> Discover the Picos de Europa, Spain's oldest national park
> Stay in the iconic Refugio Vega de Urriellu
> Trek through breathtaking gorges
Embark on a breathtaking 3-day tour through the Picos de Europa, one of Spain's most iconic mountain ranges. This trek takes you through spectacular limestone peaks, deep gorges and stunning green valleys and is a must for experienced nature lovers and walkers. Although suitable for walkers with mountain experience, remember to always follow marked trails.
As you traverse the rugged mountain landscapes, stay in traditional accommodation and enjoy half board with Spanish mountain cuisine. For an authentic experience in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, spot native wildlife from chamois to golden eagles in this unspoilt natural paradise.
Important: This route is only suitable for experienced hikers with technical mountaineering skills and previous experience of trekking in similar high mountain terrain.
Today you set off from Sotres for your first stage. After just over a kilometre, you'll pass the 'Invernales del Texu', a sort of abandoned village built by shepherds to shelter their flocks in winter. The path then climbs, offering magnificent views of Naranjo de Bulnes (also known as Picu Urriellu), one of the most striking peaks in the Picos de Europa. Continuing through green valleys where cows graze, you’ll pass Refugio de la Terenosa, where you can stop for a drink. On the way you'll pass the Refugio de la Terenosa, where you can stop for a drink before the steady climb. The path becomes increasingly rocky and the views more rugged. You might even spot an ibex high up on the rocks!
Your destination for the day is the Refugio de Urriellu, at the foot of Picu Urriellu. The current building has been in use since 1990, and due to its remote location, construction materials were brought in by Spanish Army Chinook helicopters. During your stay, you're likely to meet Tomás Fernández López, who has been the hut's manager since 1991 and knows the area like no other.
Your day begins at Refugio Vega de Urriellu, nestled beneath the dramatic Picu Urriellu (also known as Naranjo de Bulnes). From the hut, the trail heads southwest, descending through the Garganta del Jou Sin Tierre, surrounded by towering peaks like Torre del Pomelo (2326 m). From here, take the path on the left, which follows the "El Anillo de Picos" route past Garganta de los Boches. Shortly after, the trail splits in two, both leading to Collado Horcados Rojos. We recommend taking the left-hand path, as the right one includes a very steep and exposed section.
At Collado Horcados Rojos, you’ll rejoin the original route. From here, the trail turns southeast and crosses the spectacular Horcados Rojos area—one of the highlights of the trek and a perfect spot for photos!
Once you reach the Mirador de El Cable, you are very close to the cable car station that takes you down to Fuente Dé. Take this to avoid a steep and long descent and enjoy the views of open pastures and scattered beech woods. The rolling alpine meadows contrast sharply with the jagged peaks, with herds of cows and horses grazing peacefully in the distance. Congratulations, you have reached Fuente Dé, the end of your second stage - now you can relax after a long day's trekking!
Note: Today is one of the most challenging days, especially the first third of the stage (about 4 km on T3 trails), as it includes a potentially dangerous section. Please be aware of your own walking ability and the difficulty of the trail—take your time and mind your step.
The last day of your adventure starts at Fuente Dé and you can either start walking or take the cable car back up to the viewpoint and continue from there. Whichever way you choose, halfway along you will find yourself on the Vega de Sotres path, parallel to the River Duje, surrounded by a rocky panorama as you enter Cantabria.
If you take the cable car from Fuente Dé to el Mirador, walk towards the Áliva Refugio Hotel and take the Anillo de Picos trail.
However, if you decide to walk from the beginning, your route will be J-shaped. First you go south around Los Setares and La Serna, then north around Pico de Valdecoro (1763m) to the Portilla del Boquejón, a narrow cobbled pass that separates the high mountains to the north from the green vegetation to the south. Soon after, you'll come to the Ermita de la Virgen de la Salud, a small chapel in a peaceful highland setting that marks the highest point of today's walk. Barely 1km later, you'll come to the Anillo de Picos path.
From here the descent begins as you cross the Vegas de Sotres, a vast open pasture where cattle graze under the watchful eye of the surrounding peaks. Along this stretch you'll find a natural spring, the perfect place to fill your water bottle before the final descent. Finally, the trail leads to Sotres, the highest village in the Picos de Europa, where your journey ends - the perfect opportunity to celebrate with a well-deserved Asturian meal!
