Where to Stay in Picos de Europa: Best Towns + Hotels (original) (raw)

Measuring 646.6 square kilometers, Picos de Europa National Park is a large protected area that stretches across three regions of Northern Spain: Asturias, Cantabria, and León (Castile and León).

When planning your first trip to Picos de Europa, the most challenging thing to figure out is where to stay.

We recommend staying 3+ nights in Poncebos (or Arenas de Cabrales) in Asturias, 3+ nights in Potes (or Camaleño Valley) in Cantabria, and 2 nights in/around Cangas de Onís in Asturias. If you have less time, divide your time between Poncebos (or Arenas de Cabrales) and Potes (or Camaleño Valley) in Cantabria.

Take a look at our Picos de Europa road trip itinerary to see how we structured our trip.

Most accommodations in and around Picos de Europa National Park are rustic, budget-friendly, and clean. Keep in mind that Picos de Europa is located in a rural area of Spain, one that is largely defined by livestock farming and handmade cheese production.

There are very few upscale hotels in Picos de Europa. The finest accommodations around the park are Apartamentos la Ventana de Mogrovejo in Mogrovejo (Camaleño Valley), Posada Laura in Turieno (Camaleño Valley), Villa Elena in Potes, Hotel Mirador de la Cepada in Cangas de Onís, and Hotel Ecos del Sella in Cangas de Onís.

Potes, Cantabria, base for exploring Picos de Europa National Park, Spain

When planning a trip to Picos de Europa, pick 1 place to stay in Northern Picos de Europa (3+ nights) and 1 place to stay in Eastern Picos de Europa (3+ nights). If you have more time, continue to Southern Picos de Europa (2+ nights), and lastly Northwestern Picos de Europa (2 nights).

Picos de Europa Accommodation Map

How to use this map | Click on each accommodation icon to display further information. Each color signifies a different destination in/around Picos de Europa National Park.

WHERE TO STAY

Bulnes

Las Arenas

Poncebos

Tielve

Sotres

Camaleño Valley

Potes

Valdeón Valley

Caín

Covadonga

Cangas de Onís

Northern Picos de Europa

Poncebos, Las Arenas, Sotres, and Tielve

Poncebos, Asturias, Northern Spain

The tiny hamlet of Poncebos is the northern gateway to Picos de Europa National Park.

It’s the starting point of the famous Ruta del Cares trail, which runs through the Cares Gorge between Poncebos and Caín. We recommend staying in Poncebos, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of getting to the Cares Route trailhead (e.g. traffic restrictions, limited parking).

There are only three budget-friendly accommodations in Poncebos (Hostal Poncebos, Arcea Hotel Mirador de Cabrales, and Hotel Garganta del Cares). Each accommodation offers private parking and on-site dining.

Aside from these accommodations, there are no other dining establishments, shops, bakeries, etc… in Poncebos.

Poncebos is also the starting point of the Ruta de la Canal del Texu hike, which ascends the Texu channel to the car-free mountain village of Bulnes. Note: you can also take the underground funicular from Poncebos to Bulnes. That’s how we started the 2-Day Refugio Jou de los Cabrones trek.

Stradling the tumbling Tejo stream, Bulnes is exceedingly charming with its cobbled streets, stone houses, and mountain setting. If you’re a romantic, you may want to stay a night in El Caleyon, or Albergue Villa de Bulnes. However, I don’t think it’s a great base, given the isolated location.

If you can’t stay in Poncebos, the best alternative is Arenas de Cabrales (Las Arenas), a larger town with more accommodations, restaurants, grocery stores, shops, etc…

If you’re traveling without a car, stay in the centrally-located Hotel Picos de Europa, or Apartamentos El Caxigu. If you’re traveling with a car, also check out Logis Hotel Restaurante La Casa de Juansabeli and Hotel Torrecerredo.

Las Arenas is a 10-minute drive away from Poncebos. In high season, there are regular shuttles that connect Las Arenas with Poncebos.

Another option is Sotres, the highest village in Picos de Europa National Park. Sotres is located on the CA-1 mountain road, which branches off AS-264 at Poncebos. The 20-minute drive from Poncebos to Sotres is one of the most stunning drives in the whole park.

There are several hiking trails around Sotres, including the popular PR-PNPE-20 Monte Camba route, which is a circuit trail that links the villages of Tielve and Sotres.

You can also hike through Duje Valley along the GR202 Ruta de la Reconquista to Las Vegas del Toro (mountain pasture) and even further to Refugio de Áliva and El Cable (Fuente Dé cable car mountain station) in Cantabria.

And most importantly, Sotres is located near the Colláu Pandébanu car park (Google Maps), which is the starting point of the Refugio Vega de Urriellu day hike. That’s the mountain hut that stands beneath Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu), the most recognizable peak in the Picos de Europa mountain range.

There are several guesthouses in Sotres: La Cabaña de Bernardina, Hotel Rural Peña Castil, Treselcorral, and Casa Rural La Ardina.

If there’s no availability in Sotres, also check out Apartamentos La Arandanera and Hostal el Duje in Tielve, the tiny village located halfway between Poncebos and Sotres.

