The infinite charm of Picos de Europa

Sames - Tornín 11,1

Day 1: Amieva and its mountain secrets will occupy the morning of our first day, especially if we like climbing, because this municipality has routes-schools for all levels, located in dream places such as Carbes or Cuetu Mayu. After recharging your batteries with a good meal, the perfect end to the afternoon is the peaceful Beyu Pen path - ideal for everyone. Other equally attractive options are a drive through the Beyos gorge, or a walk to discover the Olla San Vicente, a marvellous backwater in the form of a natural pool in the Dobra river.

Tornín - Lagos de Covadonga 50,9

Day 2: The stay in Picos de Europa calls for a day dedicated to visiting the Royal Site of Covadonga, and then going up to the lakes Enol and Ercina. Once there, it is advisable to complete a tour of the old iron mines of Buferrera, not without first taking a look at the Pedro Pidal Interpretation Centre. For those who want to go deeper into the Picos, an emblematic and meaningful route is the one to the Ordiales Viewpoint, where Pedro Pidal, Marquis of Villaviciosa, himself is buried, and from where there is a breathtaking panoramic view of the Angón Valley.

Cangues d'Onís/Cangas de Onís - Benia 16,7

Day 3: Of course, the capital of the council of Cangas de Onís, and first city of this ancient kingdom also calls for a quiet day of walking, vermouth, Asturian lunch, shopping in the many gastronomic and souvenir shops, without forgetting the photos at the Roman Bridge, at the Hermitage of Santa Cruz or a visit to the Cueva del Buxu. The more lively visitors can reach the Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva - today converted into a Parador Nacional - along a beautiful and peaceful river path on the banks of the Sella. If it is Sunday, a visit to the Sunday market is a must, very authentic and atmospheric, and where you can get good products - especially cheeses - from the Picos de Europa at a good price. To complete the day, we can take the AS-114 towards Benia, the capital of Onís, and make a gastronomic-festive foray into the area, which has such typical villages as Sirviella.

Benia - Bulnes 29,9

Day 4: We continue along the AS-114 in the direction of Cabrales, and at Carreña, we turn off to Asiegu to contemplate the Urriellu from the Pedro Udaondo viewpoint. Once in Arenas de Cabrales and after a stroll around the village - one of the cradles of Iberian mountaineering - we can head towards Poncebos on the AS-264 to visit the Cabrales Cheese Cave-Museum, where we will discover all the secrets of one of the most famous cheeses in the world. Those who are more of a mountaineer have two other options, either the Cares Route, where landscape, geology and engineering go hand in hand, or take the funicular railway and visit one of the highest villages in Asturias: Bulnes.

Bulnes - Peñamellera Baja 43,2

Day 5: Early risers can go up to Camarmeña to contemplate the Naranjo de Bulnes or Picu Urriellu, an imposing limestone colossus in the central massif of the Picos de Europa. And after a frugal breakfast, take the AS-114 in the direction of the Peñamelleras, through the Cares gorge, with its amazing scenery. On the way we will come across panoramic villages with beautiful Indian architecture such as Abándames or Alevia, to finally reach the capital of Peñamellera Baja, Panes, from where it is possible to visit the cave of La Loja, in an idyllic spot in the vicinity of the Cares-Deva, the perfect finishing touch to our day.