The peaks of Europe
The Picos de Europa in northern Spain, or the peaks of Europe, are among the most beautiful mountain ranges in Europe and that is saying something. Clearly visible from the coast, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the high mountains of the Picos de Europa. An amazing sight. So for many sailors, the mountain range was an important landmark.
My attention was caught upon hearing the name of this mountain range. Although I am a real fan of mountains, I had personally never heard of the Picos de Europa. Perhaps the focus automatically goes too quickly to the Alps or the Pyrenees anyway. As if by chance, within a short time I saw several programmes related to the Picos de Europa. Beautiful green alpine meadows and wooded slopes, snow-covered mountain peaks and that combined with picturesque, Spanish villages. It is as if time has stood still here. I just don't know if coming face to face with a brown bear is what I'm waiting for. Was this the kind you should run away from or should brown bears require you to lie still on the ground? Useful to know, though. Other than that, the Picos de Europa are a must for any mountain lover.
Holidays in the Picos de Europa
For the average tourist, the Picos de Europa are usually not the first choice when booking a holiday to Spain. Ignorance is often a cause of this. The Picos de Europa are ideal for those who love hiking and swimming. The area is a true walking paradise. Various walking trips are therefore offered in the Picos de Europa. When you have finished walking, you can relax on one of the beautiful beaches, with views of the mountains, of course.
Fun and cosy fishing villages abound. The beauty of the Picos de Europa is that it is all relatively quiet. The unspoilt nature and tranquillity make for a unique experience. The area is home to various animal species that you often encounter less in other mountainous areas, such as chamois, brown bear and wolves.
Fuente De
In the middle of the mountain range in the province of Cantabria, you will find the village, or rather hamlet, of Fuente Dé. The place actually consists of not much more than some hotels and a cable car, the Teleferico de Fuente Dé. And let precisely that cable car ensure that Fuente Dé is one of the most touristic places in Cantabria. The Fuente Dé cable car takes you from the valley station at 1090 metres to the mountain station at 1850 metres in 4 minutes. The commuter cable car, consisting of 2 cabins that can each carry 20 people at a time, takes many visitors every 15 minutes to El portal de Picos, or the gateway to the Picos de Europa.
From the mountain station, you can take beautiful walks through the rugged landscape. Wearing good footwear is important here, due to the rocky landscape. At the hill station you will find a restaurant and a shop.
Covadonga
On the northern side of the Picos de Europa you will find the village of Covadonga. Covadonga is an important pilgrimage site because the battle of Covadonga took place here in the 8th century. Besides a beautiful basilica, you'll also find the lakes of Covadonga here. These two glacial lakes, Lago de Enol and Lago de la Ercina, can be reached on foot from several car parks or restaurants nearby. And these again can be reached by car from Covadonga.
The nature and landscape here are truly fantastic. A beautiful green landscape containing the two glacier lakes and in the background the peaks of the Picos de Europa.
Geographic location
The Picos de Europa belong to the Cantabrian Mountains that run from the Pyrenees to eastern Galicia. The mountain range stretches across 3 Spanish provinces: Cantabria, Asturias and Castile and Leon. The highest mountain of the massif is the Torre de Cerredo of 2648 metres altitude. This mountain is located in Asturias. From Amersfoort (NL) it is about 1600 kilometres by car. Flying is also possible. Then fly to Santander or fly to Bilbao. This is a bit further away, but the city of Bilbao is definitely worth a visit. If you went on vacation to the Picos de Europa, let us know how it was. Have a nice (mountain) holiday.