Poncebos Accommodations

Breakfast at Arcea Hotel Mirador de Cabrales, Poncebos, Picos de Europa, Spain

Arcea Hotel Mirador de Cabrales

Where we stayed – Budget | Arcea Hotel Mirador de Cabrales is a hotel and restaurant that offers clean rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast is included and consists of bread, tomato olive oil spread, jams, croissants, orange juice, and coffee. It’s simple, but the location is unbeatable. You can park in the hotel car park, or along the road, across the hotel.

Budget | Hostal Poncebos is the unmissable orange building, located at the entrance of Poncebos, along the Cares River. This accommodation offers rooms with private and shared bathroom facilities. Breakfast is included. They also have a restaurant and free on-site parking.

Budget | Hotel Garganta del Cares offers simple private rooms and on-site parking in Poncebos. This is the closest hotel to the Ruta del Cares trailhead. Breakfast is an additional charge.

Look for accommodation in Poncebos.

Arenas de Cabrales (Las Arenas) Accommodations

Budget-Midrange | Hotel Picos de Europa is a 3-star hotel in the heart of Las Arenas with spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, bar, and free parking. Breakfast is à la carte.

Budget | Apartamentos El Caxigu offers clean and tidy 1-3 bedroom apartments in the center of Las Arenas. Parking is available on-site, but must be reserved in advance (8 EUR/day).

Budget | Hotel Torrecerredo boasts stunning mountain views, lovely rooms, and an on-site restaurant. Breakfast and parking are included in the room rate. The hotel is walking distance to the town center (7 minutes).

Top-rated – Budget | Logis Hotel Restaurante La Casa de Juansabeli is a stone country house and restaurant surrounded by lovely grounds and a flowing stream. The hotel is 1.5 km from the center of Las Arenas (3 minute drive). Parking is free. Breakfast is an extra charge.

Look for accommodation in Arenas de Cabrales.

Eastern Picos de Europa

Potes, Espinama, Fuente Dé, Camaleño, Mogrovejo, San Pelayo, and Turieno

Potes stone bridge, town center, Cantabria, Spain

Potes is a medieval, riverside town in the region of Liébana, Cantabria. It’s located just outside of the Picos de Europa National Park boundary, but it’s a great base for exploring the Eastern and Central massifs.

We loved Potes, because of its authentic charm, great dining options, and atmosphere. Of all the towns around Picos de Europa, this was our very favorite.

Read our Potes Travel Guide for hiking, dining, and sightseeing tips.

Alternatively, you can stay anywhere in Valle de Camaleño, the valley that runs from Potes to Fuente Dé.

The largest village in Camaleño Valley is Espinama. This is where most people want to stay, because of its proximity to Fuente Dé and other hiking trailheads. However, there are better quality accommodations in Mogrovejo, San Pelayo, and Turieno.

During our stay in Camaleño Valley, we hiked the Puertos de Áliva Hike from El Cable to Fuente Dé and Brez – Canal de las Arredondas Circuit Trail. If you have more time, also check out the PR 25 Vega de Liordes and PR23 Horcados Rojos trails.

Potes Accommodations

Potes, Cantabria, Spain

Midrange | Villa Elena is an intimate B&B, located outside of the town center, but still within walking distance (7 minutes). Stay here for the quiet location, private parking, relaxing garden, and home-cooked breakfast.

Budget | Casa Cayo is a friendly hotel and restaurant set in the center of Potes. A hearty breakfast is included. No on-site parking.

Top-rated – Midrange | Apartamentos Casa de la Abuela (3 nights minimum stay) offers lovely 1-2 bedroom apartments with well-equipped kitchens in a central, but quiet location in Potes. No on-site parking.

Budget-Midrange | Hosteria Sierra del Oso offers clean and tasteful studio apartments in Potes. For the most comfort, book the air-conditioned penthouse apartment. No on-site parking.

Budget | Apartamento El Nial de Potes (2 nights minimum stay) offers 1-2 bedroom apartments with well-equipped kitchens and washing machines. Guests love the location and river views. Beds could be better. No on-site parking.

Look for accommodation in Potes.

Camaleño Valley Accommodations

Rio Cubo Apartments, Camaleño Valley, Cantabria, Spain

Rio Cubo Apartments

Budget | Albergue Turístico Briz is a clean hostel in Espinama with dormitory rooms, a communal kitchen, and a garden.

Midrange | Apartamentos Remoña 1 offers simple 2-bedroom apartments in Espinama.

Top-choice – Midrange | Apartamentos la Ventana de Mogrovejo boasts stylish and spacious 2-bedroom apartments in the pretty village of Mogrovejo. Stay here for the mountain views, unique location, garden access, and free private parking.

Top-choice Budget | Posada San Pelayo is a rustic and charming country house with double rooms and a swimming pool in the village of San Pelayo. Guests love the relaxing setting, mountain views, garden, and hosts. Breakfast is available.

