Hiking in Spain – Picos de Europa National Park

Since we started talking about hiking yesterday we’ll continue talking about hiking in Spain since we haven’t really looked into that aspect of the country.

We’ll only talk about one of the plethora of hiking options that can be found in Spain, namely the Picos de Europa National Park.

This northern Spanish setting is like nothing that one might normally associate with the Iberian country, it has rocky crests, gorges, valleys, leafy forests and massive glacial lakes.

The protected surrounding of the Picos de Europa mountains spread across three regions of northern Spain offer a wonderful backdrop to explore all of the scenery that the place has to offer on foot. Hiking is the best way of seeing all of them, and thankfully there is a very clearly marked network of sign posts throughout the park allowing the novice to discover all the emblematic sites.

The lakes of Covadonga, the views of the Naranjo de Bulnes or the Cares gorge are just some of the major places that will make you glad to have chosen this place as your hiking destination.

Before you get your rucksacks and hiking boots on, make sure you do a bit of research into what and where you can find in the park, since it’s quite large. Rest assured that there are several information centers in the park and you can also find information at the tourist office.

As you might expect the summer season is extremely busy, however in the months of July, August and September the park offers a free programme of guided visits meant to explore the various natural areas in the Picos de Europa.

The spring and autumn are however the best times for those looking to walk and hike the Picos de Europa mountains. This is due to a combination of factors, namely the mild temperature, longer daylight hours and the scenery is at its best during both these seasons.

Those looking to visit more than just the park can employ our Spain car rental services and go trekking round the country.