The infinite charm of the Picos de Europa

Day 1: Sames - Tornín 11,1

Day 1: Amieva and the secrets of its mountains occupy the morning of the first day, especially if you like climbing, because this borough has school-managed climbing routes for all levels, located in breath-taking places such as Carbes and Cuetu Mayu. After fuelling up on good food, a perfect end for the afternoon is the peaceful Beyu Pen Trail, ideal for all comers. Other equally attractive options include a drive through Beyos Gorge, or a walk to discover Olla San Vicente, a wonderful haven in the form of natural swimming pool in the River Dobra.

Day 2: Tornín - Lagos de Covadonga 50,9

Day 2: A visit to the Picos de Europa calls for a day devoted to visiting the Royal Site of Covadonga to then head up to Lakes Enol and Ercina. After paying a visit there to the Pedro Pidal Interpretation Centre, a walk around the ancient Buferrera iron mines is well worth the effort. For those who want to go further up into the Picos, an iconic and meaningful route is the trail up to Ordiales Scenic Balcony, where Pedro Pidal, Marquis of Villaviciosa, is buried and which offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the Angón Valley.

Day 3: Cangas de Onís - Benia de Onís 16,7

Day 3: Of course, Cangas de Onís, the borough capital and the first city of this ancient kingdom, also demands a quiet day of strolling around the town, enjoying an aperitif before an Asturian lunch or shopping in the many gastro and souvenir shops. Not to mention having your photo taken on the "Roman" Bridge or at the Chapel of Santa Cruz. And the more spirited can head for the Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva - today a Parador luxury hotel- for a beautiful, peaceful riverside walk along the Sella. If it's Sunday, a must visit is the Sunday market, very authentic and with lots of atmosphere, where you can get a good deal on fine products - especially cheese - from the Picos de Europa. To round off the day, you can take the AS-114 to Benia, the borough capital of Onís, to make a gastronomic and festive foray into the area, which boasts really typical villages such as Sirviella.

Day 4: Benia de Onís - Bulnes 29,9

Day 4: The route continues on the AS-114 towards Cabrales. At Carreña, take a detour to Asiego to contemplate Urriellu Peak from the Pedro Udaondo Scenic Balcony. Once in Arenas de Cabrales and after a walk through the village - one of the cradles of mountaineering on the Iberian Peninsula - you can head for Poncebos on the AS-264 to visit the Cabrales Cheese Cave Museum and discover all the secrets of one of the world's most famous cheeses. The more mountaineering types have two other options. You can either follow the Cares Route, where landscape, geology and engineering come together, or take the funicular railway to get to know one of the highest mountain villages in Asturias: Bulnes.

Day 5: Bulnes - Peñamellera Baja 43,2

Day 5: Early risers can climb up to Camarmeña to contemplate Naranjo de Bulnes, also known as Urriellu Peak, an imposing limestone colossus in the central massif of the Picos de Europa. And after a frugal breakfast, back to the AS-114 to head towards the two Peñamelleras along Cares Gorge holding amazing landscapes. On the way, you will find scenic villages like Abándames and Alevia boasting beautiful Indiano architecture, a heritage of the returning emigrants who had made their fortune in the Americas. Finally, you reach Panes, the borough capital of Peñamellera Baja, from where it is possible to access La Loja Cave in an idyllic location in the vicinity of the Cares-Deva, a perfect end to your journey.