Budget | Rio Cubo Apartments are lovingly-furnished apartments in quiet Cosgaya with nearby free parking. The apartments are well-equipped and cozy. Like most places, sound proofing could be better.

Budget | La Casona De Baró is an inviting guesthouse housed in an 18th-century country house in Baró. Breakfast is available.

Luxury | Posada Laura is a rural hotel with spacious rooms, situated in the quiet village of Turieno, a mere 5-minute drive to Potes. Breakfast is available.

Look for accommodation in Espinama.

Northwestern Picos de Europa

Cangas de Onís, Soto de Cangas, Llerices, and Covadonga

Drive up to Covadonga Lakes, Picos de Europa, Spain

Cangas de Onís is the gateway to the Sanctuary of Covadonga and the Lakes of Covadonga in the Western massif of Picos de Europa.

This Asturian town is located outside of the park boundary on the Sella River. It’s a living, breathing town, with no shortage of Sidrerías (cider houses), restaurants, and bars.

We loved our stay in Hotel Ecos del Sella, which is located outside of the town. It’s a modern property with fresh interiors, ample parking space, and a bar. Rooms have air-conditioning. The breakfast buffet is wonderful.

If you’re seeking a luxury stay, take a look at the 4-star Hotel Mirador de la Cepada (3 nights minimum stay in high season), which stands on a hill overlooking the Sella River Valley and Cangas de Onís. Rooms are beautifully-furnished, spacious, air-conditioned, and equipped with tea and coffee makers. Definitely book the breakfast. The restaurant and bar are open seasonally.

Cangas de Onís and Covadonga Accommodations

Hotel Ecos del Sella, Cangas de Onis, Northern Spain

Hotel Ecos del Sella

Midrange | Apartamentos Prestin offers spotless 1-2 bedroom air-conditioned apartments with on-site parking. It’s a 7-minute walk to the town center of Cangas de Onís.

Budget | Casa Rural Priena is a comfortable B&B in Covadonga with a garden, bar, and free parking.

Budget | Hotel El Repelao is a hotel and restaurant in Covadonga, 1.5 km from the Sanctuary. Rooms are clean and decorated in a country-house-style. We ate lunch in their restaurant and it was wonderful. Breakfast is included.

Midrange | Hotel La Casona de Llerices (3 nights minimum stay in high season) is located in Llerices, close to Covadonga. This is a lovely hotel with 11 comfortable and lovingly-furnished rooms. Breakfast is available. Parking is free.

Look for accommodation in Cangas de Onís.

Southern Picos de Europa

Valdeón Valley and Caín in León

Valdeón Valley, Picos de Europa National Park, Northern Spain

Valdeón Valley is located in southern Picos de Europa National Park in the region of León.

This gorgeous valley is a great base for exploring “lesser-known” trails in the Western and Central massifs including PR12 Vega de Llos, PR14 Montó (Valle de Prada), PR15 Senda del Mercadillo, PR35 La Farfada, and more.

Posada de Valdeón, the largest village in the valley, has a few accommodations including Hotel Cumbres Valdeón and Los Horreos.

You can also stay in neighboring Soto de Valdeón (Casa Rural Pambuches) and Santa Maria de Valdeón (Refugio La Ardilla Real).

From Posada de Valdeón, you can access the village of Caín, the southern gateway to the Cares Gorge. If you stayed in Poncebos, or Las Arenas, you don’t need to stay in Caín. However, if you’re driving to Picos de Europa from the south (rather than the Northern Coast), it makes sense to stay in Caín to hike the Ruta del Cares trail.

There are many budget-friendly guest houses in Caín, including: Casas Rurales de Caín, Casa Cuevas, Hostal Casa Tino, La Casona de Palmira, and Hostal La Ruta.

GET YOUR FREE EBOOK

Signup for our newsletter to get our guide to “Secret Hiking Destinations in Europe.”

Picos de Europa Trip Planning Essentials

Picos de Europa National Park stretches across three regions in Northern Spain: Asturias, Cantabria, and León (Castile and León).

It comprises the majestic Picos de Europa Mountains, a limestone mountain range composed of three massifs.

How to Get to Picos de Europa

The closest airports to Picos de Europa are Santander Airport in Cantabria, the Asturias Airport (aka Oviedo-Ranón, OVD) in Asturias, and the Bilbao Airport in Basque Country.

We recommend renting a car from the airport and driving directly to Picos de Europa National Park. Follow our 10-day Picos de Europa road trip itinerary for inspiration.

Use the intuitive Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Check car rental rates here.

Hiking in the Picos de Europa National Park

Hiking in Picos de Europa National Park is an extraordinary experience filled with magical landscapes of lush forests, craggy mountains, and deep gorges.

During our road trip, we hiked the Ruta del Cares trail, the El Cable to Fuente Dé trail, Brez to Canal de las Arredondas circuit trail, and the Covadonga Lakes to Vega de Ario trail.

We also hiked this riveting 2-day Refugio Jou de los Cabrones trek.

Picos de Europa Packing List

Hiking Gear

Outdoor Photography Gear

Where to Stay in Picos de Europa National Park, Northern Spain

This post may contain affiliate links.