llanes the night before and find a direct bus to Arenas de Cabrales. During the summer months, there are also frequent buses between Las Arenas de Cabrales and Cangas de Onís.
Las Arenas has a major free parking lot and also has frequent buses to Poncebos, which is inside the Picos de Europa National Park.
Best Places to Stay in Las Arenas de Cabrales Spain
There are many diverse places to stay in Las Arenas de Cabrales. Find everything from casa rurals, apartments, pensions, and plenty of hotel options.
☛ Outside of town, there are camping options available at Camping Naranjo de Bulnes which also has cabins and bungalows to rent
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Las Arenas de Cabrales Spain
2 | Potes (Cantabria) | Gateway to the Eastern Massif
Potes is a fabulous medieval village that provides access to the Eastern Massif of the Picos de Europa National Park.
Although small, there are many things to do in Potes. The village is blessed with significant historical sites, charming streets with preserved traditional homes, delicious cuisine, and the scenic rivers of Deva and Quiviesa that flow through the heart of the hamlet.
Perhaps one of the most significant sites is found just outside of Potes, the Santo Toribio Monastery. This monastery tucked into the mountains is famous for holding one of the largest pieces of the “Lignum Crucis,” or a piece of the true cross that Jesus was crucified on. Those walking the Camino Lebaniego walk from the seaside village of San Vicente de la Barquera to reach this sacred monastery.
A short but enjoyable walk is along the Paseo Fluvial, which follows the Rivers that cut through the town. Another highlight is visiting the Torre del Infantado, which is now a museum hosting the examination of “Beatus of Liébana and his Beatos.”
Potes is a major hub for visitors and pilgrims, so there are lots of restaurants, cafes, and laundry facilities. There is even a public albergue for those pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
Potes can be reached via public transportation from the coastal city of San Vicente de la Barquera.
Best Places to Stay in Potes Spain
Potes offers a wide range of accommodation options. Be mindful that during the high season in the summer and around holidays, accommodations in the village significantly raise their rates.
These are some of the most popular places to stay in Potes near the center of the village.
➜ Apartamentos Casa de la Abuela
➜ Browse All the Best Places to Stay in Potes Cantabria
Places to Stay Outside of Potes
Potes is also surrounded by the Camaleño and Liébana Valleys. These tiny hamlets provide even more ancient monasteries, numerous hiking trails, and see fewer visitors than the Picos de Europa National Park. Many of these accommodation options are private apartments and Casa Rurals.
➜ Outside of town, Hotel Valdecoro is only a short distance from Potes
➜ Posada El Corcal de Liebana is a highly rated place to stay in the village of Tama north of Potes.
➜ Picos de Europa Suites and Rooms is found in the tiny hamlet of Turieno, not far from the Monastery of Santo Toribio.
➜ Posada San Pelayo is found in the small barrio of San Pelayo and is extremely high-rated.
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in the Liébana Region of the Picos de Europa
3 | Cangas de Onís (Asturias) | Gateway to the Western Massif
Cangas de Onís is a cute mountain village located in the foothills of the Asturias region of the Picos de Europa National Park. This is a fairly bustling base from which to explore the Picos de Europa. The town itself also boasts a Roman Bridge, bustling weekly market, and plenty of specialty shops selling goodies from the nearby mountains. There are plenty of ciderhouses offering up local cuisine.
The Covadonga Lakes are one of the most popular places to visit in the Picos de Europa, and are a 40-minute bus ride from Cangas de Onís. Those seeking a relaxed hike can wander around the lakes, while experienced hikers could take the strenuous climb up to the Mirador de Ordiales. The Covadonga Sanctuary is also worth a stop, with its caveside chapel, museum, and gardens.
Cangas de Onís is also quite touristy, so numerous tour agencies provide adventurous activities. The village is also equipped with grocery stores, laundry facilities, hiking supplies, ATMS, delicious restaurants, and a variety of places to sleep.
Cangas de Onís is a popular base to explore the Picos de Europa, simply due to its location near Oviedo. The gateway village is about an hour’s drive from Oviedo, and there are frequent direct buses from Oviedo to Cangas de Onís (approximately an hour and a half travel time). Those who want to day trip to the Picos de Europa could sleep in Oviedo.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Cangas de Onís. As this is a popular destination during the summer and weekends, prices can increase significantly during the busy season.
I highly suggest sleeping close to the city center in Cangas de Onís to be close to the bus station if you don’t have a car.
➜ Browse all the Cangas de Onis Accommodation Options
Places to Stay Out of the Center of Cangas de Onís
➜ Outside of town, Parador de Cangas de Onis sits on the banks of the Sella River
➜ Casa Rural Asprón is steps away from the Covadonga Sanctuary
➜ Hotel La Casona de Llerices comes highly recommended for its stunning views and warm hosts.
Where to Stay in the Picos de Europa Inside the National Park
Those who are seeking solitude or looking to spend most of their time hiking inside the National Park will want to stay inside the park borders. Many of these small hamlets have very limited services.
Central Masiff Villages in the Picos de Europa
Poncebos
Serious hikers should opt to stay in Poncebos, since there are multiple day hikes and multi-day treks that start right from Poncebos. Poncebos is famous for being one of the starting points for the Cares Gorge hiking route. Be mindful that Poncebos is only three hotels, each with a restaurant and bar.
