Route of the Picos de Europa 2026

Sunday

We begin our journey on the Cantabrian coast. Gijón, a city steeped in history, commerce, and industry, is where the sea, the rolling hills, and the urban landscape combine to make it one of the most attractive cities in northern Spain. Its mild climate makes it a year-round destination. San Lorenzo beach, the seafront promenade, the marina, its Semana Negra (Black Week) festival, its vibrant social scene, and its festive atmosphere all beckon you to explore the city. A stroll through the Cimadevilla fishing district is a must, as is climbing Santa Catalina hill, where you'll find Chillida's sculpture "Elogio del Horizonte" (In Praise of the Horizon), and from where the Cantabrian coast offers a breathtaking panoramic view. Near the Parador hotel, you'll also find the Aquarium and the Botanical Garden's plant museum. Among its many attractions, Gijón boasts a network of museums and a diverse cultural offering: the International Film Festival, the Ibero-American Book Fair, the Railway Museum, the International Bagpipe Museum, Jovellanos' Birthplace, the Nicanor Piñole Museum, the Revillagigedo Palace, the Laboral City of Culture... From Gijón, you can also explore other coastal towns like Candás or Luanco, swim at their beaches, and visit the Maritime Museum. And if you haven't yet succumbed to its charms, it's time to try a hearty fabada (Asturian bean stew) or other Asturian delicacies like cachopo (breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet) or its unbeatable rice pudding, accompanied by the finest ciders at the Parador restaurant, a centuries-old mill located in Isabel La Católica Park, one of the city's most beautiful green spaces.

Monday and Tuesday

We continued our journey inland to Cangas de Onís, the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park. Despite being only 87 meters above sea level, it feels like a high mountain town due to the towering peaks that surround it. The grandeur of the Picos de Europa—so named because they were the first thing seen by northerners emigrating to America upon their return by ship—is one of the most spectacular and beautiful mountain ranges on the Iberian Peninsula, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Asturias finds its finest expression in these lands. In the municipality, we suggest visiting the Roman Bridge, from which hangs a replica of the 10th-century Cross of Victory commemorating the Battle of Covadonga, the Hermitage of Santa Cruz, and the Cortés Palace. To truly immerse yourself in the culture of Asturias, a visit to a traditional cider bar (chigre) is a must. There, you can witness the spectacle of cider pouring and savor it paired with Cabrales cheese or the many other delicious dishes prepared in this region. The Parador, located on the banks of the Sella River in the former Benedictine monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva, is a specialist in these culinary delights. Don't miss its cheese bar, boasting over twenty varieties of Asturian cheese. A destination for hikers and mountaineers, the Parador is close to the Picos de Europa National Park. Visit Casa Dago (Visitor Reception Center). The Royal Site of Covadonga, a pilgrimage site that houses the Virgin of Covadonga (La Santina), is another highlight of the area, along with the Covadonga Lakes (Enol and Ercina) and the Cares Route. The Parador, equipped for cycling, also offers guests a selection of sustainable activities in the surrounding area to make their stay even more enjoyable and enriching.

Wednesday and Thursday

We resume our journey to venture into the Cantabrian side of the Picos de Europa. The grandeur of these mountains—so named because they were the first thing seen by northerners emigrating to America upon their return by ship—among the most spectacular and beautiful on the Iberian Peninsula, leaves a lasting impression on the traveler. Given its privileged location, surrounded by the imposing verticality and idyllic landscape of the peaks, the Parador is an excellent base for exploring the incomparable Picos de Europa National Park and serves as the gateway to magical forests, slopes, and viewpoints that form a natural paradise of unparalleled beauty. The Fuente Dé cable car, located next to the Parador, allows you to comfortably ascend to the heart of the Central Massif, also known as the Arrieles Massif, or to the Áliva viewpoint—a must-do to enjoy a panoramic view of the valley from 2,000 meters above sea level. There are numerous and varied routes to enjoy the surroundings—four of them included in the cycling tourism program—and small mountain villages, such as Mogrovejo. The Gothic-style Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana is the most important religious building in the valley, where the Lignum Crucis, the largest surviving fragment of the True Cross, is venerated. Also worth visiting are Potes, the town of bridges and towers, famous for its orujo (a type of pomace brandy), the Mozarabic church of Lebeña, and the hermitage of San Tirso. Cocido lebaniego, a regional specialty of the Parador, is a magnificent way to replenish your energy after your excursions in the area, and you mustn't miss trying the unique Picón Bejes-Tresviso cheese, which is matured in caves. In this setting, the Parador, together with local operators, offers attractive nature experiences, highlighting its natural beauty, history, and culture, as well as a challenging program for cycling enthusiasts. And if you like adventure sports, this is your destination: canoeing, rafting, canyoning, climbing, mountaineering, abseiling, snowshoeing, climbing Naranco de Bulnes, horse riding... Which one will you sign up for?