Nature in Asturias. Picos de Europa National Park

Different folds and glaciations have modelled a tortuous landscape shaped by ice and the effect of water on limestone, forming a grandiose mountain karst.The three main massifs of this natural wonder are bounded by deep valleys and gorges, formed by the erosive passage of the sharp tongues of ice from the glaciers and the force of the waters of the rivers which, even today, continue to shape the stone as they please, dissolving the limestone.

The Picos de Europa Biosphere Reserve and National Park of the same name is made up of the municipalities of Amieva , Cabrales , Cangas de Onís , Onís and Peñamellera Baja . There is a small area in the municipality of Peñamellera Alta which is also part of the National Park , although it is not part of the Biosphere Reserve, since the extension of the National Park was made after the declaration of Biosphere Reserve.

The rivers  Dobra , tributary of the river Sella, and Deva flank the mountains to the west and east of the sierra, being the river Cares and its tributary, on Duje, those in charge of dividing the park into its three massifs.

In the Central Massif we find the highest peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains in the rugged Urrieles, where the most emblematic landmark of the Picos de Europa is located: the immense beauty of Picu Urriellu or Naranjo de Bulnes. Its complex topography, reaching 2,519 metres, has not prevented human settlement, with the famous village of Bulnes. Until 2001, access was only possible via a narrow, steep mountain path. Since then, access has become easier thanks to the  funicular that crosses the mountain from the village of Poncebos.

To the east of the Urrieles is the Eastern Massif, known as Ándara, which is the smallest and smoothest in profile. Its highest peak is the Morra de Lechugales, reaching an altitude of 2,400 metres. The most westerly of the three massifs is the Picos del Cornión, located close to the  Royal Site of Covadonga , which is a religious pilgrimage destination for thousands of people every year. There, the lakes Enol and Ercina reflect the majestic mountains where the legendary history of Asturias took place.

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In the Cave of Covadonga itself, you can enjoy the omnipresent trace of the karstic process of the Picos de Europa, with the photographic emergence of the Orandi river, under the image of the Virgin. Between the Urrieles and the Cornión, separating from south to north the Central and Western massifsseparating from south to north the Central and Western massifs, the river Cares flows, whose crystal-clear waters fiercely plough its entire course. Among the beautiful peaks of the western massif highlights La Peña Santa de Castilla, reaching an altitude of 2,596 metres. On its way we come across the Mirador de Ordiales , where a drop of almost 1,000 metres drops into the valley, leaving everyone who visits it in awe.

In the Picos de Europa National Park all types of pets must be properly handled and must be under the control of their owner, that is (they must go tied or strapped ), except herding dogs and guide dogs. This regulation is due to the fact that the National Park of the Picos de Europa is a special hunting area, and it is important not to disturb the abundant livestock that can be found in the area at certain times of the year.

It was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2003.

Plant life

The vast rocky areas, practically devoid of vegetation, dominate the landscape of the Picos de Europa, especially above 1,500 meters. At lower altitudes, shrubs and pastures alternate with remnants of wooded vegetation. In the forested areas, the dominant types of forests are beech forests, oak groves, mixed forests, and holm oak groves. Lime trees offer their medicinal flowers to the inhabitants of Caín, and various flowers born in extreme conditions sprinkle the hidden paths of the peaks with colors.

The characteristics of the Picos de Europa correspond to those of a high mountain climate, with temperatures averaging around 8°C in mid-mountain areas and dropping below 0°C at the summits. Precipitation increases and there is significant snowfall, primarily during winter.

Wildlife

This landscape combines a great variety of different landscapes, providing shelter to a unique and significant animal kingdom within the Iberian Peninsula. It is common to observe the majestic flight of the golden eagle dominating the mountains, vultures and Egyptian vultures nesting on the steep cliffs, capercaillies in the forested areas, and mallards fishing in the lakes of Covadonga, along with coots in Lake Ercina and alpine choughs finding food in the presence of visitors.

Venturing into the rocky areas of the high mountains, it is easy to come across the rugged chamois, which changes its fur to an intense chestnut red during spring. Roe deer, emblematic animals of these forests, coexist with partridges and wild boars. The rivers that cross the Picos de Europa vibrate with the lively presence of otters, trout, salmon, alpine newts, and the Seoane viper.

In the numerous limestone caves, important populations of bats reside, and it is easy to spot a large number of barn owls in the abandoned sheepfolds, waiting for the night to go out hunting.