Picos de Europa - Medium Trek
Duration: 5 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km / 6 - 9 mi per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m / 1640 - 3281 ft ascent per day
> Walk beneath the towering Picu Urriellu (2,519 m), the symbol of the Picos de Europa
> Stay in historic mountain refuges along the way
> Hike through valleys surrounded by peaks over 2,500 metres high
The Picos de Europa Medium Trek is a 5-day adventure that takes you deep into Spain's first National Park, combining spectacular limestone walls, glacial valleys and mountain pastures for an unforgettable trekking experience. Starting and finishing in Sotres, this route follows ancient trails used by shepherds and mountaineers for centuries.
The route takes you over breathtaking high mountain passes and into the shadow of the legendary Picu Urriellu (also known as Naranjo de Bulnes), one of Spain's most iconic peaks. Hiking alongside other towering peaks, you'll pass through deep gorges carved by raging rivers, rugged plateaus and lush valleys where wildlife roams free.
Each night you'll stay in traditional accommodation, where warm hospitality and hearty local cuisine await you after a rewarding day on the trail. Perfect for those looking for a mix of challenge and beauty, this trek captures the essence of adventure in the Picos de Europa.
Important: This route is only suitable for experienced hikers with technical mountaineering skills and previous experience of trekking in similar high mountain terrain.
Itinerary
Day
1
Sotres - Refugio Vega de Urriellu
Duration: 05:30 h
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
Ascent: 1140 m / 3740 ft
Descent: 170 m / 558 ft
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.
Refugio Vega de Urriellu
Day
2
Refugio Vega de Urriellu (via Cable Car) - Fuente Dé
Duration: 06:00 h
Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 mi
Ascent: 610 m / 2001 ft
Descent: 1490 m / 4888 ft
The day begins at the Refugio Vega de Urriellu, below the imposing Picu Urriellu, also known as Naranjo de Bulnes. From here the trail heads southwest, descending through the Garganta del Jou sin Terre, surrounded by towering peaks over 2000m such as Torre del Pomelo (2326m). Just before Pico Arenizas (2512 m), the route turns south-east and crosses the steep Horcados Rojos area, an absolute highlight, perfect for a picture!
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 4km on T3 trails), as it includes a potentially dangerous section. For extra safety, it is equipped with steel ropes in some places, suitable for experienced walkers. Please be aware of your own walking ability and the difficulty of the trail.
Parador de Fuente Dé (Fuente Dé)
Day
3
Fuente Dé - Refugio Collado Jermoso
Duration: 05:45 h
Distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi
Ascent: 1150 m / 3773 ft
Descent: 200 m / 656 ft
The route from Fuente Dé to the Collado Jermoso Refuge is one of the most spectacular in the Picos de Europa, combining forests, alpine meadows and high mountain terrain with breathtaking views.
From Fuente Dé, the route gradually climbs along a path that crosses the beautiful Áliva Valley, surrounded by the peaks of the Oriental Massif. The route enters a more rugged landscape and crosses the Vega de Liordes, a wide plateau surrounded by imposing rock faces. Here begins the most demanding part of the route, with a steep climb along the Canal de Pedabejo to the Collado de Pedabejo (1,900m), where the views of the central macizo of the Picos de Europa are spectacular.
The final stretch follows an aerial path with impressive panoramic views to the Collado Jermoso Refuge (2,064m), one of the best situated refuges in the entire mountain range. The reward for this strenuous day is the famous sunset over the mountains, one of the most iconic of the Picos de Europa.
Refugio Collado Jermoso
Day
4
Refugio Collado Jermoso - Espinama
Duration: 07:00 h
Distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 mi
Ascent: 370 m / 1214 ft
Descent: 1520 m / 4987 ft
Leaving the refugio behind, this stage takes you from the dramatic heights of Collado Jermoso down to the green valleys of Espinama. The trail begins with a steep and technical descent through rocky switchbacks that require careful footing. As you descend, the imposing limestone walls of the Torre del Llambrión (2,647m) dominate the skyline and provide an impressive backdrop.
The route then enters the Vega de Liordes, a vast alpine meadow surrounded by towering peaks, ideal for a break before continuing your descent. From here, the route follows an old mining path and zigzags down the Canal del Embudo, where you'll feel the dramatic change from high alpine terrain to lush forests.
Once in the valley, the route flattens out and follows the Camino de Fuente Dé, a historic path lined with beech forests and mountain streams. After Fuente Dé, the route continues along the River Deva to Espinama, where you can celebrate the end of another rewarding stage with a well-earned rest in this charming mountain village.
Posada Maximo (Espinama)
Day
5
Espinama - Sotres
Duration: 05:45 h
Distance: 14.5 km / 9 mi
Ascent: 730 m / 2395 ft
Descent: 580 m / 1903 ft
The last day of your adventure starts in Espinama and follows a scenic route and the second half along the River Duje, which cuts through the Valle de Áliva. The route climbs gradually, offering a gentle but steady climb through alpine meadows, with the imposing peaks of the Picos de Europa towering above.
Continuing north, you'll pass Portilla del Boquejón, a mountain pass with breathtaking views of the valley behind you and the rugged limestone terrain ahead. Soon you'll reach 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.
From here the descent begins as you make your way through 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!
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