> Walk beneath the towering Picu Urriellu (2,519 m), the symbol of the Picos de Europa
> Stay in historic mountain refuges along the way
> Enjoy comfortable accommodation before and after your trek
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. With accommodation arranged before and after, you can start and end your journey stress-free. This route begins and ends in Sotres, following ancient trails used by shepherds and mountaineers for centuries.
The trek 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. As you hike alongside other towering summits, 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 after a rewarding day on the trail. Perfect for those seeking 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 trekking in similar high mountain terrain.
This morning you will take a short bus transfer from Arenas de Cabrales to Sotres, which will depart around 10:00 o'clock.
Once in Sotres, it's time to start your hiking adventure. After just over a kilometer, you'll pass the 'Invernales del Texu,' a kind of abandoned village built by shepherds to shelter their herds in winter. You might encounter a herd in the surrounding valleys. The path then ascends, offering a magnificent view of the Naranjo de Bulnes, one of the most distinctive peaks of the Picos de Europa. Continuing through green valleys where cows graze. Along the way, you'll pass Refugio de la Terenosa, where you can stop for a drink. After the stop, you steadily ascend further. The paths become gradually rockier, and the views become more rugged. You might spot an ibex high on the rocks! Your destination for the day is Refugio de Urriellu, located at the foot of Picu Urriellu. The current building has been in use since 1990, and due to its remote location, the construction materials were transported by Chinook helicopter from the Spanish army. During your stay, you'll likely meet Tómas Fernández López, the hut's manager since 1991, who 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 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.
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.
The last hiking day has arrived, leaving the high mountains behind. Today's stage initially takes you uphill for the first kilometers. After a few kilometers, you'll pass 'Portilla del Boquejón,' and shortly after, you'll reach today's highest point. Naturally, there's a nearby church where you can take a break. Gradually descending, you continue toward Sotres, partially following the flow of the Duje River. During the last kilometers, you'll encounter 'invernales' again, shelters for animals in winter, just like on the first day.
From Sotres you will take the bus back to your hotel in Arenas de Cabrales, where you can toast to a successful hut-to-hut trek in the Picos de Europa!