Poncebos is close to Arenas de las Cabrales and is connected by a bus during the high season months. If sleeping in Poncebos, make sure to have most of your provisions, gear, and supplies ready to go.
Caín de Valdeón
Caín de Valdeón is found in the Castilla & León region of the National Park. It is the village found on the other side of the Ruta del Cares hike. This section of the park is much quieter than the Asturias side, yet has a small grocery store and a handful of accomodation options with restaurants and cafes.
➜ Albergue de Caín “El Diablo de la Peña”
Bulnes
Bulnes is one of Spain’s most isolated villages. It can be reached from Poncebos by either riding the funicular or hiking along the Ruta La Canal del Texu. The village of Bulnes is a popular day trip in the Picos de Europa, but it does offer a few accommodation options.
➜ La Casa del Chiflón & La Casa del Puente
➜ Alojamiento Rural – La Aldea de Bulnes
➜ Apartamentos Turisticos El Caprichu de Bulnes
The tiny pueblo is split between a lower (Abajo) and upper section (Arriba) and offers three restaurants/bars to eat at.
Fuente De
Fuente Dé is found to the west of Potes. It is an ideal place for hikers who are looking to explore more of the southern section of the Cantabrian region of the Central Massif. Fuente Dé is also famous for its cablecar that takes visitors up to the high mountains. From there, it’s possible to hike down or explore the high mountains.
➜ Camping El Redondo (cash payments & no reservations accepted)
There is a restaurant at each hotel and one cafeteria in the village. Just outside the park, Espinama has a few restaurant options.
Eastern Masiff Villages in the Picos de Europa
Sotres
Sotres is the highest village in the Picos de Europa at 3,445 feet (1,050m). The village is small, but it offers a great stopping point to sip on a local Asturian cider or purchase the famous cheese of the region, Queso Cabrales. There are plenty of restaurants and places to stay.
While it’s technically in the Eastern Massif, Sotres is closely connected to the Central Massif. Sotres can be reached from Poncebos via bus or can be hiked to from Poncebos via Bulnes.
Western Masiff Villages in the Picos de Europa
Oseja de Sajambre
The western Masiff in the Leôn section of the National Park is one of the least visited. It lies deeper into the park, so it sees fewer visitors. Oseja de Sajambre is a lovely base for those looking to visit this more untouched section of the park. In Oseja de Sajambre, there is a small visitor center, restaurants, places to stay, and access to nearby hiking trails.
Those who want to head deeper into the mountains could also opt to stay in one of the many Casa Rurals in Soto de Sajambre or at the Hostal Peña Santa.
Hut to Hut Trekking in the Picos
Those experienced hikers can see the very best of the high mountains of the Picos de Europa by hiking El Anillo de Picos, or the Ring of the Picos. There are 9 mountain huts, or refugios, spread across the three massifs of the Picos de Europa.
This is an extremely challenging hike that typically takes around 7 days. All the refugios must be booked in advance, and those not comfortable in the high mountains should utilize an official guided service.
More Places to Stay to Explore the Picos de Europa
These are a few more of my favorite places to stay in the Picos de Europa
Espinima
Espinama is a quaint village between Potes and Fuente Dé. It is located a short walk/distance from Fuente Dé. There are a few places to stay, but I liked the simple stay at Albergue Briz. Espinima has a few small tiendas with food, restaurants, and bars.
Mogrovejo
Mogrovejo is located in the stunning Camaleño area of the Liebana Valley, just to the west of Potes. This picturesque village is included in one of Spain’s most beautiful pueblos and is found on the little-traveled Camino Vadiniense. It is famous for its iconic tower. The village has two cafes and a bar. There are a few options for sleeping in Mogrovejo.
Cabañes
Cabañes is a small pueblo located close to Potes in the Liebana Valley. There are numerous hiking trails to explore, and it is a fabulous place to explore nearby gems like the Iglesia de Santa Maria Lebeña. It’s also close enough to Potes, yet offers a quiet escape.
I loved my stay in Albergue Public de Cabańes (La Casuca del Perdon) on my Camino. Cabañes also has a few other places to stay: Posada Cabañes, Casa El Agero, and Albergue de Cabañes.
Riaño
Riaño is outside the Picos de Europa and is found in a different regional park. Riaño is the hub for the Parque Regional Montaña de Riaño y Mampodre. The village of Riaño is quite new; the modern village was built after 1986. The old town and eight other villages were destroyed to create the reservoir we see today.
Riaño is extremely popular with domestic tourists and has several viewpoints, restaurants, a museum, and access to over 32 different hiking trails.
Popular Places to Stay in Riaño
➜ Los Casares (Private Apartments)
➜ Browse All the Accommodation Options in Riaño
Riaño is a popular weekend place to visit and room availablity can be hard to find. It’s best to book a stay in Riaño in advance.
Conclusion | Best Places to Stay in the Picos de Europa
This is a detailed guide on where to stay in the Picos de Europa. Included in this extensive guide are the best places to base outside and inside this National Park in Spain. I’ve also included some of the top things to see and do near each of the villages.
No matter where you stay, the Picos de Europa is an incredible destination in Spain for those seeking to explore the mountains, indulge in the cuisine, and appreciate a slower way of life.
Have you stayed in any of these villages or places in the Picos de Europa? Do you have any more suggestions or places you loved? Let me know in the comments below!
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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.
